The Russian Federation, or Russia in short, is the largest country in the world, covering 17 million square kilometres and boasting an extensive coastline. Its capital, Moscow, is also the most populous city. Like the country’s two other major cities, St. Petersburg and Novgorod, it is located in Western Russia.

Russia stretches for 4,000 kilometres from North to South and roughly 10,000 kilometres from East to West. It shares borders with 16 countries and spans 11 time zones. Southern Russia consists of stretches of steppe while the north is largely tundra forest. The land is rich in natural resources such as coal, ores, petroleum, natural gas, timber and minerals.

History

The history of Russia as a nation can be traced back to the 9^th century. Its first recorded ruler was Prince Oleg who controlled the East Slavic lands and later expanded his empire south to Novgorod and the Dnieper River valley. At that time, Russia was known as Kievan Rus (Land of the Rus).

The rapid expansion of Kievan Rus’s influence, especially to the south, prompted its rulers to establish foreign relations with, among others, the Turks, the Slavs, the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarian Empire. These foreign relations were volatile in nature and sometimes led to conflict and war.

A depiction of Yaroslav the Wise from Granovitaya Palata. Image credit: Wikipedia

Kievan Rus enjoyed a ‘Golden Age’ under Yaroslav I (reign: 1019–1054), son of Vladimir the Great. During the reign of these two rulers, Kievan Rus was Christianised, ties with the rest of Europe were improved and a written code of law was established.

Unfortunately, not long after the demise of Yaroslav, the prosperity and influence of Kievan Rus began to diminish as regional clans emerged as powerful forces. This was hastened by the destruction of its key cities during the Mongolian invasion of the 13^th century.

The Russians fought several wars in the centuries following their defeat to the Mongolians. Amidst the unrest, Moscow emerged as the country’s centre of political power. When the Romanovs (1613 – 1825) succeeded to the throne, they were happy to keep the status quo. They also promoted Moscow as a centre of art and academia.

It was not until the era of reform (1825 – 1920) when Russia saw changes to its overall social structure. Peasants and the poor were empowered while serfdom was abolished, effectively weakening the power and control of the elite classes. Even though Moscow and St. Petersburg enjoyed a substantial level of peace, it was not the same in the rest of Russia.

The Russian Revolution broke out in 1917, and this marked the dawn of the Soviet Era under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin. There was an extraordinary outburst of social, economic and cultural change. The Soviet Era after Lenin’s death saw unwavering loyalty to communism by leaders like Joseph Stalin and Mikhail Gorbachev, who ferociously developed the nation’s military power.

In December 1991, after Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and other small states broke away, the Soviet Union was dissolved and the Russian Federation was formed. Boris Yeltsin became the first elected President in Russian history, and was later succeeded by Vladimir Putin in 2000. President Putin reassumed the presidency in 2012 after holding the office of Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012.

The Russian ‘White House’

People and Culture

Russia occupies 11% of the world’s land mass but only 2% of its population. It is home to slightly over 140 million people from more than 160 different ethnic groups. 80% of the population is ethnically Russian and the second-largest single group is the Tatars who make up roughly 3.5%. Russian society is one of the most literate in the world.

Russia’s rich history adds great depth to its customs, literature, visual arts, performing arts (especially ballet and opera) and classical music. It has produced many world-renowned works of literature, for example, Anna Karenina and War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, and Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Russian dancers have left a bigger impact on the world of ballet than artistes of any other country, while the masterpiece “Swan Lake” arose from the creative genius of the 19^th-century Russian composer, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Russians are justifiably very proud of their culture and savour opportunities to share their music, art and history.

“Swan Lake”, a masterpiece by the 19th-century Russian composer, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky is still a popular performance to date. Image credit: Chicago Tribune

Religion has been an important component of Russian life even during times of oppression. Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Russia, followed by Islam. Buddhism arrived in Russia during the 17^th century and firmly established itself in three Russian republics – Buryatia, Kalmykia, and Tuva.

Russians are very fond of competitive sports. Russian athletes consistently perform well at major international sporting events like the Olympic Games. In 2018, Russia played host to the FIFA World Cup, and the event was a huge boost for Russian tourism. Given the natural beauty of the country, its rich and exquisite culture as well as its long history, there were no shortage of sites to visit. Below is a list of some of the best.

Places of Interest: Moscow

Moscow, the capital of Russia is one of its most exciting destinations. It was made the national capital in the 14^th century but was renamed the Tsardom of Russia in 1713, when the capital was moved to St. Petersburg. Moscow regained the status of capital in 1918.

