3 breathtaking lighthouses in Russia

Enjoy Russian School blog is not only about the language, education and advice. It is about traveling and possible ways to explore Russia. There is a saying in Russian: ученье – свет, а неученье – тьма (knowledge is light and lack of knowledge is darkness). In this sense, lighthouse may be the symbol of education and self-realization. Do you know this feeling when you come to a new place and thing number one you should do is to check out the nearest lighthouse? Then you will like this post! Get ready to read about the most beautiful lighthouses in Russia and start backpacking for the amazing trip!

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Tarkhankutski Lighthouse. 200-year-old lighthouse is a unique historical monument of architecture carefully preserved by the government.  Breaking through the wires is not recommended but even without this, you will definitely take some nice pictures. Sailors and locals call this place Storms Cape.

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Egersjöld lighthouse. Founded in 1876, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Far East of Russia. It can be reached on foot. The trip there will take quite a long time, but it’s worth it because it is a chance to enjoy the view of the strait, the Russian island, the Vladivostok port and the sea. You can also get there by water transport, for example, on a mini-ferry.

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Osinovetsky lighthouse, Lake Ladoga. It is one of the highest in Europe and the closest one to Enjoy Russian School. Many people call it the Ladoga lighthouse, named after the lake. On the shore of the lake, you can not only stay with a tent for the weekend but also spend a few days at one of the recreation centers. In the afternoon you will definitely want to visit local attractions and walk along the beach but wrap yourself up in a soft blanket first.

Why is autumn the best time to explore Russian lighthouses?

Simply because the forests by the water are amazingly beautiful. They make the landscapes more colorful, add some magic and create a story around each lighthouse. Want to combine studies and traveling?  Choose a course at Enjoy Russian school! Autumn starting dates – 3 September, 14 October.

7 Facts about Everyday Life in the USSR

Welcome to MATRYOSHKA’S DIARY, the weekly column about Russia, its history and people. Today our author Elena Kiliakova tells us about some amazing and even shocking facts about everyday life in the Soviet Union. If you want to know more about pioneers, Artek and unbelievably huge lines in front of the shops in the USSR just keep reading!

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1. People in the Soviet Union took recycling seriously.

Back then we had no options other than to be environmentally friendly. Dairy products (such as milk, sour cream, and other traditional Russian dairy products were packed in glass bottles of different shapes and forms). We never threw them away, but reused! Another mainstream thing was a net tote bag – even though I was born one year before the USSR collapsed I still remember my grandparents using them. These days it is a must-have for those caring for the environment.

2. Did I mention that we took recycling seriously?

Back then we had special competitions – people who collected a set amount of paper (magazines, newspapers and old books) got a very special prize for reaching the goal. What was the award? Those who won the competition were granted an opportunity to purchase a book or a towel or something that was next to impossible to buy in the shops. My mum told me a story how she got a set of towels.

3.Food stamps

It is probably different to imagine it now, but back then we did get food stamps or vouchers which could be exchanged for a set amount of food/goods. Back then you could not just go to the supermarket and buy anything you like from any country you can think of. We had stamps for groceries which were allocated at work (everyone back then had a job). Everyone was given a set amount of goods (groceries)– so the stamps were used to buy some necessities. Some real numbers to get a feeling what was it was like to live in the USSR: one got food stamps that were sufficient to buy one kilo of sausages a month (among other groceries).

4. A legendary Artek camp

In the Soviet era, Artek was a landmark of the USSR. Located in Crimea, the camp was the first resort for young pioneers — the Soviet equivalent of Boy or Girl Scouts. Unlike other recreational facilities for children and youth, Artek was (and still is) open not only in summer, but all year round. The camp attracted children from the USSR (and all over the world really), and was visited by internationally recognized people, like Indira Gandhi.

 5.The 15 sisters

During the Soviet era, the 15 member states had strong ties and economic relationships. The states of the USSR were called 15 sisters. You can experience the special connection which existed back then if you visit the VDNKh or the Exhibition of achievement of the national economy in Moscow. There is a pavilion for each of the member states showcasing the best of what the member state (or I should say an ex-member) had to offer. Some of the main features include the Friendship of Nations fountain and the Cosmonauts’ alley.

