Saturday, 9 May 2015

Victory Day/ Den Pobedi 9th May

The 9th May is when Russia celebrates VE Day. For them, though, this is the end of what is seen as the "Great Patriotic War" (1941-1945) rather than WW2 and earlier or later military action (Baltics, Japan) is viewed as something separate.


This is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in Russia and is a national holiday, so people are off work too and free to attend the parades, which many of all ages do. It's a time when war veterans are especially remembered and there are social programmes around 9th May in which gifts and extra help is given to those participated.  The country becomes awash with the orange and black-striped ribbon of St. George and with large banners celebrating the victory, as well as a string of war films on TV. Events take place across the country ranging from concerts, firework displays and the show of military might in Red Square, Moscow.




Friday, 24 April 2015

Another chance to see...

A few months ago, I wrote a review of a documentary called "Russia's Toughest Prison" (article). It's been shown again on the BBC and they've put it back online, here, until 22nd May. Worth a watch if you get the chance.


Thursday, 16 April 2015

Two sides to every coin.

Russia Today reports that an organisation called For Security is calling for special cyber police to crack down on internet trolls.

As a part of this, the suggestion is to fine anyone who creates a social network page using a false name (about £7 - £30) and is a way to stop cyberbullying.


VKontakte - Russia's equivalent of Facebook
This is all very commendable, but

Monday, 13 April 2015

Thinking of emigrating?

Russia Today summarises findings of a survey by the Levada Centre which says that the percentage of Russians wanting to emigrate is at a historic low.

The poll says that a surprisingly low 9% of Russians "are having thoughts of emigrating" while 81% "have never thought of uprooting to another country".



However, a survey from the same pollsters two years ago

Monday, 6 April 2015

Dances with Wolves



The day started a lot like any other… well, maybe not. It was Tuesday – the only day I had morning lessons so the only day I got up early. 8.30am and it’s for 45 minutes. Bugger! Following the normal Tuesday pattern, with the lesson finished, I was off to the internet café.

Let me take you back further. I took a Lincoln City hat with me. It was a black ski-hat with the team name in red italics. I'd lost it about three months ago – I even knew when… the night we all went to Igor’s workplace to see how he makes neon signs. After that, never seen again until…


Sunday, 29 March 2015

Recipe: Solyanka (soup)/ солянка

One of the culinary delights in Russia is the range of soups and this one is one of my favourites. It's meaty and rich... and delicious.

 
 Here's a recipe (in near industrial quantities)...

Monday, 16 March 2015

Love is...

a Turkish brand of bubble gum that was hugely popular in the former USSR countries in the 1990s and is still available in Russia today.