1. The Kremlin

‘Kremlin’ means ‘fortress inside a city’. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises five palaces, four cathedrals and the Grand Kremlin Palace. The complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation but the museums are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online: www.kreml.ru/en-Us/museums-moscow-kremlin

• Address: Moscow Kremlin, Moscow, 103073
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Thursday

The Kremlin (click to enlarge)

2. Red Square

The Red Square had humble beginnings as a slum in the 15^th century when it was home to peddlers, criminals and drunks. Battles fought on the square saw it destroyed many times; it earned the name “Fire Square” because of the number of times it was burned down. Today, the Red Square is one of the most famous places in Russia and hosts military parades that showcase Russia’s strength and readiness. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Address: Red Square, Moscow, 109012
• Opening Hours: All day

Moscow’s Red Square (click to enlarge)

3. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

The Cathedral of Vasily (Basil) the Blessed was built between 1555 and 1561 by Ivan the Terrible. It consists of ten churches, eight of which surround the ninth, the Church of Intercession. The tenth was erected in 1588 over the grave of Saint Vasily. The buildings are shaped to resemble the flames of bonfires rising into the sky, and are considered an architectural icon with no parallel in the world.

• Address: Red Square, Moscow, 109012
• Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral (click to enlarge)

4. Lenin’s Mausoleum

This museum exhibits the embalmed remains of the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution, Vladimir Lenin, who passed away in January 1924. The Russian government decided to display his body at the behest of the Russian people, who sent in over 10,000 telegrams to demand that their great leader be preserved for posterity.

• Address: Krasnaya Ploshchad, Moscow, 109012
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lenin’s Mausoleum (click to enlarge)

5. Gorky Park

This park is officially named Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture and Leisure, after the acclaimed author, Maxim Gorky. The beautiful grounds were designed by the avant-garde architect, Konstantin Melnikov. It offers an escape for urbanites through a host of activities like cycling, rollerblading, beach volleyball, extreme sports and table tennis. During the winter, the ponds in the park freeze over and turn into impromptu ice-skating rinks. The park is also a venue for art exhibitions, festivals and even food carnivals.

• Address: 9 Krymsky Val, Moscow
• Opening Hours: All day

Gorky Park (click to enlarge)

6. “Children are the Victims of Adult Vices”

This unusual sculpture by Russian artist Mihail Chemiakin depicts two unassuming children playing, surrounded by thirteen evil statues. The thirteen statues represent alcoholism, exploitation of child labour, indifference, drug addiction, prostitution, sadism, ignorance, pseudoscience, war, poverty, theft, capital punishment and advocating violence.

• Address: 10 Bolotnaya Ploshchad, Moscow, 119072
• Opening Hours: All day

“Children are the Victims of Adult Vices” (click to enlarge)

7. Bunker 42 (Tagansky Protected Command Point)

Built after the Soviet Union successfully performed its first nuclear test, this secret cold-war bunker was constructed beneath the city streets near the Kremlin. It is a magnificent tunnel system capable of withstanding a nuclear fallout but, thankfully, was never put to use. Today, Bunker 42 is a historical monument and a popular tourist attraction.

• Address: 5-Y Kotel’nicheskiy Pereulok, 11, Moscow, 115172
• Opening Hours: By appointment

A model of Bunker 42 (click to enlarge)

8. Opera and Ballet

With a history of performing arts as rich as Russia’s, opera and ballet performances here are the epitome of classical as well as contemporary theatrical expression. Look out for these theatres to catch an unforgettable performance.
The Bolshoi Theatre

• Address: 1 Teatralnaya Square
• Contact: +7495 455 5555

The Satirikon Theatre

• Address: 8 Sheremetyevskaya Ulitsa
• Contact: +7495 602 6583

The Stanislavsky Theatre

• Address: 23 Tverskaya Street
• Contact: +7495 215 0067

Places of Interest: St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. It was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years (1712 to 1918) and is home to many grand buildings and monuments.

1. Hermitage Museum (Winter Palace)

The Hermitage Museum, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, is the world’s largest museum and attracts 3.5 million visitors each year. It houses 3 million masterpieces from every branch of fine art, collected over two and a half centuries. You can find rare pieces from masters like Rembrandt, da Vinci, Michelangelo and Picasso. It is a must-visit and ranks alongside the Louvre of Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Prado Museum of Madrid as one of the world’s premier destinations for art lovers.

• Address: Palace Square, 2, St. Petersburg, 190000
• Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. Closed on Monday.

Hermitage Museum (click to enlarge)

2. The Palace Square

The Palace Square, bordered by the Winter Palace to the south, is marked by the Alexander Column at its centre. The column stands 47.5 metres tall and weighs about 600 tonnes. It is a free-standing structure, i.e., it stands on its own without a foundation.

• Address: Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, St. Petersburg 190000
• Opening Hours: All day

The Palace Square (click to enlarge)

3. Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood

This church was built between 1883 and 1907 on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated by political nihilists in 1881. Construction began during the reign of Alexander III as a memorial to his father.

