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Russia Travel Tips and Information
Friday, July 24, 2009
Moscow, the capital of Europe, is best known for Communism, vodka & caviar. It is the largest country in the world in terms of land mass, but much of the country lacks the right soil and climate for agriculture.
The official currency of Russia is the Rouble (R). Money may be exchanged at the currency exchange desk in most hotels. House vary. You must always have your passport and currency control certificate with you when exchanging money.
Climate and Weather:
Weather conditions are varied due to the size of the country. Summers are generally short and for the most part, comfortably warm. In all other seasons you are advised to pack some extra jumpers or cardigans as it is cold.
Food and Drink:
Specialities include traditional borshch soup (beetroot soup served with sour cream), beef stroganov (creamy beef stew), pelmeni (meat dumplings) and kasha for breakfast (porridge). Russians have a very sweet tooth so try their desserts, especially ponchiki (hot sugared doughnuts). Vodka is popular and is often served straight or can be flavoured with herbs and spices such as zubrovka (a variety of grass) and pertsovka (hot pepper). Russian brandy (known as cognac) is produced in Georgia and Armenia and is well worth trying. There is also nalivka which is a sweet liqueur made from fruits. We recommend that you only drink bottled mineral water, which is always the carbonated variety.
Best Buys:
Traditional matryoshkas (painted wooden dolls within dolls) and dymkovskaya igrushka (pottery figurines based on folklore characters) make excellent souvenirs. Engraved amber, cameras, vodka, watches and Faberge eggs (although you may have to settle for a reproduction!) are also a good buy.
Public Facilities:
Doors are usually marked M for men and X for ladies, or may also be advertised by the letters WC. Public toilets may be in short supply, so try places like McDonalds which are free of charge. It is advisable to carry packs of tissues in case no toilet paper is available.
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