6.Take me to…

We had a strong social welfare system which was funded by government. A special feature of it was resorts. Back then a concept of unemployment did not really exist – everyone wanted to work (and was given an opportunity to work) and contribute to the economy. This meant that if you were a member of a union, you could get a heavily subsidised or a free holiday package for yourself and your family members. What a luxury!

7. The Pioneer movement

The Pioneer movement was an equivalent of the Scout movement in western countries. Children and youth were accepted to the organization based on academic merit and other achievements. There were three stages depending on the age:
– Octyabryata– from year 1 to4(Primary School) – were given a pin-shaped like a star with a portrait of Lenin.
– Pioneers – from 5 to year 8(Secondary School) had distinguishable red neckties.
– Komsomoltsy– from year 8 to 10 (High School).
During the existence of the Soviet Union, thousands of camps and palaces (an alternative of a community youth centre) for members were built. These were exclusive only for Young Pioneers/Octyabryata/Komsomoltsy, which were free of charge, sponsored by the government and trade unions

Check out other posts here and follow the news! Some other facts are coming soon:)
And if you want to learn Russian and ask more info about the Soviet era, best teachers are here to teach you by Skype!

PROMINENT FIGURES IN RUSSIAN HISTORY…

… and the history of Petrozavodsk

What are the most recognizable names in Russian history? Here in Petrozavodsk where students from all over the world learn Russian language, we have a monument to Peter the Great. Even those who are not familiar with the historical background of Karelia may guess that the name Petrozavodsk is connected with famous Russian tsar. Firstly it was the settlement of Petrovskaya Sloboda which turned into the largest city in Karelia. Many Enjoy Russian school students try to reveal as much information as they can about the city and devote their final projects in the Russian language to Peter the Great.

Christophe from Germany about Peter the Great

“Russia is in no way inclined to produce personalities of lower interest to an international society than any other nation. In both the troubled and the safe times of Russian history, there have been some remarkable characters that either influenced internal of international politics to such a degree, that our contemporary world couldn’t be imagined without them. One who strikes me personally as exceptionally fascinating would be Peter the Great (Пётр I Алексе́евич).

I’d argue that few Russians have achieved a lasting impression on Russian society to such an extent as Pjotr I has. Little was the former Moscovite Empire known to Western kingdoms before his appearance, little was it developed and little was it willing to change its perspective.

Before his rulership, Pjotr traveled the major European capitals incognito (anonymous in a relative way) to discover their scientific progress and learn from their ways of dealing with state affairs. Of special significance was Germany, from which he imported many philosophers and scientists and who’d later influence the Russian army. To this day, Germany is still a role model, when it comes to economics and had many of its people living in Russia for many generations (even though their Russian was in many cases bad or non-existent, thus also the name Немецкий or „mute“).

With the great number of bureaucratic, military and aristocratic changes that he introduced, the Russian zone of influence had extended. This set in motion a wave of intellectual thinking that would reach its peak with Ekatarina the Great but never lost its momentum until today. Also, the new military strength allowed Russia to extend into new territories and claim it as their own, helping the country giving it its well-known shape.

From this point on, the “enlightened” movement wasn’t stoppable anymore. His often radical reforms – including the forceful cutting of beards! – were often accompanied by opposition from the ruling elite. They, however, found their value, as they offered a way for every one of climbing the career ladder, not regarding their background or their hierarchy. A beautiful example would be the Tsaritsa Ekaratina, who had been a German princess but had become one of the most famous personalities herself.

Of course, Pjotr the Great may be remembered by many for even other achievements. It is worth mentioning that he strengthened the Russian predilection for two exquisite beverages: coffee and vodka. Both he consumed on a regular basis with great vigour, for which he’s also remembered. Few would object that vodka has a very special and important place in Russian soul and Russia is famous worldwide for this drink that the tsars themselves appreciated (for this reason it’s even more striking that the Russian president Vladimir Vladmirovitch Putin fully denies himself alcohol).