• Address: 2, Naberezhnaya Kanala Griboedova, St. Petersburg, 191186
• Opening Hours: 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m, extended to 10.30 p.m. in summer. Closed on Wednesday.

Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood (click to enlarge)

4. Peterhof Grand Palace

This grand palace was built on the orders of Peter the Great during the 17^th century. It consists of several palaces, pavilions and gardens. The buildings are decorated with large paintings and exquisite works of art that give a glimpse into the splendour of Russia’s past.

• Address: Razvodnaya Ulitsa, 2, St Petersburg, 198516
• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; extended to 10 p.m. on weekends

Peterhof Grand Palace (click to enlarge)

5. Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theatre

Operating since 1860, the renowned Mariinsky Theatre has staged masterpieces from Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov.

• Address: 1 Theatre Square, St Petersburg
• Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mariinsky Theatre (click to enlarge)

Places of Interest: Beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg

The vast lands of Russia are a treasure trove of fascinating discoveries for intrepid travellers who love nature as well as those who appreciate stunning architecture. Here is a list of spectacular sites beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg that everyone can explore.

1. Mount Elbrus

Mount Elbrus, a dormant volcano, is the highest mountain in Europe. Situated in southern Russia close to the border with Georgia, it has two summits. The taller one stands at 5,642 metres high and the other at 5,621 metres. The peaks are permanent icecaps and feed 22 glaciers which give rise to multiple rivers.

Distance from Moscow: 1,422 kilometres
Getting There: Take a flight to the nearest town, Mineralnye Vody.

Mount Elbrus (click to enlarge)

2. Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is the largest and deepest freshwater lake in the world and contains 23% of the world’s freshwater. Located in southern Siberia, it is home to thousands of plant and animal species as well as the Buryat tribes. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is a sight to behold.

Distance from Moscow: 5,195 kilometres
Getting There: Take a flight to the nearest town, Irkutsk.

Lake Baikal (click to enlarge)

3. Suzdal

This is the oldest town in Russia, established in the 11^th century. In the 12^th century, it became the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality when Moscow was merely a minor satellite town. The town is home to many historical monuments like the Medieval Suzdal Kremlin and the Cathedral of the Nativity.

Distance from Moscow: 222 kilometres

Suzdal (click to enlarge)

4. Kirillov

The town of Kirillov has been famous since Soviet times for the massive Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery which was founded in 1397. The town rose up around the monastery, which gradually developed to house 12 churches and the exquisite Assumption Cathedral surrounded by a three-storey fortress.

Distance from Moscow: 594 kilometres

Kirillov

5. Kizhi Island

This six-kilometre-long island is situated on Lake Onega in the Republic of Karelia. The settlements and churches on the island were founded in the 15^th century. It used to be a rural mining centre and most of the population worked as miners or in iron plants. Today, the island with its 80 historical wooden structures, including two major churches and a bell tower is an open-air museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distance from Moscow: 715 kilometres
Getting There: Take a flight to the nearest town, Sheremetyevo.

Kizhi Island. Image credit: volgadream.com

6. St. Sophia Cathedral, Novgorod

St. Sophia Cathedral of Novgorod is the oldest church in Russia, built between 1045 and 1050 by Vladimir of Novgorod. Standing 38 metres tall, it has five domes and served as the spiritual centre of Novgorod from the 12^th to the 15^th century.

Distance from Moscow: 563 kilometres

St. Sophia Cathedral, Novgorod (click to enlarge)

7. The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni of Kalmykia

In Elista, the capital of Kalmykia, stands a giant Buddha statue and the biggest Buddhist temple in the whole of Europe. The temple, also known as the New Khurul or Burkhan Bagshin Altan Sume, was consecrated in December 2005. Tourists can visit the mandala-shaped compound, the balcony around the temple and the museum on the ground floor. It also houses the holy robes of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama.

Distance from Moscow: 1,412 km.
Getting There: Take a flight to the nearest town, Elista.

The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni of Kalmykia (click to enlarge)

Shopping

When thinking of shopping havens, Russia may not immediately spring to mind but there are several specialty items that are worth buying if you happen to be passing through.

Matryoshkas (Nesting Dolls)

Matryoshkas are painted to look like women in traditional Russian costumes. Typical Matryoshkas contain seven or eight dolls and they make good souvenirs. Collector’s items can be found in upscale souvenir or specialty shops.

Matryoshkas

Khokhloma

Khokhloma is a painted wooden handicraft item, famous for its flower patterns. It is usually applied to wooden tableware in gold, red and green colours against a black or dark background.

Khokhloma

Porcelain

Russian imperial porcelain is famous around the world. These hand-painted ceramic items have a history that dates back to the 18^th century. The most popular items are teacups, saucers and decorative plates.

Russian imperial porcelain

Malachite

This beautiful green gemstone is mined in the Ural region of Russia and a few other places. They make exquisite brooches and jewellery. Malachite is considered to be a stone of transformation and is believed to stimulate spiritual growth.

