Taste Russian

Cuisine

Russian cuisine is one of the most popular and widely spread in the world. Because Russia is mainly a northern country with a severe long winter, the food has to provide energy and warmth to survive during the winter time. So, the essential components of Russian cuisine are the ones, which provide more carbohydrates and fat rather than proteins. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rarely used in food. Russian dishes are generally easy to cook and do not demand much skill and special ingredients. If you can hold a cooking knife and know how to peel potatoes you will be able to cook delicious Russian dishes!

Some famous dishes include:

• Beef goulash
• "Ushnoye" (Russian Stew)
• Rasstegai (small open pie with filling)
• Ukranian borsch
• Pozharskiye chops
• Kiev style chicken
• Potato vareniki

Ballet

Russian ballet is a particular form of ballet characteristic of or originating from Russia. The two major Russian ballet companies are Kirov-Mariinsky and Bolshoi. The Bolshoi company is the most internationally famous. The original purpose of the ballet in Russia was to entertain the royal court. However by the early 19th century, the theatres were opened up to anyone who could afford a ticket. The cheaper seats were in the seating section called a rayok, or 'paradise gallery', that consisted of simple wooden benches. It is unlikely that those dancers who entertained the kings of the Renaissance era could foresee that they were sowing the seeds of the art, which millions of people all over the world enjoy today.

Doing business in Russian speaking countries

Russia is a vast and diverse nation that after several decades of communism continues to evolve politically and economically. With the world's largest resource of raw materials, oil and gas revenues heavily support Russia's economy. Recently, within the big cities, a consumer economy has been established. This, along with an improvement in the country's financial position has raised business and investor confidence in Russia's economic prospects.

Some facts about making business in Russia:

• Businessmen in Russia usually wear suits that are dark and well tailored along with good dress shoes. A businessman’s wardrobe demonstrates the individual’s image as a professional.
• Women dress rather conservatively, avoiding overly flashy or gaudy outfits and skirts should be worn rather than trousers.
• As a foreigner, you are expected to be on time to all business appointments. However, your Russian counterpart may be late, as this may be a test of your patience. However, they will expect you to be punctual.
• Russians are known as great "sitters" during negotiations, this demonstrates their tremendous patience.
• Be sure to have plenty of business cards with double sides of information. One side should be printed in English, the other side in Russian.
• Paperwork and putting pen to paper is an essential part of all working practices in Russia. In general, they have little faith in unsigned documents.
• The hierarchical structure in Russian business practices means that the decision makers higher up have authority over their subordinates. However, the nature of the collective good often encourages a flexible and democratic work ethos.
• Although many principal concerns are discussed in an informal environment final negotiations will be conducted in the office.
• DO partake in small talk, which normally involves talk of family and personal matters, before dealing with business.