Friday, March 23, 2007

Mystifying Russian Conventions That The Average Tourist Should Be Aware Of

Superstition plays an urgent part in the habits of the Russians, as with those in other countries as well. Cultural habits often tell more than what they seem, and some have ridiculously merry stories to tell. In fact, for a stranger in Russia, experiencing these superstitious beliefs can prove to be a wonderfully merry experience that he or she will recount to friends back home.

I remember buying a flower arrangement for an associate who worked around St. Petersburg, the florist reprimanded me lightly when I asked for six tulips, saying that even-numbered flowers are meant for funerals. I swear, I was struck speechless by that comment and I had to make serious effort not to snort out loud and make her think I was insulting her. Of course when she added that I should never light my cigarette with a candle unless I crave for someone in my family to die, I just knew I had to get out before I started snorting with laughter. Meeting up with my associate later, I told her about the well-meaning lady's comments and she told me that it was a good call to stop myself from snorting since to do otherwise would mean that I was taking her too lightly. Not to be outdone, she then proceeded to tell me more Russian superstitions and habits throughout our feast.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Experience The Appealing Russian History Through A Mouthwatering Dish

The Kotlety Pozharskie, or Pozharskie Cutlet, is a chicken cutlet covered in crunchy breadcrumbs, and stuffed with savory Russian herbs to add a unique relish. There are several tales explaining the origin of the name of this scrumptious Russian delicacy. Its name is said to have come from the last names of the Russian citizens who have invented the renowned dish. One unique legend tells about a Great Russian prince named Moskovsky, who visited a fellow prince named Pozharskie. When the palatable dinner was about to be served, Prince Pozharskie was informed by his cook that they ran out of veal cutlets, so the resourceful cook used chicken instead. Prince Moskovsky was enthralled with the delectable chicken cutlets so much, he named it after Pozharskie. In the end, the pompous Prince Pozharskie never admitted the truth, and he still liked veal cutlets. The true history of this delectable Russian dish may never be revealed, but its mysterious origins only add up to its renowned reputation as a favorite meal among locals and guests.

I was propitious enough to taste this delicious dish on a recent excursion to Russia . I positively liked the soft texture of the meat, and how the fillings complement each other's relish. The Russian café had an old-world charm to it, providing the perfect mood for a very historic meal.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

A Striking Russian Chronicle

There was an extremely poor miss who helped her family to make both ends meet; then, a supreme opportunity came and turned her life around. Not long after, her Prince Charming, giving more prominence to her own celebrity, came by and they both lived happily ever after. Sounds like a eminent, fictional fairytale, huh? But fairytale does happen in reality; not to everybody though, but to some distinctive personalities.

That was just Natalia Vodianova's life chronicle. She was evidently a poor young gal living with her ma and two stepsisters; unluckily, the other one was invalid. While running a diminutive fruit stand business Nizhni Novgorod, Russia, Natalia was spotted by a scout and pushed her to come to Paris. Told that she would meet her dream life there, Natalia flew to Paris at age 17 and that was the initiation of her modeling profession.

However, the first years in modeling were not as bright. Then, she made a family with the British legatee Hon. Justin Trevor Berkeley Portman, who then gave her a boy, Lucas.

Soon, she finally got the center stage with practically 40 shows and a Gucci perfume project with her face all over the advertisement things. Not too long after, Calvin Klein hired her for the premier Spring Show and she became the highest-paid figure of the total product line.

Natalia is presently one of the hottest and most sought-after faces in the total fashion biz. Actually, Natalia can be like Cinderella in so many aspects; with a comely face and a dramatic life, Natalia and her life make for a lovely Russian fairytale.