In which we review Dina Rubina's Leonardo's Handwriting, and the nonfiction book, The Pianos of Siberia.

For several generations of Russians, few things signal Christmas and New Year’s better than tangerines. So we offer a delicious holiday cake built around this fruit.

Raised between classy Moscow and a farm in Krasnodar region, Elena Manienan learned a few things from both her grandmothers and is spreading the love at her remote hotel and eco-village.

Who says Russians are cold and inscrutable? Kamchatka's new "Ministry of Happiness" seeks to spread joy and wellbeing.

A recently defeated incumbent politician has turned off the water supply in part of his district. Out of spite.

This week, education is worth fighting for; corrupt officials go for all-or-nothing; and Lenin's mausoleum makeover is cancelled.

This week, we're abandoning all pretense of mature adulthood. We've got cool shotguns, exploding caves, and a teacher who just couldn't wait. Gosh, mom, get out of my room!

The veneration and preservation of nature are at the root of Mari culture. We get a unique inside look at their most sacred annual ritual of worship.

The Mari People * Life in Isolation * Russia's Discovery of Antarctica * Raspberry Picking * Semyonovsky Revolt * Battle on the Ugra * Sergei Bondarchuk * Table Russian * Bird Language * Apple Fritters * Chicks the TV Series * Kamchatka and Belarus

We have all had to experience some unplanned isolation during the pandemic. So we decided to visit some Russians who have long been living isolated lives.

Some of Russia's less-traveled regions are hoping to grow a booming ecotourism sector.

A herd of camels, released by an 83-year-old pensioner, is wreaking havoc in Astrakhan region.