A stunning jewellery box made of Russian malachite

Art

Many street vendors sell beautiful art that is worthy of a place on your wall. Russia has no shortage of prestige artworks for serious collectors too.

Stunning Russian art piece

Vodka

Russia is a haven for vodka aficionados. Any supermarket will offer a higher quality and better selection of vodkas than anywhere else in the world.

Russian vodka in various bottles and cups

Caviar

Russia produces some of the best caviar in the world. Be sure to only buy from reputable vendors who can attest that it has been produced legally. Illegal caviar production is a cruel process.

The most expensive caviar is the Russian Beluga caviar

Recommended Shopping Destinations

Izmailovsky Market – This is Moscow’s best flea market and you can find all sorts of souvenirs and handicrafts here.

• Address: 73 Parkovaya St, Moscow, 613310
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends

Izmailovsky Market

GUM – Russia’s main chain of departmental stores. Moscow GUM hosts more than 200 glamorous boutiques.

• Address: 3 Red Square, Moscow, 109012
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

The interior of GUM departmental store

Arbat Street – The perfect place to find bohemian-style artists and peddlers wooing the crowd. Enjoy the beautiful Russian architecture and savour the chance to indulge in the local food scene.

• Address: Arbat Street, Moscow,121069
• Opening Hours: All day

Arbat Street (January 2016)

Kupetz Eliseevs – Dubbed the most elegant grocery store, it offers plenty of branded items as well as handmade chocolates and pastries.

• Address: 56, Nevsky Prospekt, or 8, Malaya Sadovaya Street
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Kupetz Eliseevs (2013)

Au Pont Rouge – A historical departmental store established in 1906, it now houses many boutiques and cafes.

• Address: Embankment River Moyka, 73, St. Petersburg, 190000
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Au Pont Rouge

Russian Cuisine

Russian cuisine is diverse, reflecting the different culinary traditions of its multi-ethnic population. The main ingredients of Russian cuisine are fish, pork, poultry, caviar, mushrooms, berries and honey. The staple diet of everyday people is bread made of rye, barley, wheat and millet. Even though Russia is famous for its vodka, Medovukha, a honey-based beverage with a lower alcoholic content is popular, too.

Appetizers

• Shichi is a hot soup made of cabbage, onion, meat and mushrooms and it is served with rye bread. It is enjoyed by people of every class.
• Borscht is a hot soup made of broth, beets and beef. It is served very hot with sour cream, chopped chives or parsley, and crushed garlic. Sometimes, the sour cream is replaced by mayonnaise. It is traditionally eaten with black bread.
• Okroshka is a cold soup which uses lime milk as its base. Okroshka can also be treated as a salad as the main ingredients are potato, turnip, rutabaga, carrot and fresh cucumber. Fish or poultry can be added, too.

Russian borscht

• Olivier salad, also known as Russian Salad, is mayonnaise-based and contains potatoes, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, carrots, cooked meat and peas. The ingredients are diced, as this is how Russians like their salads. It is one of the main dishes of the New Year feast.
• Shuba salad is another name for dressed herring. It is salted herring chopped and dressed under layers of shredded cooked beets, eggs and vegetables.

Olivier salad

Main Courses

Minced meat, boiled meat, offal and fowl are the basic ingredients of meat-based main dishes popular with Russians. A meat dish is usually accompanied by pickled vegetables. A variety of vegetables may be used but the most popular is pickled cabbage. Russian Orthodox Christians observe the tradition of eating fish instead of meat on Fridays or fast days.

• Pelmeni is a traditional dumpling dish usually made with minced meat wrapped in thin dough. Onions, garlic and spices like pepper are mixed into the filling to enhance the taste. Pelmeni is boiled and served with butter, sour cream, mustard, horseradish or vinegar, depending on preference.
• Beef Stroganoff is made by sautéing pieces of beef to perfection. It is served in sauce with sour cream.
• Coulibiac is a type of Russian pirog (pie) filled with salmon or sturgeon and rice, buckwheat, hardboiled eggs, mushrooms, onions and dill.

Pelmeni

Coulibiac

Desserts and Pastries

• Kissel is made of fruit soaked in thickened and sweetened juices, and can be served as a dessert or a drink. It can be eaten on its own or served on pancakes or with ice cream.
• Syrniki is a small fried pancake made with a cheese mixture, garnished with sour cream, jam and honey or apple sauce. It is sweet and has a creamy texture. Traditionally, it is served as a dessert or breakfast.

Russian syrniki with kissel

Beverages

Russians love their alcohol. In a 2010 study, it was reported that the average Russian drank about 12.5 litres of pure alcohol, of which more than 5 litres was vodka and 4 litres was beer. Less common alcoholic beverages that remain popular with the Russians are:

• Medovukha, an alcoholic beverage similar to mead, which is made from fermenting honey.
• Tarasun, an alcoholic beverage prepared by fermenting mare’s milk. It is traditionally enjoyed in the Buryatia region of Siberia. It is also used by the Buryat people during religious ceremonies.

