Tag Archives: Russian traditions
What’s a Russian Picnic Without Kebabs? Posted by yelena on Jun 16, 2011
What is one summer must-do thing that is «романтично» [romantic], hot, takes place «на природе» [out in nature, outdoors] and can’t be done «без мужчин» [without men]? It is, of course, «шашлыки» [shish-kebabs] – favorite past-time for the short Russian summer. If there were a single maxim about «шашлык», it would be «шашлык это не…
May in Russia – Celebrate, Study, and Plan for Summer Posted by yelena on May 6, 2011
«Май» [May] is my second «самый любимый месяц» [most favorite month] to be in Russia. The first one is «август» [August], «по личным причинам» [for personal reasons]. «Весна в разгаре» [Spring is in full force] or to recall the famous line of a fairly obscure poet: «Это май-баловник, это май-чародей» [It is May the…
7 Ways to Be More Russian Posted by yelena on Mar 11, 2011
Remember a while ago we talked about how to learn Russian by creating an immersive experience. Except now I realize that in my suggestions I overlooked one major resource. It’s really so simple that I can’t believe I totally missed it! Thankfully I was reminded of it by reading an article in a Russian-language magazine…
International Women’s Day in Russia Posted by yelena on Mar 8, 2011
Today is the day when Russian men «поют дифирамбы» [sing praises] to Russian women. And Russian women, congratulating each other «в стихах и прозе» [in poetry and prose], not so jokingly wish for the day to end. For today, March 8th, Russians celebrate «Международный женский день» [International Women’s Day]. The whole world knows that Russian…
And It’s Christmas Time Again! Posted by yelena on Jan 4, 2011
At 11:55pm on December 31, as I was about to raise my glass to the New Year, it occurred to me that, given «разница во времени» [time difference], my Russian friends were just about to wake up to a massive «похмелье» [hangover]. «Жизнь на западе имеет свои преимущества» [Western life has its advantages], I mused…
Are You Ready For the New Year? Posted by yelena on Dec 16, 2010
The Russian New Year season is well under way. Yes, that’s right, New Year is more than a day, it’s a season. «Приготовления» [preparations] start early. Not as early as the Christmas frenzy in the US, but definitely by early December. There’s so much to figure out! «Где будем праздновать» [Where are (we) going…
How To Prepare Russian Mimosa Salad Posted by yelena on Mar 5, 2010
Learn how to make a beautiful spring-time Russian Mimosa salad and find out how to tell your boss to give you a break, Russian style.