During the 20th century, Russia converted from a rather corrupt monarchy to communism. Alas, communism didn’t turn out to be much better with leaders such as Joseph Stalin indiscriminately slaughtering much of the population through ill advised planning. Eventually, the Russians changed their mind and converted to a rough form of Democracy in 1991. Thereafter, the various satellite companies controlled by the former Soviet Union began breaking off and claiming independence. Democracy has been an up and down prospect for Russia. While Ferraris drive the streets of Moscow, the rest of the country can go months without heating. This contrast brings up a unique aspect of the cultural heritage of Russia.

In Russia, it is all about Moscow. Moscow gets everything first, while the rest of the country is really left to fend for itself. If you travel through Russia, you’ll be stunned at the differences including infrastructure and standard of living. Russia has gone through fits and starts in the change to Democracy. The Russian Mafia is legendary and has its hands in everything. At one point in the late 90s, only 7 percent of people paid taxes. Fortunately, things have begun to turn around under the reign of President Vladimir Putin. The mafia has lost some of its power or at least become less obvious. The foreign debt while represented 90 percent of the gross domestic product is now down into the teens. Real income for ordinary Russians is growing at about 12 percent on average. All and all, the country finally seems to be getting its ducks in a row.

Russian champagne is excellent, too, and is nearly as widely available although it was once reserved only for the Russian aristocracy. If you don’t like having a bottle in your suitcase, though, you can bring an ornamental metal box of Krasnodar tea as an alternative souvenir of your holidays in Russia. Matryoshka dolls – First made in 1890, Matryoshka dolls or Russian nesting dolls are another popular Russian souvenir. They are especially popular for their unique style and can be an interesting display for your living room.

These beautiful boxes make great gifts and souvenirs of your holidays in Russia. You’ll have to distinguish between the authentic ones and the mass-produced ones, though. It’s easy – the real ones are far more expensive and come with a certificate of authenticity. Amber is a fossilized resin often classified as a gemstone, and most of it can be found on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Because of this, amber pendants and beads are sold in most Russian souvenir shops. If you want something more classy, you can buy Alexandrites instead, which are rarer than diamonds and change color depending on the light source. Keep in mind that they are more expensive, too, though.

Fur hats – Also called Ushanka, Russian fur hats are considered one of the most stylish hats in the world. They are very practical during the winter, too, especially since they come with ear flaps. Whether you come from a country with freezing temperatures from time to time or simply want to make a fashion statement, it’s a good idea to buy Russian fur hats as souvenirs of your holidays in Russia.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union more than a decade ago, more and more foreigners are traveling to Russia now for business and leisure. However, it can still be a difficult place if you are unable to speak their language. Fortunately, you will find that the Russians are incredibly warm and inviting hosts most of the time. If you are looking for some where that takes you away from the normal holiday routes then you should consider Russia as one of your must visit place.

The Trans-Siberian Railway or Trans-Siberian Railroad is a network of railways connecting Moscow and European Russia with the Russian Far East provinces, Mongolia, China and the Sea of Japan. During this journey, you will travel from Vladivostok Moscow to the wilds of Khabarovsk in the heart of Mongolia. You will also get to visit Lake Baikal and the snowcapped mountains of the Urals. This journey is a total of 6,135 miles in distance and you will pass through 8 different time zones during the journey. The trains are very comfortable, but it is the beauty of the country as you pass through the various areas that really gets an adventurer excited! However, if you think this a bit staid for an adventurous journey in Russia, you could try the following instead.

With this type of adventure travel, you are given a chance to add your name to the very small list of people who have already made this epic journey in the past. This is certainly the more challenging of any types of adventure travel that you may find, but it will be worth it when you reach the top of the world. When traveling through the Arctic you will notice that everything seems bigger, the icebergs are massive and the horizon just seems to go on forever. You will board an icebreaker at Murmansk, Russia and sail into the Barents Sea before breaking into the dense Arctic ice. You will experience an ever-changing panorama of wind-polished ice up to five meters thick and enjoy the immense polar landscapes from the Bridge or deck of the ship. And along the way, you can expect to encounter a variety of Arctic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus.

St Petersburg and Moscow have pick pockets and muggers especially in and near railway stations. These may involve children and women. Theft from hotel rooms and cars is a problem. Beware of strangers in bars and night clubs who may spike your drinks in order to rob you. Several tourists have been held up at knife point in St Petersburg and robbed on public transport. Bogus police officers operate in both cities. Racist attacks may also occur by skinheads on Asians and Afro Caribbeans.

Moscow is the Capital of the largest geographical country in the world which has a population of over 145 million living in eleven time zones. 82 percent of the population are Russian with the other 18 percent being made up of more than one hundred nationalities. The official currency is the rouble, but American dollars are widely accepted.

The leading religions are Orthodox Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Buddist. Climate is moderate. The average temperature in July and August is 20 in December and January 10. The humidity is moderate. The Moscows winters are, as a rule, cold and snowy. Moscow is conveniently sited in the centre of Russias European part where the rivers Moskva and Yauza cross the Central Russian Plateau.

Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re awakened with a newfound strength ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colourful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.