For the reasons above, I choose Pjotr I. as one of the most important people in Russian history and, even though he’s been dead for many centuries now, his influence can still be felt throughout this enormous North-eastern country. Unfortunately, none of us will be able to meet him again, but his spirit and soul can be embraced when one travels to the Sankt Petersburg – the city that was founded by Tsar Pjotr I. in 1703 – and enjoy a glass of vodka. He might be dead, but his legacy lives on – the Russian band Leningrad rightfully sings: “в питере – пить.”

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And who is your Russian hero?  Come to Petrozavodsk to be fully immersed in the culture and history and start speaking Russian in 6 weeks. Choose a course here 

STAY ACTIVE AND RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

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“Karjala Marathon” is to take place in the north-west of Russia

Russians interest in healthy lifestyle and sport events is growing year by year. If you believe in physical power of your body more than in your car when it comes to traveling come to Russia and run for your life! “Karjala Marathon” is calimed to be one of the most colorful race in the whole North-West of Russia. The annual event brings together kids and adults from Karelia and other Russian regions and cities – Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Archangelsk and Murmansk. Lerning Russian language in autumn 2018 is a great opportunity to see by yourself that sport and health do not have any boundaries and language barriers!

Russian “Lagom”: is 10 km just enough?

As for the details: the route (both adults) is 10 km long. Pretty harsh, isn’t it? But professional sportsmen say one should not get into panic and just choose an even pace throughout the whole  run-session.  As for the main advantage of the route  it is incredibly picturesque as it lies right by the lake Pryazhinskoe (about 60 km from the capital of Karelia). Stony lake side, tall pines and amazing views give you  extra strenght on your way and make you feel nature’s energy. But stay focused on the race, with this beauty it’s very easy to find yourself “beating around the bush”:)

Eat kalitki and get carried away by Russian tradional rhytms!

Right after the race do not leave immediately because the cultural program of the festival is definitely worth checking out. Musical and national folklore bands, cooking workshops and traditional games competitons will show Karelian history of 2, 3 and 4 generations!

Participants say: “The race was the final point of our vacation in Karelia. The organizers arranged a real national holiday on this day! We were extremely hapy to see the medals from shungite (rare mineral which can be found only in Karelia) were waiting for us at the finish point. During the race fans were entertained by creative bamds  and even Karelian Santa Claus! No one felt bored!”

“An excellent opportunity to relax, to be surprised, to gain new impressions, to visit Karelia! A stunning level of organization and excellent weather caused a storm of positive emotions from participating in the Karelian Running Festival!”

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If you feel like trying something new this autumn do not hesitate and come to learn Russian at Enjoy Russian school and stay healthy&active! Choose a course here

Top 10 Russian  Presidential Elections phrases

You can hear it everywhere in Russia on 18th of March

Today is a very important day in Russia. Yes, we do not talk about politics here in our blog since it is devoted mostly to Russian language, interesting facts about Russia and its people. But it is really impossible to stay indifferent to Russian presidential election we have today. So here is Enjoy Russian School representation of this day – top 10 most common Russian words and phrases of 18 of March! Read and learn or maybe roleplay  Russian elections wherever you are right now:)

1. Выборы - vybory - The elections
2. Голосовать за - golosovat' za - to vote for
3. Бюллетень - Byulleten' - a ballot
4. Президент – Prezident - President
5. Избирательный участок –  Izbiratel'nyy uchastok - electoral district
6. Абсолютное большинство – Absolyutnoye bol'shinstvo - vast majority
7. Политическая партия – Politicheskaya partiya - political party
8. Избиратель - Izbiratel' - voter
9. Явка избирателей – Yavka izbirateley - voting turnout
10. Итоги голосования – Itogi golosovaniya - voting results

Follow the news to learn Russian with us or come to our school to practice in real life situations!
Choose a course here 

YOU STILL DON’T KNOW YOUR RUSSIAN LEVEL? TRY OUT OUR NEW TEST!

Russian language learning at “Enjoy Russian Language School” is organized according to Russian language testing system (TORFL) supervised by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. According to this system,

There are six levels of the Russian language proficiency:

A1 (Элементарный – Elementary) – You start from complete 0 (from the alphabet) and reach a survival level. It takes 6 weeks (120 hours) to achieve Elementary level if you are a complete beginner.