Medovukha

Russians take their non-alcoholic drinks seriously, too. Here are a few that never go out of fashion in Russia.

• Kvas is a traditional Eastern European beverage made from rye bread. Even though it contains 0.5% to 1% alcohol, it is a non-alcoholic drink by Russian standards. Strawberries, raisins or mint can be added for flavour.
• Mors is a sweetened fruit drink which can be prepared from lingonberries, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries or raspberries. It is often added to cocktails for flavour.
• Sbiten is a traditional hot drink usually served in winter. It can be spicy or sweet, depending on the recipe. The main ingredients are water, honey, spices and jam. Some replace water with red wine to make it an alcoholic drink.
• Varenets or Stewler is a fermented milk product with a sweet caramel taste and creamy texture. The traditional way of making this drink is by baking milk in the oven and then fermenting it with sour cream.

Recommended Food Destinations

Expect to spend USD30 to USD45 for a decent lunch or dinner at good restaurants. Tipping is expected; please give the waiter 10% to 15% of the total bill.

Arbat Street

This historical street offers lots of cafés, restaurants and eateries that feature live performances.

• Address: Arbat St, Moskva, 119002
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends

Lepim i Varim

A good restaurant with an English menu that serves top quality Pelmeni.

• Address: Stoleshnikov Ln., 9/1, Moscow 107031
• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., advanced booking is recommended to avoid disappointment as the restaurant is very popular.

Palkin

The setting of the restaurant takes you back in time to the tsarist era. It serves a top quality Russian menu.

• Address: Nevsky Prospekt 47
• Opening Hours: 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Café Idiot

This café-restaurant is named for Dostoyevsky’s novel, The Idiot. It serves vegetarian versions of popular Russian dishes in a pre-Revolution setting.

• Address: Nab r Moyki 82
• Opening Hours: 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Entrance to Café Idiot

Russian Festivals

Russia hosts a rich list of unique festivals every year.

January and February

• Russian Orthodox Christmas, 6^th and 7^th January: The Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated by almost all Russians on 6^th and 7^th January. This festival was only openly observed in 1992 after a long ban following the 1917 Revolution. 6^th January is Christmas Eve and families traditionally gather for a holy supper and attend church the next day.
• Tatyana’s Day, 25^th January: Tatyana’s Day is also known as the Russian Students’ Day. Russian society values education and academic achievements, and it is no wonder that they celebrate Tatyana’s Day with great enthusiasm. The festival started in 1755 when Empress Elizabeth of Russia signed a decree to establish Moscow State University on the feast day of the Christian martyr, St. Tatyana. Students celebrate with traditional honey-based mead.

Moscow State University. Image credit: ribttes.com

• International Festival of Snow and Ice Sculpture, January: This international competition takes place on the banks of the Yenisei River in Krasnoyarsk, the third largest city in Siberia. Teams of sculptors and artists from all over Russia and the rest of the world create massive and impressive works of art using either snow or ice.
• Maslenitsa Festivals, February, seven weeks before Easter: These week-long celebrations are a combination of pagan tradition and Christian faith. They encompass many activities, feasting and merrymaking. The activities include crafting Maslenitsa dolls from straw and old clothes, making and feasting on pancakes (blinis), sledging, singing, fist fights, visiting relatives, exchanging gifts and drinking tea and vodka. The Maslenitsa dolls are burned on the final day and people jump over the bonfires for good luck.

Russian Orthodox Christmas celebration (click to enlarge)

March and April

• Easter, April: Russian Easter sees families bake round, sweet breads and Easter cakes that are served with sweetened curd, butter and raisins. Children will be busy painting Easter eggs. Church bells toll at Easter dawn and families make their way to the beautifully-lit and decorated churches.
• Golden Mask Theatre Festival, April: This festival is an all-Russian theatre competition and its award ceremony is held in Moscow. It was established in 1993 and has been celebrated annually since. Competitions cover every genre from drama to modern dance to puppet shows.

