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Blog
I think that Saint Petersburg is one of the most interesting and inviting cities in the world. At 300 years old, it may not be as old as Paris or Rome, but it has a rich history as the capital of Tsarist Russia, City of the October Revolution and survived 900 days of Nazi attacks as the Blockade City.
This city’s foundation is built on the bones of thousands of workers transforming swamp land into a collection of beautiful old world buildings and palaces. Many famous Italian and French artists and architects spent most of the 18th century turning Saint Petersburg into a city of classical beauty.
Today, Saint Petersburg is known as a capital of Russian Culture, and was Western society’s first window into old world Russia. Travelers flock to the city sometimes called "North Venice” because it is located on more than 100 islands and has hundreds of exciting artis ... Read more » |
Why the English Language is Hard to Learn
(How did we ever learn it?)
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The farm was used to produce produce.
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The bandage was wound around the wound.
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The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
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He could lead if he would get the lead out.
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The soldier decided to desert in the desert.
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Since there is no time like present, he thought it was time to present the present.
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A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
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We must polish the Polish furniture.
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When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
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I did not objet to the object.
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The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
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I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
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There was a row among the oarsmen about how to ... Read more » |
Learning a language is a long journey.
The students always ask me how to make the process of learning Russian quicker, what are the special techniques? There are different techniques that you can apply when studying, but the most important thing is to be involved in the learning process as much as possible.
There is a great Chinese proverb: Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand. When you are involved into something all your human senses are working: hearing, vision, feeling, touch, smell, tasting, etc.
People have different learning styles: some are visual learners, who prefer using images, some are logical – they need structure and rules, some are social – they learn better in groups or with other people. Try to find what works for you. May be it is not one thing – usually sever ... Read more » |
Russians adore partying. If a party takes place in a restaurant, keep in mind that it’s different from an American one. It’s not just a place to eat, but a place to feast. It’s always more food and drinks that anyone can consume. And, of course, there will be a lot of jokes, dancing and fooling around. Most likely you will be seated at a big table where everybody can see each other and feel that they are part of the group. You’ll definitely want to dress up for a party with Russians. Men wear suits and ties. And women…. generally Russian women care greatly about their appearance. They are stylish and never leave the a house wearing rumpled or stained clothes. (The neighbors are watching!) For a party they may dress quite provocatively to a foreign eye, but it does not mean anything bad. High heels, make up, nice looking hair, jewelry – everything should matc ... Read more » |
 January 1 - New Year- is the first in calendar and the most favorite holiday in Russia. Everybody celebrates it. It is bigger than Christmas. This is the time to make wishes and give presents to friends and relatives. Children find their presents under the Christmas tree, which Grandfather Frost (Russian Santa Clause) put on New Year’s Eve. During a week before December 31st kids at kindergartens and Elementary schools have New Year’s parties, where they meet Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter Snow maiden. Adults gather in big groups and celebrate New Year with delicious meals, fireworks, and a lot of noise. There is another tradition - shortly before 12 PM, everybody stands with a glass of campaign and listens to the New Year’s Speech by the President of Russia. When the Big Kremlin ... Read more » |
 In the contrast to Catholics, Russians celebrate their Christmas on the 7th of January, according to the Orthodox Church calendar. After the October revolution in 1917 celebrating Christmas in Russia was forbidden as well as other religious holidays. It became an official holiday only 74 years later in 1991. The celebration somewhat reminds Halloween. Children go from house to house wearing costumes, singing Christmas carols, and collecting gifts for their performances. Christmas is a family holiday, so traditionally members of the family gather on Christmas Eve to share a special meal. Religious people fast for 39 days prior to this day and start their Christmas supper with a special meal, called Kutiya ... Read more » |
 As the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, many Russian Orthodox holidays fall 12 days later than Western Christian holidays. Therefore Russians have the opportunity to celebrate the New Year twice. The main celebration is on December 31st. The second time is on January 13th. Gift giving is not obligatory for this day. People wear masks and funny costumes, wander around, sing carols, gather for a big meal. Children go in costumes from house to house for the second time in the new year. A New Year tree is kept until January 14th and sometimes longer - until Epiphany (January 19th.) |
