The Russian people love to go to the beach to swim, and they won’t let a little thing like freezing winter temperatures stop them. While some only do the cold dip once a year to start the new year off right, others enjoy their icy swims all winter long.
Many Russians believe that swimming in ice-cold water is good for their health and head to the beach even on the coldest days. Their bravery has earned them the adorable and appropriate nickname “walruses.”
Secret Russian Cities
There are some cities in Russia that you will never get the chance to visit. According to the rumors, Russia is home to about 42 cities that the Russian government has classified as secret. apparently, only a handful of people in the country are privy to the names and locations of these hidden cities.
These special cities don’t appear on any map, and don’t plan on visiting them any time soon because it is against the law to even enter one of them. They are places in which metallurgy, military, and chemical industry take place and are known by the name ZATO, which stands for closed administrative-territorial entities. We know they are intriguing, but there’s no point in adding them to your travel itinerary.
The Shamanistic Island
Although once hugely popular, Shamanism has declined in most places in the world, but it is still alive and kicking on one isolated island in Siberia. The remote island of Olkhon still practices the religion in all its glory, probably because its remoteness has kept away influences from other religions.
Olkhon Island is not only home to Shamanism, but it is also the third-largest lake island in the world. The island is covered in forests and is known for having very little rainfall. Less than 1,500 people live on the island full time, but in recent years it is drawing more and more tourists due to its natural beauty and interesting culture.
Odd Number of Flowers
If you ever find yourself having romantic feelings for someone with a Russian background, don’t forget to show your feelings with flowers, but never show up with a dozen roses, only with an odd-numbered bouquet.
This may sound strange, but in Russia, even-numbered flowers are reserved for funerals. Meaning that no matter what your intention, you may risk giving offense and end up without a date.
The Cats of the Hermitage Museum
If you are in Russia, the Hermitage Museum is a must-see. However, we hope that you are not allergic to cats. There are currently 70 cats who make the museum their home. They spend their time there as guard cats, protecting the artwork from any rodents who are even thinking of chewing up the priceless artifacts.
There have been cats in the Hermitage since the 1700s, when Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter The Great, who also founded the city of St. Petersburg, suggested having them move in as a way to ensure the safety of the exhibitions.