Open Courseware: How You Can Take Classes at MIT, Stanford, or Johns Hopkins for Free - Distance Education.org

Open Courseware: How You Can Take Classes at MIT, Stanford, or Johns Hopkins for Free - Distance Education.org

Tips for Visitors to Russia (part 2)

Hello guys! How are all you doing these days? Hope everything cool! As I promised earlier I'm going to blog the second part of 'Tips for Visitors to Russia by real Russian'. Here we go!!!

1. If someone invited you in their house, it'd be better to bring some presents with you - flowers, sweets, cakes and so on.


2. In a flat or house you've to take your shoes off and wear only slippers. Don't be surprised if you find many slippers near the doorstep inside or outside doesn't matter!!!


3) If you want to visit church and if you are woman you need to cover your hair and in some places it's impossible to enter if you are in mini-skirt(;-))))) or shorts!!!

4) In Russian subways (tubes) you'll buy ticket and it doesn't depend on how far you travel - the price for one ticket remain the same, it doesn't matter whether you want to get the next station or the last station on that line!!! (But be careful about train because it's opposite)


5) In some towns there are still such markets and shops where you need to pay first and then with the bill (receipt) go the salespeople to get your desired things!!! Notes: So don't be upset if you get the wrong thing!!!

6) Public Toilets (WC) is really very dangerous place, better use WC in MacDonald s or other cafe if it's possible. Usually WC are paid ( MacDonald s one is definitely free as most of you know that)!!!


7) Don't forget to take your adapter (esp for Brits) - in Russia it's 220V!!!


8) In Moscow you can drink tap water after boiling but in other cities it's better to use bottle (mineral) water.


9) Although you're are visiting Russia in warm (hot summer) better to take warm clothes. It could be useful too...!!!


10) Russian people don't smile often on the streets and subway. But it doesn't mean  that they are angry and sad, simply it's normal behavior. It's rude mask for self-defense! (I really don't understand this and why???

That's all for today guys! See you again with another tips for all potential visitors to Russia!!!

Commonly used Russian words and their English counterpart

Here are some must know Russian words and you'll hear all around in Russia!!!

1. от куда ты (at-ku-da-ti) = Where are you from? First question you'll probably  when you land. If the person is polite s/he may ask
2. от куда вы (at-ku-da-vi) = Where are you from?(Polite version)
3. я иностранец (ya-in-s-tR-a-nets) = I am foreigner, even though your appearance shows that you're!
4. да (da)= ОК, very very useful word but be careful to overuse it, you may fall in trouble because of that!
5. нет (ni-et) = No, also handy, and ready to use this words when it's really essential
6. что (sto) = What, try not to use it because after this word what you'll listen won't 
7. чего (chi-vo) = What
8. когда (kag-da) = When
9. где (gde) = Where,
10. почему (pa-chi-mu) = Why, better not to use this word even though you'll be asked!!!
11. сколько (sk-oil-ka) = How much, Not very useful but necessary !
12. не знаю (ne-z-na-u) = Don't know, you'll hear this phrase when you'll ask the way on the street!!! 
13. спасибо (spa-si-ba) = Thank you!, remember to say this when someone do something good or Bad for you!!!
14. извините (iz-bi-ni-te) = Sorry!, very very very helpful word! No matter use them!!!
15. не за что (ne-za-sto) = You're welcome, You won't listen this!!!
16. что хочешь (sto-ho-ches) = What do you want?, people may ask you in the shop or on the street!
17. девушка  (de-vu-sh-ka) = Young girl , it's common word to address young girls, but try to pronounce it correctly!
18. что вы хотите (sto-vi-ho-ti-te) = What do you want?, give short answer otherwise it'll be problematic
19. дайте пожалуйста (dai-te-po-za-lu-i-sta) = Give me please!,  gesture and mimic can help with this sentence!
20. пока (po-ka) = bye for now, more informal
21. До свидания! (do-z-bi-da-ni-ya) = Good bye!

Hope this will help for your first trip!!! So practise and practise !!!

War & Peace: An Epic of Soviet Cinema

One of the best Russian made films I've ever seen with Bondarchuk and I reckon he is the most talented and gifted actor Russia has ever produced. Recently I've been to Yasnaya Polyana birth place of War & Peace and Tolstoy's native town but I was really shocked when I see the government apathy toward this great writer not only for Russia but the world . We must admit that 'War and Peace' is an unique piece in the world literature and Tolstoy has portrayed the real Russian life in his masterpiece. 




Here is wonderful link for those who want to see it again.
Part: 1 2 3 and 4

Hope you like it!!!


Happy weekend!

Tips for Visitors to Russia

The first word that you will hear in the street of Moscow is sto(что) 'what?'

For those of you who really want to experience the real Russia and see how Russian live I compile some real tips from real Russian.:-))

First of all, I'd like to thank all who contributed by writing tips for me. I'm not responsible or any tips given here because they are not mine so please double check all necessary tips with your reliable source  before you come to Russia.

[A]

Russia a very cosmopolitan country and you can feel yourself free being here. It's important just to show your respect to the country even though you realized that some Russians don't!

1) It's important to wait a few seconds before you cross the street on green light because there are some 'Shumachers' hoping they have enough time to slip through during yellow light.

2)At first sight, you might think that Russians are rude specially in public transport, but in fact, we are  very hospitable and friendly people. Soon you'll feel it.


3) Don't reject dishes or drinks when you're a guest, just control the size of you dishes if you don't want get full. It's acceptable to eat big portion in Russia.


4) If you don't drink alcohol, explain that it as your doctor's advise, otherwise people may be suspicious for some men.


5) Don't forget to take your shoes off at home.


6) Night life in Russia is very active but don't walk lately in a deserted place and dormitory town. First one is very dangerous and later is not acceptable. (I don't know why it's not acceptable!!!)


7) Russian women are not extremely feminist and it's acceptable to open the door ahead woman, pass her on way or something like that. It is way to show your respect and you will definitely get friendly smile as a thank.

8) Nobody in Russia care about your style or cloth. Just be accurate if you planning to visit a church or temple such as all over the world.


9) Be polite with old people because they can help you to find something, sometimes they are the well-informed persons around.

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10) Being in Russia never say that World War II was won by Great Britain or the USA. In fact, they joined to the campaign only in 1944.(Again, I reassure that it's not my opinion)


Today I share with you only the first part of a series of tips for visitors to Russia by real Russian.


Hope you enjoy it!!!