A2 (Базовый – Basic) – You extend your vocabulary and learn how to freely speak about simple topics. It takes 6 weeks (120 hours) to achieve Basic level if you approved the Elementary one.

B1 (ТРКИ-1 – Первый сертификационный уровень – The first certificate level) – You are able to talk about politics, economics, social problems and other serious topics). It takes 6 weeks (120 hours) to achieve First Certificate level if you approved the Basic one.

B2 (ТРКИ-2 – Второй сертификационный уровень – The second certificate level) – You understand the difference between the colloquial and written Russian, can use slang and read newspapers and magazines. It takes 12 weeks (240 hours) to achieve Second Certificate level if you approved the First Certificate one.

C1 (ТРКИ-3 – Третий сертификационный уровень – The third certificate level) – You can do researches in different branches of science, using the Russian language, use very specific vocabulary.

C2 (ТРКИ-4 – Четвёртый сертификационный уровень – The fourth certificate level) – You are like a native Russian speaker! Congratulations!

We run courses for foreign students of different levels (from A0 to B2/C1)

To make sure every student receives the best education, takes off from where he/she is at the moment, and improves quickly, we created a module system that establishes clear and realistic language learning objectives. Every level course consists of 1-week modules, so a “module” is a portion of a language curriculum that is taught for one week. Every module content is describes in details here.

To find out your level of Russian proficiency you can take our test for free right here. Our test was designed in accordance with the module system, and while doing it you can literally see what language material (vocabulary and grammar) you can learn in each module. You can even use the test as a way to find out your errors in Russian, and understand what things you need to go back to, and review again.

You shouldn’t spend more than an hour on this test, shouldn’t guess the answers, but respond according to what you know. You should stop doing the test as soon as you meet a few questions with unfamiliar grammar, and vocabulary. It means, that you’ve reached your level.

It’s also important for us to determine you level that you write 5-10 sentences about yourself. Multiple choice tests can not always fully reflect a person’s level. But your own sentences sometimes show us your level even better than the test.

The results of the test will be carefully checked by our education coordinator, and the respond with your level will be sent to you within 24 working hours. Good luck!

DIDN’T EXPECT TO FALL IN LOVE WITH A RUSSIAN GIRL

A student from Germany came to Petrozavodsk to learn Russian and found the love of a lifetime

Many things happened at Enjoy Russian school since 2003. All the students come here with the main aim – to start speaking Russian and try to live like a Russian for a while. But sometimes incredible things may take place and students find not only good Russian friends or meet a perfect host family. They find love of a lifetime. That is what happened with Andreas from Germany in 2014. Here is a story of his wife, amazing Irina who moved from Russian city of Petrozavodsk (where Enjoy Russian school is situated) to Germany.

Russian love story: he chose Petrozavodsk out of almost 1000 Russian cities

“Hello, everyone and happy 15 birthday, dear “Enjoy Russian”! You have a very special place in my heart and here is the reason why…  
At Uni I’ve studied international relations and in september 2014 we had practice weeks during which i’ve worked at a language school called… “Enjoy Russian”:) One day our lovely boss asked if somebody could dedicate couple of hours and do a small city tour for russian language students. Introverted part of me hesitated for a second, but rational one was saying: “It can be fun, why not?!”. And indeed it was:) 

Shall I say that among those students was a lovely man who stole my heart?) At such moments you can’t help but believe in fate… Exactly that autumn he decided to go to Russia, he chose Petrozavodsk out of almost 1000 Russian cities, he chose the school where i’ve happen to have my internship… right time, right place, what a chance?:)

Since then my life has drastically changed: I graduated from University, married my best friend, moved countries to be with him and now we are growing our little precious baby!”

We are always extremely happy to know something about our students life, especially when they share that nice memories and such a great news! Wish you guys all the best and hope that your daughter will come to learn Russian in Petrozavodsk one day too!

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Choose a course and join us! And who knows what can happen to you in Russia!

