A Russian banya is similar to a sauna though considerably more humid. They come in all shapes and sizes from a simple shed in your garden to large public baths. I have been to 3 different banyas and the 3 things they all have in common is a steam room, an indoor ice plunge pool… Continue reading Banyas and Beatings!
Finishing the Golden Ring – Kostroma, Plyos and Palekh
Our time in Russia is coming to an end and so the race is on to finish off our bucket list of things to see and do. Therefore a couple of weeks back we decided to complete our tour of the Golden Ring. Getting in the car we drove for a couple of hours stopping… Continue reading Finishing the Golden Ring – Kostroma, Plyos and Palekh
Beautiful Moscow Parks
A lot has happened since my last blog at the beginning of the year and I have not really been in the mood to blog about the positives of life here (and there are many). However, since I am still in Moscow and this is supposed to be a blog about my life here, I… Continue reading Beautiful Moscow Parks
C новым годом – Happy New Year!
January is a month of celebrations and holidays in Russia. Although the country, like the rest of the world, uses the Gregorian calendar from day to day, the Orthodox church uses the Julian calendar which is two weeks behind. This means that Christmas Day falls on 7 January, Old New Year on 14 January, and… Continue reading C новым годом – Happy New Year!
Across Russia on The Trans-Siberian Railway
Where to start? Actually where to stop? Two weeks on one of the worlds most famous railway journeys – I could go on for far too long, and probably will! Suffice to say that it was everything I hoped it would be. So get a cup of tea and sit back for a long read!… Continue reading Across Russia on The Trans-Siberian Railway
Murmansk – Capital of the Arctic
When my husband said he was going to a two day conference in Murmansk I seized the chance to go with him. “But what will you do all day” he asked? I assured him that I would be quite happy walking around the town and visiting museums on my own – i’m a big girl… Continue reading Murmansk – Capital of the Arctic
In Search of Arthur Ransome – in Russia
Yup it’s not a mis-print, Arthur Ransome, most famous in Britain as the author of the children’s book Swallows and Amazons, spent time in Russia. When I was 9, my Aunt gave me Ransome’s book ‘Old Peter’s Russian Tales‘ for Christmas. I still have it and brought it to Russia with me when we moved… Continue reading In Search of Arthur Ransome – in Russia
Moscow Coffee Culture – Raf or Bumble?
Contrary to my expectations Moscow has a vibrant coffee shop scene. There are many small cafes dotted around the city. Some are chains and some are independent. Some have a cosy old wooden vibe and others an ultra modern space age feel. They sell a variety of particularly delicious cakes and pastries as well as… Continue reading Moscow Coffee Culture – Raf or Bumble?
Golden Ring Part 3: Rostov to Yaroslavl via Uglich and Rybinsk
In April, when winter was truly over, we decided to spend the Orthodox Easter break visiting a few more towns on the Golden Ring. We set off on the Yaroslavl highway in the pouring rain, passing Pereslavl-Zalessky, sight of a previous trip. We headed on until we reached the small town of Rostov on the… Continue reading Golden Ring Part 3: Rostov to Yaroslavl via Uglich and Rybinsk
NASTOIKI! Zaztravia!
Nastoiki are homemade Russian liquors, usually flavoured vodka. Many restaurants and bars will sell a selection of 3 or 4 different flavours; some might have up to 6 different flavours to choose from. If you are feeling brave you can buy a set – one of each – to try. There are sweet ones generally… Continue reading NASTOIKI! Zaztravia!
Russian Reflections 