The Personal and Timeless Relationship of Russians with Vodka

Vodka, one of the most well-known alcoholic beverage in the world, has become an substantial part of the Russian culture throughout the course of history. This crystal liquor, the name of which comes from a Slavic term referring to 'water' since the drink appears as clear as water, is usually present in every substantial Russian occasion, may it be a grand wedding, joyous child birth, or even a celebration of a job promotion. Updated surveys show that vodka accounts for almost 70% of all alcohol purchase in Russia.

However, during the early days in Russian history, drinking wine was a leisure that only aristocrats get to relish. Vodka first appeared in Russia during the 1400s and 1500s in a form of a drink called 'bread wine' which was merchandised at a very lavish price. The tax from the lavish price sales of the alcohol helped to back up most of the government expenses at that time, that's why the Russian government had the monopoly in the production of vodka in the country. But in the late 1800s, the government feared that because of the lavish prices, the people might go to buying imported vodkas. The government decided to popularize vodka as the preferred alcoholic drink of every Russian, hence the monopoly was abolished, and prices plummeted, which made vodka very affordable to middle class citizens. Nowadays, there are various vodka distilleries all across Russia ready to address the advancing demand of the Russians for vodka.

Things That You Should Determine Before Journeying Russia

Based from my insight, vacationing can be fun and difficult. I always fly, and I visit at least five lands in a year. My various flights taught me countless things that I should know when I go out of the country. Next week, I am flying to Russia, and if you are curious going there, read on.

The basic thing that you should do before traveling to Russia is to check out the country's local news. This will abet you to see if Russia is experiencing a natural disaster or a civil war. I'm not threatening you or something, but Russia is a quite hazardous place to visit because of snatching and other crimes that are raging there. Second, it is
sensible to know travel warnings and public announcements to make your tour safe and sensible. You must also keep the numbers of police, sickbays, and travel councils or departments to ask for aid whenever you are troubled.

Furthermore, I had a distasteful experience of having tummy aches in drinking water and eating raw snacks in Russia. I urge that you should only drink and brush your teeth with bottled water, and avoid snacks that are unfamiliar to you. The information that I gave are just the basic things that you should do when you go to Russia. I hope that you find them convenient for a safer and happier spree there.

Guzzling Vodka With Russian Pals

Vodka is more than just an alcoholic drink, but a witness to some of the most difficult times in the life of Russian citizens. For both triumph and misery, a good shot of Vodka has always been a wonderful chum. They don't consider their preference for vodka as a drinking problem but a norm they've shared with family, chums, and guests. Actually, drinking this renowned Russian liquor is not a form of daily ritual as opposed to general assumptions or myths of alcoholism. When you're having vodka, it could only be part of three standard reasons: to celebrate a party, to relieve physical stress and promote blood circulation, or to fight against colds with peppered vodka rather than whiskey or brandy.

But don't be concern, I have proven it myself that Russians can very well handle their own vodka. Drinking along with my Russian companions, I was surprised to understand that you don't sip vodka, as what I usually see in movies, but take it in just one gulp. Their tradition for drinking vodka also includes preparation of lavish treats instead of finger foods or snacks. My Russian hosts buddies have pleasingly served a menu for smoked fish with boiled potatoes and what they call "katletta" or Russian version of hamburger using minced pork. Apart from my much-favored mashed potatoes and gravy, we also had a generous platter of grapes, breads, and cheese that go really well with vodka. These hearty, fulfilling treats, according to my Russian drinking buddies, will help prevent hangover and undesired effects of alcohol. I've also learned that Russians don't usually drink alone, while maidens may only take it in small amounts with common preference for champagne than the well-known vodka. Apart from these revelations, I guess, I have to admit that I cannot dare outdo a Russian when guzzling vodka, while I enjoyed more the spirit of confidence and camaraderie that came with every gulp.

My Cheerful And Despondent Russian Escapade

I journeyed to Moscow last year for a professional meeting but it never turned the way I wish it would end. My first week in Moscow became a brawl to reach my goal, but I failed. My supposed dealing back home never emerged.

I could have truly appreciated my first time in Russia if I was able to come home fluttering the signed papers of my current-no-longer-business-partners. Nevertheless, if not with the new proposed plan of a comrade and if not for the beauty of Moscow, I could have ruined my entire two week stay in Moscow. Good thing I was still able to visit some terrific spots of the city as well as stayed in a marvelous guesthouse.

After a wearing day, I still felt secure and comfy once I lay my back on the bed. Sovietsky Hotel was my first choice of hotel since a comrade commended it. I could have changed hotels after my failed seminar had not the service and the fullness of the hotel was great. But my major reason for staying there was the gastronomy. The breakfast laid out buffet style was excellent with a standby commis chef just in case anyone wants to have an extra toast or omelletes.

The Prestigious Fashion House of Denis Simachev

Fashion guru Denis Simachev is highly respected in the Russian haute couture scene. He specializes in modish yet wearable men's apparel, but has also created outifts for women. Through the years, many people have wondered about Simachev's design aesthetics and even made more buzz about the designer's compelling signature -- the inverted logo. The trademark simply suggests Simachev's modish design and unrivaled vision. Indeed, he intrinsically combines technological breakthroughs with uncomplicated elements in his design to make a totally unique style.

His latest fall and winter collection is inspired by a lot of elemental patterns. Particularly enraptured by Chukotka, the most northern part of the globe, he calls this interesting men's gear collection the "Lord of the North." In his fall 2006 and winter 2007 outfits, Simachev used classic imagery of the modern Northern heroes of Chukotka, where the excessive cold dictates their style.

The creative collection is made of a variety of fabrics, colors, and accessories, patterned after the dead-set Chukotkian dress code. Locals would traditionally wear a lot of layers of old clothes, ranging from bulky shirts with sporadic holes to windbreakers with ragged patchworks. Simachev used a lot of fox and wolf fur, leather, and considerable cotton and denim to complete this adaptive selection. It would definitely be nice to prance around in the winter evenings with a Simachev coat over your shoulders.