Alpha Idiomas: Cultural Immersion: Moscow (Russia)

▪ The country (Russia)

Flag of Russia - Read more

Russia, country that stretches over a vast expanse of eastern Europe and northen Asia is, by far the largest country in the world, it covers nearly twice the territory of Canada (the second largest). (Read more)

Map of Russia

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is located in Russia’s Central Federal District along the Moskva River and covers a big area . Is the largest city in the country and also the top ten “largest cities in the world”.

Due to its size, Moscow is one of the most influential cities in Russia and dominates the country in politics, economics and culture among other things. (Read more)

▪ Tourist spots

▪ Kremilin

The Moscow Kremlin is one of the most ancient parts of the city and symbolises the whole of Russia. It is both a cultural sight, as well as the centre of the Russian state and the residence of the President of Russia. (Read more)

▪ Metro

The Moscow metro is famous for the beauty architecture stations called “undergound palaces of Moscow”. The old, pre-war stations symbolise the industrialization of Russia and also victory and pride of the nation. Some of them are also protected by the state as valuable cultural objects. ( Read more)

▪ Historical Museum

The historical museum of Moscow has a vast collection representing every phase of the Russian history. The museum is situated on Red Square and it has multiple exhibitions. The museum is one of the most popular in Moscow. (Read more)

▪ Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located on the opposite side of the Voskresensky Gate of the Red Square, the Cathedral was built under the rule of Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible in 1554 in honour of conquest of the Kazan Khanate. (Read more)

▪ Central House of Artist

The Central House of Artist (CHA) is the largest exhibition centre in the country. Opened in 1979, it consists of 27 halls with 60 galleries which is part of the famous Tretykov Gallery. (Read more)

▪ GUM Department Store

The Gum Department Store is a huge shopping, one of the largest shopping in Europe, it’s also the most famous place to shop in Moscow. The GUM is also known for the beautiful architecture. The shopping is also a cultural centre, with art photo exhibitions and it’s one of the venues of the international art festival Chereshneviy. (Read more)

▪ Cuisine

▪ Borsch/Borscht

This beet and cabbage red soup is a delicious belly warmer on Moscow’s colder days, served with or without meat, potato, herbs (usually dill) and a dollop of smetana, Russian sour cream. (Read more)

▪ Russian Pancakes

Blini are Russia’s version of the thin French crepe and a staple on most Moscovian menus, Typically made with buckwheat for savoury fillings or white flour for sweet toppings. You’ll see accompainiments of smoked salmon, creamy mushrooms, sour cream, jams and condensad milk.(Read more)

▪ Shashlik/Shashlyik

If sami-raw marineted fish doesn’t suit your tastes, these roasted meats and fish on skewers are hard not to like. As the name suggests, this dish is a form of shish kebab, although the Russian version is served with chunkier portions of Lamb, beef, chicken or salmon and served with an unleavened Bread. (Read more)

▪ Pelmeni

Pelmeni are a pastry dumpling typically filled with meat. They can be served alone, slathered in butter, topped with sour cream or served in a broth. (Read more)

▪ Pirog

Pirog are Russian pies that are filled with savory or sweet fillings, the pies are beautifully decorated in floral patterns. (Read more)

▪ Solyanka

Solyanka is a heartier soup and looks more like a stew. You can basically found three varieties: fish with vegetables or murshroom. Solyanka can also be prepared with meat and fine cut pickles, onions, herbs and spices all mixed with sour cream. (Check out the recipe)

▪ Medovukha

Medovukha is a type of alcoholic mead made from honey. It’s also the most famous drink in Suzdal. Wild honey farming was one of the first Slavic trades and they discovered that it could be fermented. (Read more)

▪ Habits

Russian has a rich tradition of folk tales thats devire from a number os Slavic myths and traditions. Russian folk characters are very colorful, and they also betray ancient pagan roots: for example, the Baba Yaga is a witch-like old woman who lives in the Forest in a house that rests on chicken legs and surrounded by skulls and bones. (Read more)

▪ Cost of living

Is fact that the cost of living in Russia is high, most expats will find themselves in the cities of Moscow or St Petersburg, and can expect essentials like accomodation, food and education to eat into their budget in a big way, expats outside of the urban centres will find the cost of living to be less. (Read more)

▪ Climate

Moscow is one the Host Cities for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, a lot of people will want to know what the weather will be like. During the months of June, July and August yo are most to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures. (Read more)

▪ Music

▪ Folk Music

Russian music dates back as far as the middle of the first millennium, some Slavic tribes was also known for their love of music. Even today, many Russian Folk songs have very distinct styles, depending on the region, one aspect they all had in common was that mainly had pagan ties rather Christian references. (Read more)