Easter eggs are an integral item during Easter celebrations (click to enlarge)

May, June and July

• White Night Festival in St. Petersburg, May to June: Because St. Petersburg is located so far north, the sun never fully sets here between May and mid-June, and can be seen on the horizon even at midnight. This becomes the perfect backdrop for the annual White Night Festival. There are art exhibitions and carnivals, as well as dance and art performances by Russian and international artists. The Mariinsky Theatre hosts a programme of more than 175 opera, ballet and classical music concerts. Carnivals in the suburbs re-enact historical events with actors dressed in grand costumes. It is truly a festival not to be missed.
• Victory Day, 9^th May: Victory Day celebrates the end of World War II and is marked by military parades and fireworks. Russia’s superior military strength is on full display at the main parade at the Red Square in Moscow.
• Taste of Moscow, July: This is a foodie’s haven. Moscow’s best restaurants open their doors for three days of masterclasses and food-tasting sessions. Special entertainment zones and children’s menus are prepared for families with young children so the festival can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
• Ivan Kupala Night, 6^th to 7^th July: ‘Ivan’ is Russian for ‘John’ and ‘Kupala’ is the Slavic word for bathing. Thus, Ivan Kupala Night commemorates John the Baptist. Girls wear flowers or herb wreaths on their heads during the day and redecorate the wreaths into candle holders that will be set afloat on the river at night. The wreath that travels the farthest is said to bring happiness, luck and health to the bearer. There are bonfires and fireworks too.

Ivan Kupala Night (click to enlarge)

August, September and October

• Afisha Picnic, August: The oldest and best-known music festival in Russia is a one-day event held in Moscow on the grounds of the former Tsar’s estate at Kolomenskoye. In the past, it has featured major international performers like Kaiser Chiefs, Courtney Love, Jamiroquai and Madness.
• Golden Autumn, October: Golden Autumn is an agricultural exhibition that has been held by the Russian Federation for the past 18 years. The highlights of the festival include culinary shows, concerts and a huge gastronomic fair that presents delicious products like cheese, fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. It is held in the beautifully decorated streets and squares of Moscow, including Revolution Square, Manege Square, Tverskaya Square and Stoleshnikov Lane.

18th Russian Agricultural Exhibition or Golden Autumn (click to enlarge)

November and December

• Winter Festival, November and December: Most Russian cities celebrate the Winter Festival as a cultural event and the biggest of these is held in Moscow. There are folk song performances, concerts, fashion shows, dances, ice skating, and sled and three-horse sleigh rides all around the city. Ice sculpture displays and street food carnivals add to the merry atmosphere.
• New Year’s Eve, 31^st December: New Year’s Eve celebrations are very popular in Russia. Ded Moroz (Father Frost) and his granddaughter, Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) deliver gifts to children. Families will feast, listen to the President’s New Year speech and watch the midnight countdown of the Kremlin clock, much like the Times Square tradition in the United States.

Beautiful ornaments on display during Russia’s Winter Festival (click to enlarge)

Uniquely Russia

Not every Russian fits the stereotype, but the beauty of travel lies in unique discoveries that are distinctively local.

• Russians and vodka: Almost every Russian enjoys drinking vodka and has a bottle or more at home.
• Babushkas: Elderly Russian women with colourful scarves wrapped around their heads. Russian children call their grandmothers ‘babushka’.
• Straight to the point: Russians have a serious demeanour and dislike beating about the bush. Small talk and niceties are uncommon.
• All dressed up: Russians will not let any opportunity to dress up and be flashy go to waste. Ladies can most often be seen in high heels, glittery dresses and fur coats while gentlemen are smartly dressed and well-groomed.
• Russian clubs: Clubs, especially those in Moscow, are pricey. The doorman will not hesitate to turn away guests who are not sufficiently well-dressed.

Etiquette and Customs

The Russians have inherited distinctive traditions that allow them to stand out from their European counterparts. Here are some of the Dos and Don’ts when visiting Russia.

Meetings

• When strangers meet, a firm, almost bone-crushing handshake while maintaining direct eye contact is the typical greeting from Russian men. Women’s handshakes are less firm.
• When female friends meet, they kiss on the cheek three times, starting with the left and then right cheek and back to the left.
• When close male friends meet, they pat each other on the back and hug.
• Russian names usually consist of a first, middle and last name (family name). In formal situations, people use all three. Close friends or family members may use only the first name.
• Arrive on time and dress well when visiting a Russian home as a sign of respect to the host. Take off your shoes when entering.
• Foreigners’ attempts to speak Russian are highly appreciated.

Dining

• When invited to a Russian home for a meal, bring a small gift. Male guests are expected to bring flowers – but not yellow flowers.
• Offer to assist the hostess with the preparation before the meal or the cleaning up afterwards. It is common for her to turn down the request, but persist by asking, “Are you sure?”
• Table manners are continental, meaning that the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right.
• Do not begin eating until the host invites you to start; usually, the most senior or honoured guest is served first.
• It is common practice for men to pour drinks for women seated next to them.
• At formal dinners, the guest of honour is the first to get up from the table after the meal, and after being invited by the host to do so.
• Leave behind a small quantity of food on the plate as a gesture that the hosts have provided bounteous hospitality.