TREKKING IN KARELIA NEAR THE WATERFALLS AND VOLCANOES

Top 3 Russian North Hiking Trails

Russian North attracts travelers not only from the very heart of Russia. Every year thousands of nomads seeking extreme experience and new emotions come to enjoy Karelian wild nature: touch the stones that are thousands years old, feel the energy of Russian forests, get inspired by the Northern lights, White nights… If you believe that to start speaking Russian you need only to bone up on the grammar you probably haven’t seen the way Enjoy Russian students live in Karelia. We travel all over the Russian North and practice Russian language with the locals! If you feel like making Russian learning special, take a look at the best hiking routes in Karelia and come!

Learn Russian and stop the time

When a bus takes you to the start of your route you really think that the time stops. No any irritating apps notifications, endless flow of tasks from your boss or thoughts about what to put into the kids lunch boxes. It’s only you and the Nature. Wild, Russian and Nordic. Depending on your vacation you may choose 3-4-day route or enjoy the real journey for 2 weeks. Professional local guides will show you the hidden places and teach how to get lost in the atmosphere (not physically but mentally).

Route 1. To the volcano

Karelia is a land of tranquility and piece. Never ever had anyone witnessed here earthquakes or storms. But ancient volcano Girvas that is 3 billion years old definitely deserves mentioning. This is the oldest sightseeing attraction in Karelia and a place of interest for many archeologists. Solidified lava, earth materials, multicolored stones will catch your attention from the very beginning. Even though the volcanic neck is hardly distinguishable you will feel the uniqueness of the place. When on a track your guide takes you to the highest viewpoints and shows steep cliffs and rocks.

Route 2. Red stones and waterfall in the National Park of Karelia

Trekking in Paanajarvi park is a great opportunity to follow the  traces of an earthquake that occurred here many years ago. Here between the rocks you may find the deepest lake in whole Scandinavia and Kola Peninsula. Get ready to the breathtaking views of deep canyons, fast rivers and singing waterfalls. Even locals will tell you that taking this route is a good way to get familiar with Karelian flora and fauna and to hear the call of the wild. Usually guides are happy to stop a group and take a break with Russian banya and traditional dinner and to share some stories about mysterious Karelian lands.

Route 3. The lake of mountain spirits

According to the Saami people legends, lake Seydozero has always been a sacred place where everyone could meet mountain spirits. That is the place where the oldest mankind civilization’s evidence was found – ancient fortifications, sanctuaries and astronomical objects. Nowadays the trekking path goes through the famous large meadow under which scientists and archeologist dedicatedly try to find the cave. Some say it was clearly seen on one picture taken in 1920-s. Since then no one actually knows if this fact is true. Come to Karelia and try to find out!

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Join Enjoy Russian school this summer and travel Russian North! Choose a course here

11 THINGS IN A BEDROOM IN RUSSIAN

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Things in a bedroom – here are the most important words everyone must know

It’s always better to remember words

• with pictures
• structurised by topics

In this post, you can combine both techniques to learn room vocabulary in Russian!

1. КРОВАТЬ (kravat’) – a bed
2. ШКАФ (shkaf) – a wardrobe
3. СТОЛ (stol) – a table
4. СТУЛ (stul) – a chair
5. ЛАМПА (lampa) – a lamp
6. ТУМБОЧКА (tumbochka) – a bed-side table
7. КАРТИНА (kartina) – a painting
8. ЧАСЫ (chasi) – a watch
9. КОВЁР (kavyor) – a carpet
10. ШТОРА (shtora) – a curtain
11. ПОДУШКА (padushka) – a pillow

Here are a few important things about these words

• Кровать is a feminine noun, so you say моЯ кровать, and not моЙ кровать.
• The word шкаф can mean a wardrobe, a cupboard, a closet, a bookcase.
• Be careful with стул and стол – they are so similar. Russian стул sounds pretty like English stool.
• Часы is a plural word, watch is always plural in Russian.
• Finally, штора really rarely comes alone, usually there are always two curtains – шторы.

LEARN RUSSIAN IN RUSSIA. WHEN TO GO AND FOR HOW LONG?

6 super-efficient weeks in Russia in summer 2018

If you set a goal of successful Russian language learning you probably face 2 key issues to resolve: when to go and for how long? The first answer mostly depends on your personal preferences, year schedule, studies and job while choosing the right period of time for full Russian immersion is supposed to deal with the progress you’d like to achieve in Russian. Let Enjoy Russian language school help you to decide!

