“What has been the most…just amazing thing about living in Russia for 17 years,” asked an American visitor. “Affordable smoked salmon.” I answered promptly, which made everyone laugh for some…
Read More
If Dmitry Medvedev is really serious about beefing up Russia’s economy, he ought to put Skolkovo on the back burner and turn up the flame on the catalog mail order…
Read More
Lighting is another one of those issues that makes me gnash my teeth here, particularly in my own living room, where we have 400 watt, gut-wrenchingly expensive recessed lighting and…
Read More
I was interested to read, recently that Peter The Great was not weaned until he was two years old, which, for me, explains volumes.
Read More
Celebrating Thanksgiving: That Quintessentially American Holiday Abroad. (more…)
Read More
Russia's enduring belief in superstitions. (more…)
Read More
Today’s holiday affords a timely reminder to any tempted to stray from the bosom of the family, what an awfully big mistake that would be. Take Anna Karenina for example...
Read More
This is Russian Midsummer, with all the same accompanying mischief, magic, and misdemeanors, as anywhere else in the world. So, we’ll be expecting wild sexual midnight revels; naked bathing, bonfires,…
Read More
I get some face time with a Moscow City Tourism functionary, and make some much-needed suggestions on how to improve the River Terminal.
Read More
Day of the Traffic Cops (Day of the GIBDD) /День ГАИ (День ГИБДД МВД РФ): A Hypothetical Reenactment
Russia's traffic cops exude a bizarre combination of smug self-satisfaction and a menacing demeanor, which makes you think that asking them if you can turn left on Alabianaya Street is…
Read More