Business Etiquette

• Russians are business-oriented, meaning that they do not need to establish a long and close relationship before they conduct business.
• However, friends or connections in high places are often necessary to cut through the red tape.
• Make appointments as far ahead as possible. Be punctual.
• During business meetings, expect a long period of socialising and chit-chat before business is discussed.
• Russians expect extensive presentations on the business subject, including history and a review of existing and competing business models.
• Business meetings and discussions can be slow as Russians do not like to be rushed. They will not hesitate to use time to their advantage if they know that you have a deadline to meet.

Climate

Russia is known for its cold weather; at the peak of winter, the temperature dips as low as 60°C or 70°C below zero. The country is exposed to extremes of temperature due to the vastness of the land as well as the absence of large mountain ranges. This makes it hard to define its climate. Along the northern coasts, the climate is subarctic with cold summers and even colder, long winters. In sheltered inlets like Moscow, the climate is continental and not as harsh.

Winter in Russia. Image credit: tur-region.ru

• Spring (March to May): The temperature is fine, between 2°C to 18°C (in Moscow). The trees start to turn green. The sun shines brightly but it rains on occasion.
  What to wear: A sweater or jacket is recommended. Wear warmer clothing in the evenings.
• Summer (June to August): Summer sees long days and short nights. The temperature hovers around 20°C to 23°C (in Moscow). Flowers blossom and gardens, parks, and forests are full of berries and fruit.
  What to wear: Bring t-shirts and shorts for hot days, and light jackets or sweaters for the evenings and cooler days. Have a raincoat or umbrella handy.
• Autumn (September to November): Temperatures are cooler in autumn; it drops gradually from 15°C to 0°C but the weather is unpredictable. It can be sunny at times and rainy at others. The days start to turn shorter and the nights, longer. In some parts of Russia, it is already very cold by autumn while it rains often in Moscow.
  What to wear: Bring warm clothes, a down jacket, hat and gloves.
• Winter (December to February): Temperatures are very low, between -5°C and -30°C and it snows often. The days are short while the nights are long. Snow is everywhere. Rivers and lakes are frozen. It is the best time for skating and skiing.
  What to wear: Bring warm winter clothing like thermal wear, down jackets, fleeces, parkas, windbreakers, and warm boots.

Where to Stay

Visitors are spoilt for choice of accommodation in major Russian cities and there are options ranging from the most basic to the most luxurious. We recommend that you do further research to find one that best fits your budget and requirements.

Moscow

The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya (5-star)

An elegant luxury hotel ideally located for leisure travellers, it is a 10-minute walk from the Kremlin, Red Square and other popular tourist sites. Some of the rooms offer a spectacular view of the Kremlin.

• Address: Ulitsa Nikolskaya 12, Tverskoy, 109012 Moscow

Hotel Nikolsky Red Square (3-star)

A perfectly-located loft-style hotel within a two-minute walk of the Kremlin and Red Square, a seven-minute walk from the Bolshoi Theatre, a one-minute walk from the GUM departmental store and a few minutes from Tearalnaya Metro Station.

• Address: Nikolskaya Ulitsa 4/5, Tverskoy, 109012 Moscow

Brick Design Hotel (4-star)

A boutique hotel within walking distance of major tourist sites; 1.2 km away from the Bolshoi Theatre and 1.3 km away from the GUM departmental store. The Kremlin and Red Square are also both within walking distance.

• Address: Myasnitskaya Ulitsa, 24/7 Bldg.3, Basmanny, 101000 Moscow

Brick Design Hotel

St. Petersburg

Aglaya Hotel & Courtyard (3-star)

A stylish hotel located in the Tsentralny district, within walking distance of the Winter Palace and other tourist sites.

• Address: Razyezzhaya Ulitsa 38, Tsentralny district, 191119 St. Petersburg

Graffiti L Hostel (2-star)

A boutique hotel located in the Tsentralny district, within walking distance of the Hermitage Museum and other popular tourist sites. Guests are welcome to cook their own meals in the common kitchen.

• Address:Address: Ligovsky Avenue 33-35, Tsentralny district, 191036 St. Petersburg

The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel (5-star)

This exclusive hotel recreates the atmosphere of the Hermitage Museum with elegant design and furnishings. It is within walking distance of the Hermitage Museum and the lively Nevsky Prospekt, as well as other tourist sites.

• Address:Address: Ulitsa Pravdy 10, Tsentralny district, 191119 St. Petersburg

The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel

Getting There

By Air

Many airlines fly to Moscow and St. Petersburg daily. Moscow’s three international airports handle five million foreign tourists annually while the one in St. Petersburg handles three million.

Among the biggest airlines that fly direct to Moscow are Emirates, Singapore Airlines, China Southern, British Airways and, of course, the Russian national carrier, Aeroflot. The international airports that serve these airlines are:

• Sheremetyevo Airport, 29 kilometres from Moscow city centre
• Vnukovo Airport, 28 kilometres from Moscow city centre
• Domodedovo Airport, 41 kilometres from Moscow city centre
• Pulkovo International Airport, 24 kilometres from St. Petersburg city centre

By Rail

One of the world’s most famous, most scenic and most romantic train trips is the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow all the way across Russia to Vladivostok. There is also an alternative route connecting to Beijing, China. It is probably the best way to experience the many cultures and see the spectrum of gorgeous landscapes that Russia has to offer.