The amount of hours you spend learning Russian does matter!

Enjoy Russian school has been teaching people of different ages and backgrounds for 15 years so far. As every educational institute we try to find the perfect formula for turning the study process in Russia into the most efficient one. Recently we’ve launched the idea of 6-week learning. Why is it perfect? Let’s ask our Education coordinator: “We offer Russian language programs for foreign students of any age and any level of proficiency in Russian – from beginner (А0) to advanced (С1/С2). Each course curriculum is carefully planned and structured. Every level course consists of 1-week modules, so a “module” is a portion of a language curriculum that is taught for one week. The length of a full course during which you’ll reach A2 level of the Russian language proficiency”.

Impressive, isn’t it?

And another advantage of this “module” system is that you may join the group whatever week you can, you will always know what topics to cover and how to many “moduls” are left.

6 weeks. I got it. When to go?

To make your stay in Russia both productive and spectacular come here in one of the most eventful seasons. Yes, in summer. Here in the North of Russia (where our school is situated) you may enjoy amazing activities this summer.

• Take a trip to Ruskeala canyon. That is the place where you can dive into the infinity and experience over-the-canyon bungee jumping; start your adventure with the rocks diving; touch the ancient stones and feel the energy of water while taking a boat trip; put up the tent, make delicious shashlyk and learn Russian hiking songs!
• Try delicious pies at the annual “Kalitki” Festival in Karelia. Kalitka (КАЛИТКА) – is a small open-faced pie from rye flour and water dough with different fillings: berries, cottage cheese,  millet, mashed potatoes. Take part in traditional Karelian outdoor competitions like kyykka (game similar to skittles), to make Karelian souvenirs (pottery, rag dolls, matted wool toys), to enjoy musical and dance bands performances and compete in valenki – throwing (traditional Russian winter boots).
• Join the greatest shipbuilding and navigation marathon “Kizhskaya regata”. More than 30 crews from Russia, Sweeden, Finland and Norway are to take part in this. Some say the event is even more bright than famous Historical Regatta in Venice.  It is the first Russian competition in which sportsmen should use traditional wooden boats. Kids and adults come to the festival in order to try themselves in all sorts of marine professions from boat builders to the keepers of Kizhi museums; to choose the best boat constructed by Russian and foreign artists and learn more about Onego shipping traditions.
• Go to Sherwood! Somewhere in between two major cities of Karelia the adventure park “Sherwood” is located. Known informally as a Seventh heaven the high ropes course makes Karelia attractive to tourists, extreme seekers, wild nature lovers. That is 100% right place if you want to experience the ground crumbles under your feet! 

RUSSIAN TRAINS: SECRETS OF SURVIVAL

Russia is a huge country, but we still like to travel by trains. In this article you’ll find out all pros and cons

First, let’s talk about why many people prefer travelling by trains. Of course, planes are faster and more comfortable. But plane tickets cost more than train ones, and there are many places in Russia, where you can’t get by plane: there are no airports, aircompanies close some destinations, because they are not popular, and etc. Another reason is that Russians like night trains, where you can sleep. You take a train at night, sleep on it, and in the morning you arrive – so easy, and convenient, and no need to pay for a night at a hotel, if you travel like this.

Some foreigners are really surprised to hear that in Russian trains there are berths that people lie, and sleep on. Well, it’s all because of the distance. You must agree that it’s not so comfortable to sit for 8, 12, and more hours. We have trains, where people just seat, but mostly those are electric suburban trains or fast trains for short distances, for example there is a 5-hour train from Saint Petersburg to Petrozavodsk, super cozy and fast.

Russian long-distance trains have different compartments

1st Class (SV)

First is the most comfortable and expensive option: the SV ticket. This is a first class compartment for only two people and contains two lower couches that convert into beds and a table next to the window. Also sometimes on some Russian trains which run a long journey there are showers in those SV compartments that also adds some comfort to your journey. If you would like to travel by yourself there is a possibility to buy two tickets for the couches at the same compartment. So this could be almost the VIP traveling.

