Russia, vast country that is subject to so many fantasies and clichés. It remains relatively unknown despite its increasing openness to the world. Throughout its history, Russia has had to protect its large borders from countless invasions. It has had to provide for its population, using resources from inside its borders, and it has had to survive in extremely cold, harsh winters. All of these factors have combined to make Russians one of the most hardy and nationalistic people on earth. So, what are the core features associated with being Russian? What can you take from this that will help you in your relationships with Russian people? What can you learn from Russian culture that will open your eyes to the real warmth that exists in Russian society?

St. Basil's Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Intercession, is located on Red Square, beside the Moscow Kremlin. St. Basil's Cathedral is not the Kremlin, nor does it reside within the Kremlin's walls. However, more than the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral has stood to represent Russia and its apparent exoticism, as seen from the perspective of the West. It is Moscow's - and maybe even Russia's - most recognizable sight and one of its architectural treasures.

(Thank you Anna for the pictures, I highly recommend visiting her website http://cities-of-the-world.photoshelter.com)

This country is huge and varied. It contains incredible contrats: you can meet with the latest things to the most archaic, making it difficult for one simple illustration of the country. People, customs and traditions, climate, lands can be so different, disparate from north to south and from east to west. All this constitutes a mosaic.

For example, the Russian Dolls or Mastryoshka are the quintessential Russian souvenir. They are typically painted to look like women in traditional Russian clothes. However, Russian nesting dolls can also depict Russian fairy tales, world leaders, cartoon characters, pop culture icons, sport heroes, or animals. So, they can be a mean of making fun of people from the ruling classes and to keep the genuine Russian tradition. Today, they are used for expanding the idea of the national consciousness and for letting the world admire the beauty and the creation of the Russian mind. The dolls could be purchased anywhere, which further proves their popularity and success as representatives of traditional Russian culture. It is hard to imagine now that only a hundred years ago, matryoshka dolls did not exist.

Yet, the image of Russia is that of a cold, winter, gray country where life is tough (it is not uncommon to see the first snow fall at the beginning of November).

We can also see places full of contrasts and, under the gaze of Westerners, they would seem totally absurd.

This image is not really appealing, especially from a tourist point of view. It is not clear that this lifestyle is similar along the Black Sea or the Caucasus where the climate is much more welcoming. Far from the big cities, here you could easily discover another Russia: calm, warm and even exotic. This is also Russia.

It is said that Westerners are like peaches, Russians are like oranges. In the USA and western Europe, people smile and held the door. We stop and ask people how they go. But then, we close our shutters, we tint our windows and keep our secrets. It is impolite to try to learn too much and want details about the private life of someone. Westerners are soft to a certain extent, but then you reach the core of the peach. on the other side, they say that the Russians have a bark like an orange. They are cold in public and with people they do not know. They go straight to the point and do not beat around the bush for hours. But, once we broke through the crust, they are soft and tender as an orange. Thus, this friendliness and Russian hospitality must absolutely be part of stereotypes to convey! The French are quite complex because they can combine these two personality types. Hence, some similarities with both western and eastern culture.

A part of Russian (and Eastern European) hospitality may include a weekend trip to the dacha. If you accept an invitation to a dacha from new friends, be aware that you will be experiencing a very special aspect of that culture. A dacha is a summer cottage. Russians from the city often flock to the countryside to their dachas, where they tend vegetable gardens, renew their closeness with nature and escape the cramped quarters of the cities. As many generations often live together, so will they all go to the dacha together. As a guest, your main task will be to relax and enjoy. But, your hosts will welcome your hand in the garden or in the kitchen, where canning often takes place. In the evenings, someone will probably break out a guitar and a bottle of liquor. You can also expect plenty to eat, a fire if it's chilly, long, pleasant walks, or even a swim. At night, you'll be able to see a sky free from light pollution and full of stars. Some dachas have banyas, or saunas as we know them. Dachas may not have running water, so this is the main way in which you may wash during your stay. After sitting in the hot steam, it may be possible to jump into a nearby lake or pond. Every element of the banya is invigorating, so enjoy!

Finally, and as know internationally, one of the most prominent Russian traditions is hard drinking. It does not mean they all are alcoholics; Russians are just drinking more alcohol when they are drinking. It's applicable more in particular to men though women also drink much more than it's accepted on the West. Drinking a bottle of vodka for three, or a bottle of vine for each is normal and is not considered as excessive. Refusing to drink as much as the rest of the company is considered as disrespect. The favorite men's drink is Russian vodka, the favorite women's drink is Soviet Champagne - a decent Russian sparkling vine. Russians have poor taste in vines and prefer sweet vines. Drinking until one falls is all right. The parties usually take place in private apartments, and majority of the guests stay to sleep overnight occupying all free space on coaches and the floor. The next morning, the party may continue. Hangover, named in Russian "pokhmel'ie", is supposed to be cured by drinking a small amount of alcohol ("opokhmelitsya"). It does provide some relief but thereafter people usually can't stop. Small shops on the streets (kiosks) selling mostly alcohol and chocolate, work 24 hours 7 days a week, and the party can get extra drinks any time if they think they did not have enough.

A Russian joke:

(The diary of a foreigner working in Russia)

Friday.

Was drinking with Russians. I think I almost died.

Saturday.

In the morning came Russians, and said we should "opokhmelitsya". I'd better die yesterday...

Unfortunately, this is a country I have ever visited and I do not speak the language. This last point would, perhaps, help to appreciate better the richness and subtlety of Russian culture. However, the various meetings and stories that I enjoyed so far, allowed me to have a vision, albeit partial, but I think true. And, it is this that I wanted to share.

Every culture has a side that is mysterious, intriguing, and outright bizarre! Russia is no exception. There is no other way to explain it, other than to say they are...simply Russian!