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 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.
Come In, the Water’s Freezing
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.”
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.
Tourists Pay More
As we already know, Russia is an enormous country and a great tourist draw. Although the country has a lot to offer, including forests, islands, and more, visitors usually stick to the most famous cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.
If you do intend to check out all that Russia has to offer, get ready to pay – a lot. Tourists in Russia pay higher prices than the locals to visit the country’s famous attractions. For example, the price for the Hermitage Museum on the website is significantly higher if you are on the English page versus the Russian version. According to the museum, the lower price is intended only for Russian citizens.