2nd Class (coupe)

The next option is a less expensive class (2nd class) that is organized in compartments, each of which contain two lower and two upper berths. These are called coupes in Russian. Just like an SV, coupes have a door which locks from the inside, and thus privacy between the four people is kept inside the compartment.

3rd Class (Platzkart)

The next class is cheaper still and is called Platzkart in Russian (3rd class). This means that the entire wagon is open and there are no closed compartments or curtains. There are two lower and two upper berths, a small and narrow corridor and another two berths that are located on the opposite side near the window. So instead of a compartment there are six berths and no doors, thus there is no possibility to lock anything or for people to have any privacy. Platzcart tickets are convenient tickets if you have a short journey or if you are not interested in comfort but want to save money.

Can I buy a train ticket online?

Buying tickets for trains is very easy. You should go to the website of Russian railways, find your destination, choose dates, and seats/berths, and pay with a VISA/MASTER CARD. Sometimes you don’t even need to print out the tickets – just save them to your smartphone. To get on the train you usually just need to show your passport.

Have a nice trip, and share your train experiences with us!

HOW TO LEARN THE RUSSIAN ALPHABET QUICKLY

Do you want to learn Russian? Start with the alphabet!

The Russian alphabet is based on Cyrillic script the same as some other European languages (Bulgarian, Belarusion, Serbian, and etc.). It consists of 33 letters: 10 vowels, 21 consonants, and 2 signs (hard and soft).

To make learning Russian an easy thing you can follow these tips:

1. Memorise the letters in groups

• Group 1. Letters that are written and pronounced the same as English ones:

А, О, К, М, Т
Russian “A” must be pronounced as “a” in “car” or “u” in “cut”. Not as “a” in “man” – that would be wrong.
Other letters are pronounced exactly the same as in English.

• Group 2. Letters that exist in English, but are pronounced differently (used for a different sound than in English):

В = V like in “vodka”
Е = YE like in “yeah”
Н = N like in “nose”
Р = R !Rolling R! It doesn’t sound the same as English “R”! You should place the tip of your tongue right after the upper teeth, breathe out to push it with air until it starts vibrating. You need to practice regularly until your tongue muscles get strong enough to be able to produce the required vibration.
С = S like in “sun”
Х = H like in “hot dog”, though it’s stronger than the English “h” sound
У = U like in “put”, not like in “cut”!

• Group 3. Absolutely new letters that do not exist in English: 

Б = B like in “bar”
Г = G like in “garden”
Д = D like in “dance”
Ё = YO like in “yolk”
Ж sounds like “s” in “pleasure”
З = Z like in “zoo”
И = I like in “kitten”
Й  is called a short “i” sound, and sounds like “y” in “yogurt”
Л = L like in “love”
Ф = F like in “flower”
Ц = TS like in “its”
Ч = CH like in “chess”
Ш = SH like in “shop”
Щ = SHCH / SH like in “sheep”
Ъ – hard sign, which is used to separate cyllables one from another
Ы is a bit similar to “i” in “it”, but must be pronounced further down the throat, and be more short.
Ь – soft sign, makes consonants foft
Э = E like in “vet”
Ю sonds like “u” in “pure”
Я = YA like in “yard”

2. Listen to audio recordings of Russian native speakers pronounce the letters and words with the letters, and repeat after them. Do it as much as possible. It will help you to form a good pronounciation.

3. Play games with the letters

4. Listen to funny songs and sing along!

5. Ask your Russian friends, if you make the sounds right and get 101 more tips from them about how you should learn the Russian alphabet;)

Hope you will enjoy learning the Russian language. If you want to enjoy it more, join our Russian language courses in Russia. 

FROM PETER THE GREAT TO THE MODERN DAYS

Festival of traditional shipbuilding and navigation “Kizhskaya regata”

What is the first thing each student coming to learn Russian in Petrozavodsk hears? Right! The fact that the capital city of Karelia was founded by Peter the Great. In 1703 the Emperor ordered to construct the arms factory on Lososinka river and later on it served as an important fortification against the Swedes. Peter’s “sea passion” and  geographical position of Karelia have destined its future as closely bounded to naval expeditions and marine life. Since 18 century Karelian people have been honoring the gifts mother-nature brought and organized numerous holidays and festivals and the upcoming great festival is going to take place in July and August 2018.