An 8,000-kilometre Trans-Siberian one-way second class ticket from Moscow to Beijing costs USD690. There are a few ways to make a booking; weigh the advantages and disadvantages for your travel needs.

• Buy at the train station – Note that international tickets are often fully-booked weeks ahead
• Buy online – from sites like realrussia.co.uk or seat61.com
• Buy through travel agencies – be sure to use reputable ones

Visas

Tourists need a visa to visit Russia. Usually, travel agencies will be able to provide this service but it is good to understand the visa application process, especially if you are travelling independently. There are three steps to the visa application:

Step 1

Tourists staying in Russia for up to 30 days need to obtain an invitation (also known as a visa support letter). The invitation can be obtained online within 24 hours for a fee of USD30. The traveller will be provided with a softcopy and an original hardcopy can be sent by post if required. For business travel, the processing time is longer – up to 18 working days – and costs more, between USD80 to USD300.

Step 2

Once the invitation is ready, prepare the following documents for the visa application:

• Passport
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Visa application form (available online)
• Consulate-specific documents, for example, health insurance, letter from employer, and so on.

Step 3

Submit the above documents to the Russian Consulate. This can be done in person or through a travel agent. The processing time varies and it can take up to 15 days and cost as much as USD300.

And then, bon voyage!

Every traveller must register their visa within seven working days of arrival in Russia.

• If staying at a hotel: The hotel will register your visa for a fee of USD0.50 to USD20.
• If staying in private accommodation: Complete a special registration form and submit it at any post office or immigration authority for a fee of USD5. Bring along your original passport and related documents.

Getting Around

You can rent a car in most Russian cities but this is not recommended for foreigners as road signs are all in Russian.

• By Metro – The Metro usually runs from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. and is an easy and affordable way of getting around big cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. There are different ticket options, ranging from single rides to day passes and more. Prepare ahead of time by printing out metro maps in English.
• By Bus, Marshrutka, Trolleybus or Tram – Public transport services are not a problem in major cities. A stop or station is marked by an ‘A’ for bus and marshrutka (minibus), ‘T’ for trolleybus and ‘ТРАМВАЙ’ for tram. Prepare small change in advance and give your fare to the conductor or driver.
• By Taxi – Taxis are not as common as other modes of transport. Download a taxi app on your phone to get better service. Otherwise, hailing a taxi on the street still works – just remember to agree on the fare and destination before getting into the vehicle.

Suggested Books

Midnight in Siberia: A Train Journey into the Heart of Russia by David Greene

This book chronicles David Greene’s journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, a 6,000-mile cross-country trip from Moscow to the Pacific port of Vladivostok.

In the train cabins and stopover towns dotted across the snowy landscape, the author speaks with ordinary Russians about their lives and the changes in the post-Soviet years. These accounts offer a glimpse of the new Russia with its newfound prosperity, but which continues to endure oppression, corruption, and stark inequality.

Learn to Read Russian in 5 Days by Sergei Orlov

This book teaches the Russian alphabet in a systematic way. It claims that anyone can learn the Russian alphabet in only 5 days and also includes more than 150 Russian words carefully selected to be of maximum benefit

Sources

• https://www.advantour.com/russia/general.htm
• https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/european-russia
• http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ru.htm
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kievan_Rus%27
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_architecture
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_cuisine
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia#Soviet_Union
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_the_Great
• https://www.expatica.com/ru/about/Top-festivals-in-Moscow-Russia_507821.html
• http://missinglink.ucsf.edu/lm/russia_guide/historyofrussia.htm
• http://park-gorkogo.com/en/what-to-do
• https://www.smartertravel.com/2017/06/19/getting-around-russia-transportation-tips/
• http://speakworld.narod.ru/topic14.htm
• http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-russia/
• http://www.touropia.com/small-towns-in-russia/
• https://www.tripsavvy.com/what-not-to-buy-in-russia-1622512
• https://waytorussia.net/Travel/VisaSupport.html
• http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/russia-population/

For more interesting information:

• Buddhist monks far off in the Russian mountains
• Something interesting from Russia
• The Russian Princess Buddhist Nun
• Vladimir Putin ‘Sights a Yeti Family’
• Kalmyk People’s Origin – VERY INTERESTING
• Kalmykia: Lore and Memory at the Far Side of the Buddhist World
• Helena Roerich: Writer, Philosopher and Peacemaker
• George Roerich – Light of the Morning Star
• Nicholas Roerich & art (1874-1947)
• Incredible Geshe Wangyal

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