July 01, 2011 The Grand Theater Since the Bolshoi Theater (founded 1776) is indeed Bolshoi (i.e. big and grand), perhaps it is not surprising that it has seen its share of problems over its 200-plus-year history.
July 01, 2011 Riviera Russians Since at least the days of Turgenev, Russians have flocked to the French and Italian Rivieras to escape northern winters. A new direct train, the first since the Revolution, may ignite that tradition anew. [Includes full page sidebar on Russian Churches on the Riviera.] Russians Abroad
July 01, 2011 Time Waits For No One The clock atop Moscow’s Spasskaya Tower is as central, geographically and metaphorically to Russian life as Big Ben is for the British. But that was not always the case. History
July 01, 2011 Conflict in the Caucasus Russia has a long history of fascination with and love for all things Georgian, be it wine, literature or landscape. But there has also been recurrent conflict and even war. In recent years, conflict has all but completely eclipsed collaboration. We explore why. History
July 01, 2011 A Russo-German Libation The art of Ivan Bilibin spurs a consideration of the history of beer brewing in Russia.
July 01, 2011 To Market, To Market! Moscow’s bustling food markets are colorful, clamorous, exciting places. And much of what goes on there lies hidden behind the superficial din. This is a story of pesto, plov and piglets.
July 01, 2011 Potyomkin Press Conference It was announced as a major press conference, and the rumor was that Medvedev would announce his reelection campaign. Not. Politics
July 01, 2011 Six Books and a Movie Reviews of the books "Made in Russia," "The Hottest Dishes of the Tatar Cuisine," "Moscow Believes in Tears," "Romanov Riches," "The Suitcase," "Russian Magic," and the film "How I Ended this Summer."
July 01, 2011 Cucumbers and Fighter Jets You never know what you are going to find when you wander Russian roads.