 A period from Christmas (January 6) to Epiphany (January 19) is called Svyatki (Christmastide). According to the ancient pagan traditions Svyatki is a time for fortune telling and caroling. During this period the magical spirits come to Earth and tell the truth about the unknown. The Russian Orthodox Church has always banned fortune telling, but people used to do it in secret. Nowadays nobody takes it seriously, but rather as another opportunity to have a party and make jokes. Epiphany concludes the two weeks of Svyatki marking the baptism of Jesus. On this day there is a big service in the Church with a consecration of water. The blessed water (Holy water) has a magic power and people drink it and sprinkle the ... Read more » |
 Defender of Fatherland Day is a day off. In the Soviet times this holiday used to be called Red Army Day as the Red Army was officially created on February 23, 1918. Nowadays it has lost its political meaning and is regarded as a ‘men’s’ holiday. On this day the entire male population form little boys to old men receive greetings and small presents from the female part of the population. Women have the opportunity to show their warmest feelings towards their defenders, regardless of whether their loved ones served in the army or not. Among the military this day is seen as a professional holiday. |
 On the last day of Maslenitsa comes the Forgiveness Sunday, when people prepare themselves for the Great Lent by cleaning their souls from any negative feelings and make sure that they are at piece with those around them. On this day Christians gather in church for a special service, when they ask for forgiveness from each other. The priest is the first to ask for forgiveness. Then parishioners take their turns: they cross themselves, bow deeply, ask to forgive them voluntary or accidental injuries and forgive each other with the words, "The God will forgive you!" |
 The last winter holiday is called Maslenitsa (Literally : Buttery week.) People are saying ‘Good bye’ to the long Russian winter and look forward to welcome the spring. During this week the main food is bliny – Russian pancakes - eaten with caviar, honey or sour cream. Pancakes symbolize the sun - warm and golden and they are sold everywhere. If the city has a river, the last day of Maslenitsa will be celebrated on the icy surface of the river with troika (harnessed horses) riding, sledding, puppet theatres, competitions, building fortresses out of the snow and other fun activities. The culmination of the celebration is burning Lady Maslenitsa (scarecrow of winter) on the last day of Maslenitsa. |
 On March 8 Russia celebrates International Women’s day. A tradition of Russian men giving flowers to women on many occasions is very wide spread, but on this day every women is expecting a flower from men. March 8 is a Big Deal for Russian women, bigger then Valentine’s Day. Men give flowers to their female colleagues, as well as to their loved ones, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters. At school boys give flowers, cards, or small gifts to their female classmates. On Women’s Day men are supposed to do all the housework, while women relaxing on the coach with a magazine. You see well dressed women on the streets and they get a lot of attention from men. Often people have parties and men express their feelings towards women and tell them how special they are. |
 The motto of this day: 1st of April – Don’t trust anybody! On this day everybody tries to play a trick on others. It’s pretty popular to send a friend or a family member on a false errand. It works perfectly if somebody forgot about the date.
TV broadcasts humorous programs and Yumorina - the annual festival in Odessa. The city of Odessa (locat ed on the Black sea) is considered to be the capital of humor in the former Soviet Union. In spite of the fact that this day is not an official holiday, the mayor of Odessa traditionally declares it a day off, so the residents and tourists can enjoy the celebration that include carnival, shows, concerts and fireworks. |
 Christians all over the world celebrate resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Russians celebrate Easter according to the Orthodox calendar, usually a week or two later then in the West. it comes after the strict 40 day Lent (All products that come from animals: meat, milk, eggs, cheese, etc. – are forbidden). This is the most important holiday in the Orthodox church. On the Thursday before Easter (known as Clean Thursday) women thoroughly clean their houses preparing them for the Easter celebration. On Saturday the service starts at midnight and lasts until 3 or 4 in the morning. People come to church with Easter baskets to be blessed. The tradition Easter food is Easter bun (Kulich), painted eggs and a special cheese cake with raisins and nuts (Paskha). ... Read more » |
 Spring and Labor Day is a public holiday, and most of public buildings, banks and educational centers are closed on this day. It was a very important holiday in the former Soviet Union with huge parades and solemn meetings. Everybody was a part of the celebration. The streets were decorated with red flags, and people marched on the streets with boards, flags, and placards. The most popular 1st May slogan was: "Piece, Labor, May!” Those who did not participate in marching watched the parade on the sidewalks or from their windows. Nowadays many organizations still participate in parades. People enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Often people use this holiday to go to their country houses (dachas) as this 2 day holiday is the perfect time for planting crops. |
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How to Work with the Books
