When we visited Russia earlier this month, we didn’t think the exchange rate could get any better. It floated between 48-53 rubles to the dollar. We were able to visit museums, restaurants and theater performances in several cities, on a…
A Russian face is easily misunderstood. The frozen expression, the indifferent grimace, the deadpan look: it’s easy to conclude that Russians are as frigid as the wind that blows across Siberia. But, only the stars could be further from the…
Long before there was a Russia, there was a steam bathing phenomenon called banya. Ancient Slavic people learned that pouring cold water over hot stones produces steam that warms and cleanses the body. Today, we know the ritual has countless…
I am, undisputedly, unequivocally, unmistakably against war, however, even I can appreciate a quality weapons museum when I see one. Tula, Russia – Albany’s sister-city, has such a place and it’s called the Armament Museum. Inside the unusual-shaped building are…
Bring your best pair of walking shoes to Russia if you plan on visiting the the State Hermitage of St. Petersburg. The complex is one of the largest and oldest museums of art and culture in the world. With over…
Clap, clap, clap; the spontaneous cheers of dozens of homesick Russians erupted when our airplane tires hit the tarmac. “Мы дома!” or We’re home!, they shrieked. We too were happy to have landed safely in St. Petersburg, Russia after a…
According to Lonely Planet, you need “a sense of humor and bucket load of patience” when visiting Russia. By the same token, both traits are equally important waiting for this stateside Nor’easter to pass. To help defuse the stress of…