The place for which Karelia is known by the whole world

Every summer about 170 000 tourists come to Karelia to visit the unique place included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage. Somewhere in the Lake Onego famous Kizhi Pogost is situated. The impressive construction includes 2 wooden churches and a bell-tower that were built without a single nail in 17 century.  According to the legend, the builder threw into the lake the axe he was constructing the church with and said that nowhere in the world would man find something alike. Really and truly no one could reproduce the phenomenal buildings.

Spice up your Russian summer – greatest naval Festival in July and August

If you are currently choosing the right time to visit Karelian cultural and historical gem  think about coming to Russia in summer. More than 30 crews from Russia, Sweeden, Finland and Norway are to take part in annual traditional shipbuilding and navigation “Kizhskaya regata” from 30th of July to 5 of August. Some say the event is even more bright than famous Historical Regatta in Venice.  It is the first Russian competition in which sportsmen should use traditional wooden boats. Kids and adults come to the festival in order to:

• Try themselves in all sorts of marine professions from boat builders to the keepers of Kizhi museums;
• To choose the best boat constructed by Russian and foreign artists and learn more about Onego shipping traditions;
• To taste famous Karelian fish soup;
• To make their own wooden souvenirs, listen to folk bands and get driven away by locals’ performances.
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THE GREATEST SOVIET COMEDY DIRECTOR WOULD BE 95 TODAY!

If you like Soviet comedies you have definitely heard of Leonid Gaidai

He was one of the most popular Soviet comedy directors, enjoying immense popularity and broad public recognition in the former USSR and modern Russia. His movies broke theatre attendance records and are still some of the top-selling DVDs in Russia.

Here are top 5 Soviet movies directed by Leonid Gaidai that you really should see

5. ДВЕНАДЦАТЬ СТУЛЬЕВ (Twelve chairs), 1971

This brilliant movie is an adaptation of the novel, The Twelve Chairs, written by the Odessan Soviet authors Ilf and Petrov. It tells us a story about a former aristocrat Ippolit Vorobyaninov, who leads a miserable life in Soviet Russia. His mother-in-law reveals a secret to him – she hid family diamonds in one of the twelve chairs they once had. Vorobyaninov in cooperation with a young con artist Ostap Bender start a long search for the diamonds.

4. ОПЕРАЦИЯ „Ы“ И ДРУГИЕ ПРИКЛЮЧЕНИЯ ШУРИКА (Operation Y and Shurik’s Other Adventures), 1965

The movie was a hit and became the leader of Soviet film distribution in 1965. The film consists of three independent parts: “Workmate” (Напарник, Naparnik), “Déjà vu” (Наваждение, Navazhdeniye) and “Operation Y” (Операция „Ы“). The plot follows the adventures of Shurik, the naive and nerdy Soviet student who often gets into ludicrous situations but always finds a way out very neatly.

3. КАВКАЗСКАЯ ПЛЕННИЦА (The Caucasian Prisoner), 1967

Shurik is a main character of this movie too. In this eccentric comedy he goes to the Caucasus for work and meets local chief Saakhov, a man full of guile. He, with an assistance of the famous crooks Trus, Balbes and Byvaly, abducts the beautiful Nina.

2. ИВАН ВАСИЛЬЕВИЧ МЕНЯЕТ ПРОФЕССИЮ (Ivan Vasilievich Changes Professions), 1973

An eccentric comedy based on M. Bulgakov’s play “Ivan Vassilevich” about a time machine, which helps czar Ivan the Terrible get into the XXth century, and a house-manager Bunsh burglar Gorge into Old Russia.

1. БРИЛЛИАНТОВАЯ РУКА (The Diamond Arm), 1969

It’s a brilliant comedy about a modest clerk, Semyon Semyonovich, who during his tour abroad gets into the middle of a smuggling operation. He is taken for a messenger and a piece of plaster of Paris jewelry is applied on his hand to get them over the border.

Have you ever seen the Goidai’s movies, and what’s your favorite? Let us know in a comment