Friday November 13, 2009
Those who have travelled across Russia know how easy it is to cross time zones. Moscow and St. Petersburg follow Moscow time, but travel from the western region of Russia to its eastern destinations requires adjustments to watches and sleep schedules. For example, if you fly from Moscow to Novosibirsk or Tomsk, you'll be three hours ahead upon arrival; arrival in Krasnoyarsk will add an additional hour. Russia has more time zones (11) than any other country in the world. President Dmitri Medvedev has proposed reducing the number of time zones in Russia to facilitate both governance and business, but a change in time zones will also affect travel.
The number of time zones Russia can boast represents its size and territorial diversity. Russia has always prided itself on its geographical expansiveness, and Medvedev's proposal to reduce the number of time zones seems like a departure from the grandstanding Russia has often been known for. However, Russia could compromise on the issue, increasing its national efficiency while still maintaining a greater number of time zones than the U.S., which has only 6. This would serve to remind everyone that, while the two countries have historically competed on various world arenas for recognition and stature, Russia is still undisputedly bigger.
BBC article about the proposed restructuring of time zones in Russia: Changing Times in Russia.
Wednesday November 11, 2009
Many of Poland's holidays offer travelers special opportunities to observe or participate in Polish annual traditions. Whether you're waiting in the cold for New Year's fireworks in Krakow's Market Square or you're watching a Corpus Christi procession, your experience with seasonal celebrations in Poland will offer you plenty of photo opportunities, unique memories, and a greater understanding of Polish culture and history. For example, today, November 11, is Poland's Independence Day, which celebrates the attainment of statehood by Poland in 1918.
Tuesday November 10, 2009
Sweet and spicy, easy to store, and perfect for cutting into decorative shapes, gingerbread has enjoyed a long history in Eastern Europe, and it is still a popular wintertime treat. In fact, some cities in Eastern Europe, like Torun, Poland, are renowned for their gingerbread. Gingerbread in Poland often takes the form of cookies, or pierniczki, but gingerbread houses are also popular. However, Poland isn't the only country in East or East Central Europe that enjoys gingerbread - you'll find recipes for gingerbread in cookbooks from most countries of the region.
Sample gingerbread at Eastern Europe's Christmas Markets or make some yourself for decoration or to share with loved ones during the holidays.
Barbara Rolek, About.com's Guide to East European Food, offers recipes and information about gingerbread:
Polish Gingerbread Fish Ornament photo credit: iStockphoto/roomauction
Monday November 9, 2009
Russians call their version of Santa Claus Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost. While Ded Moroz shares some traits with the Western Santa, his outstanding qualities are all Russian. He wears a long, fur-lined coat decorated with embroidery and tall valenki, his chosen mode of transportation is a troika, and his companion is a lovely young girl called Snegurochka.
Ded Moroz makes his appearance on New Year's Eve rather than Christmas Eve, visiting the houses of good children all over Russia, who may have written to him at his address in Veliky Ustyug, his official hometown.
More Russian Culture Monday
Ded Moroz and Snegurochka photo credit: iStockphoto/oleg66
