When we visited Russia back in May 2015, we knew we were going into a different country. A weird country that spreads itself between Europe and Asia. Where people dress in a different way and write in a different alphabet. It is easy to say that we never visited anywhere like Russia.
If you have been spending your days online like us, you probably know the meme that says that in Russia everything is backward or somewhat strange, right? So, I’m here to show some of the things we learned in our short trip to Russia last month.
1 – In Russia, everybody is either on skates or inlines or something with wheels
Why? Because you have to walk 10 days and 10 nights just to reach the end of the block! Everything is huge in Russia! Even more, than I expected! The ultra-famous Red Square is like, 1000km long.
(No it isn’t but after 25km walking in Moscow, feels like 1000km)
2- In Russia, cats are working in the museums
To be honest, I don’t know if in all museums, but in the Hermitage museum, you can easily find the best employees laying around in the sun. The cats are working on the museum hunting rats and other small animals and insects! Cute, huh?
3- In Russia, you will not be served vodka everywhere and every time. It took 3 days in Russia for us to have the first shot!
I have to confess that I thought that if I open the tap on my hotel sink, I will find vodka and not water. Silly me. LOL.
I’m not a Vodka person, but this one here is smooth and easy to drink pure.
4- In Russia, the metro ticket is a cute golden coin with an M on it.
In St Petersburg is like this, in Moscow is a card like London and other cities. And costs something like 30 cents of euro the ride!! Metro for everybody! (With the currency like it is right now)
5- In Russia, the German language sounds easy and smooth
So the next time you’re thinking about saying “Life is too short to learn German,” think again!
6- In Russia, people can actually do those amazing hair tutorials you find on Pinterest!
And always works out as it should…
Teach me the secret of great hairdos, Russia! I beg you!
7- In Russia, Felipe dances with locals while I’m filming it and laugh out loud!
He really doesn’t know how to dance. Look at his moves!
8- In Russia, high heels are the perfect shoes for long walks in the park
There was a girl that walked next to me the WHOLE Victory Parade with super high heels. I mean, over 6km of pure walking on the highest heels ever! Russia, congratulations for the mad skills.
9- In Russia, the souvenir is Putin
Funny and scary at the same time, right? Can somebody please translate what those mugs and t-shirts say?
10- In Russia, Putin is very friendly, and his bff is a bear!
At least is what a Brazilian couple that speaks 0 Russian thinks when they see this image.
Russian friends: what does it say?
11- In Russia, the Czar’s dog knew better what was yet to come
That is one of the many incredible things you can see on the impressive and huge Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg! A must-go place if you’re there!
12- In Russia, cosplay means red army
These are some of the things we saw during the Victory Parade in St Petersburg.
13- In Russia, Lomos are sold for less than 5 euros!
And other Russians and Soviet cameras too! This place here has the best and most fantastic collection of vintage cameras we’ve ever seen! Book your trip to Russia and bring extra space for the massive amount of films and cameras you’re going to buy!
The name of the store is Lubitel, but like many Russian stores, not a lot of information in English is available.
(Please do not ask me why the map says Trives, Russia is a mystery for me)
14- In Russia, they are as patriotic as the USA
And after a few days in Russia, you realize that the cold war was just a fight between two twin brothers. USA and Russia are the same in many ways. Even the flag has the same colors.
15- In Russia, is ok to wear men purses
Believe me, 8 in 10 men will be carrying a men purse.
16- In Russia, kids of all ages use handgun holsters
It is a bit scary to see that weapons and war are prevalent themes for kids toys in Russia. Maybe it was the craziness of May 9th parade; perhaps it wasn’t. Fotostrasse is dying to go back to Russia anyway, so we can tell you afterward if the number of kids playing with plastic guns will be the same in other months of the year.
17- In Russia, the traffic jam is caused my nuclear bombs and war tanks
At least on the days before the big military parade, it is! Hahaha, I can only hope that this is not “everyday Russia” =D
18- In Russia, is ok to transform your SUV into a Katyusha
Katyushas were the nickname of this missile launcher very famous in the WWII. Some say that katyushas were decisive on Nazi Germany’s defeat.
19- In Russia, the churches were colossal potato storage places and Atheism museums
Did you know that the beautiful St Isaac Church in St Petersburg used to be the biggest Atheism museum ever? And some other Orthodox churches were used to store potatoes for the winter?!?!
20- In Russia, who decides if it is legal or illegal to drink on the streets is you!
One of the first questions we do everywhere we go is: “Can I drink on the streets here?”.
In Russia, the answer we got was “Nope, it is illegal to drink on the streets” but at the same time the amount of beer bottles and beer cans on the streets is massive, and in Saint Petersburg, we saw many places advertising Cocktails to Go.
So, Russia, is it ok or not ok to drink on your streets?
21- In Russia, all my friends and fans follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!
If you decide to go to Russia, you should go with Timetravels! They are a fantastic travel agency, and they can help you out with everything you might need to have a perfect Russian trip. They organize all kinds of tours, from student tours to low budget tours to grown-up travels!
Get in touch with them and please mention that Fotostrasse recommended them!
