Russia: Overview
The large Russian Federation is located in both the European and the Asian continents and its costs are washed by the waters of the Artic and the North Pacific oceans and the Baltic, the Black and the Caspian seas. Besides this, Russia borders with 13 countries: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazajistan, China, Mongolia and North Korea.
This country, of freezing and white winters is full of extravagant legacies from the Russian czarins and Soviet glories. However, not everything here is cold snow, you can also enjoy a warm midsummer sun which never sets and shines over crystalline rivers running across green meadows.
Climate
July and August are the warmest months, therefore, the high tourist season. For those who prefer to avoid crowds, the months between May and June and between September and October are the finest ones. At the begining of autumn, when leaves are changing color, the landscapes are beautiful and you can collect mushrooms and berries. Although Russian winter is particularly icy, it is also the time when theatres are open, the snow-covered landscapes are more beautiful than ever and strong vodka is found everywhere. If possible, you should avoid the period that goes from late February to early April, since during spring the streets are impossible due to mud and melted snow.
Some recommendations
There are many requirements which must be thoroughly fulfilled in order to get a Russian visa. The requirements and fees are fixed according to agreements with each country. In some cases the application form can be send via e-mail and the visa will be recived via mail; by doing so you can avoid having to go personaly to a Russian embassy. It is generally asked to those who want to visit Russia as tourists to have an invitation or to be sponsored by some organization (which can be a tourist agency with base in Russia). The only people who can visit Russia without a visa are nationals from Belarus, Armenia, Moldavia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazajistan, Tayikistan and Uzbekistan.
Most of the prices are in rubles, the official Russian currency. Although foreign currencies can be easily changed at banks, hotels or kiosks, traveler's cheques are not so easy to cash. When paying by credit card, Visa and MasterCard are the most extended ones; while American Express is not so widely accepted. There are many ATMs in the main cities, however, you should know that their keyboards have no letters, so you must remember the corresponding numbers in case your PIN has letters. The habit of tipping has extended in restaurants; the usual amount is 10 or 15%, according to the service; you can also round the bill up to the next figure.
As for health, it is recommended to take enough personal medication and to know exactly what kind of emergency cover your medical insurance provides. Do not travell without a medical insurance! The quality of water varies in Russia according to the place. It is advisable to drink and wash your teeth only with bottled water and avoid consuming ice or eating raw vegetables.
Security in Russia has improved over the last years; St. Petersbourg and Moscow are now safer than many cities in the USA. However, you should take some basic cautions such as not showing off valuables or wondering alone and at night in parks or in the outskirts of the cities. Taxi fares are negotiated in advance with the driver. Do not take taxis driven by gypsies or shared with unknown passengers.
Where to go
Moscow is the Russian city of contrasts, here you will find old monasteries side by side with ultramodern buildings and nouveau riche walk the same streets where beggars ask for money. Restorations had already begun in churches and buildings, which have been vandalized during the atheistic Soviet era. This city has many interesting places to offer to tourists who want to dive into Russian history. For example, you can visit the Kremlin, the Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the State Historical Museum, one of many; Novodevichy Convent, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and Ostankino Palace. Every nook in Moscow has an unique charm.
St. Petersbourg, located south of the Neva River has some of the most important and famous places and monuments in Russia. Here you can be amazed by the beautiful rooms of the Herimtage, walk in the Summer Garden, visit Peter and Paul Fortress, Mikhail Castle, the Russian Museum and Saint Isaac and Kazan cathedrals.
From its beginnings Kalinigrado has been an important port, since it is ice-free during winter. This is one of the places where the classic ambient of Russian Communism can still be feel and where you can visit attractive parks and gardens, as well as interesting museums and monuments.
Festivals
Yule-tide (Christmas) takes place during January in Russia, since this celebration was banned in the former Soviet Union and Santa Claus was replaced by Grandfather Frost. Russian people celebrate new year twice, on January 1 and 14, by gathering with family to enjoy great fests and firework launchings. Winter Festival goes from December 25 to January 5,when cities brighten up with folk music and dances, sleds races and many other amusements.
In February the end of winter is celebrated with the Masliantisa Festival. In many cities perople organize big parties where they enjoy music, dance and delicious traditional food dressed in their colourful tradicional gowns. For International Women’s Day, on March 8, women receive gifts and they are given the day off from work. During Easter Sunday, also in March, priests and parishioners walk around the city with lit candles.
In April and May the Moscow Festival of Music is celebrated; then you can attend to different concerts in almost every town. Labour day (May 1) is celebrated with large parades in the Red Square of Moscow; and May 9, Victory Day features more parades, gifts exchange and fests in honor to war veterans.
From June 21 to July 11 the Russian meet in the White Nights Arts Festival in St Petersbourg, Moscow and the Golden Ring. During this time you can enjoy plays, music concerts and many other amusing events.
