Mushrooms, like Russian vodka, caviar, and blini, are an essential element to the Russian diet. Russian mushrooms have replaced meat during Lent, rescued populations from starvation during times of famine, and commanded high prices on the international market. Mushrooms feature as main or complementary ingredients in the dishes of Russian traditional food. Pickled, dried, or fresh, they are worked into delicious recipes like tempting mushroom strudel.

Mushrooms make their way to Russian tables by way of hard work and cooperative effort. Mushroom hunting often involves whole families (and maybe their guests, too), and most of the time it is a way to enjoy nature with loved ones - though the act of mushroom hunting is so ingrained in Russian culture that Russian mushroom hunters have even been known to risk their lives to gather the edible fungi! The knowledge might seem esoteric to non-Russians, but it is not uncommon for a Russian person to know how, when, and where to gather mushrooms, as well as what types of mushrooms are desirable (and, alternatively, which ones are poisonous). Russians have been perfecting the art of mushroom hunting for centuries, and members of the Russian diaspora have carried the tradition with to the States and other countries.

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Mushrooms in a Russian Khokhloma-Style Bowl photo credit: iStockphoto/Serega

Buda Castle, a major attraction in Budapest, is a must-see for the first-time visitor. Buda Castle houses the Budapest History Museum, where you can gain an understanding about how Budapest (and the castle) functioned in the past. The Hungarian National Gallery, also located in Buda Castle, will introduce you to famous Hungarian artists. Though this castle has seen its share of destruction, its present incarnation acts as a symbol of Hungary's capital city and anchors the present to the past.

• Buda Castle

Buda Castle at Night photo credit: iStockphoto/ene

Rising above Mala Strana, Prague's Castle District can be seen from various points in the city - consider climbing the Charles Bridge tower to snap some photographs of Castle Hill. But visitors to Praha should not only enjoy the Castle District from afar. Hradcany, as it is known in Czech, is full of attractions, including Strahov Monastery, the Museum of Military History, and of course, Prague Castle.

• Castle District Prague

Archbishop's Palace in Prague's Castle District Photo Credit: Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com

Obama is visiting Russia this week, and most people are wondering how the trip will affect US-Russian relations. "Anti-American" sentiments currently impede the prospect of closer ties between the Kremlin and Washington, though Hilary Clinton tried to break the ice and set goals for a new arms treaty earlier this year.

Whether or not you're interested in politics or foreign relations, you can take advantage of how Russian culture capitalizes on current events by adding an Obama matryoshka doll to your Russian souvenir collection. Matryoshka dolls of political leaders also make creative conversation pieces and timely gifts. Russian leaders matryoshka dolls have long been popular, and their presence is now expected at stalls that sell more traditional style matryoshki. Political matryoshka dolls typically feature the current leader on the largest doll with past leaders hidden inside. You can find these dolls when you travel to Russia or purchase them online.

More Russian Culture Monday

• The Tretyakov Gallery
• Russian's Love for Ice Cream
• Stalinist Architecture
• Russian Culture Monday Archive

Obama and Medvedev Matryoshka Dolls photo credit: Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images,