Culture & Customs

Text of an interview Pet Hawk author Dmitry Chen gave to Moscow News, upon the release of the book in Russian, in 2007.

Ever wonder why Soviet houses looked so drab, colorless, and interchangeable? It all started with Nikita Khrushchev's battle against architectural excess, and continues to plague Russia to this day.

In addition to highlighting local issues, Moscow's mayoral race has generated lively discussions of various national topics. Front and center among these is Russia's immigration and migrant worker policy.

A consideration of the storied antonovka apple, and a recipe for a delicate recipe, Souffleed Baked Apples.

A tale of two long distance road races – Russia’s oldest and its most prestigious – and what they tell us about the state of running and fitness in Russia.

A compendium of 13 useful websites for persons interested in traveling to Russia, covering everything from the latest visa information to cruises, to what not to do when in Russia (etiquette).

Summer is a time for cool dishes. Like Okroshka. Typically made from kvass, we offer an alternative recipe for those living in the kvass desert known as America.

A look at Putin's recent divorce announcement, Russia attitudes toward divorce, and how the capital is coping with the imposition of paid parking in the center.

Each year, thousands of hikers are drawn to the Caucasus, convinced it will be no problem to scale Europe’s highest peak. After all, it’s only 18,510 feet, and a rail car can take you up to the base camp at 12,500 feet. But Elbrus is a devious mountain.

The Great Siberian Tea Road, a historic and legendary route that once connected China and Siberia with European Russia, was one of the world’s longest trade arteries. We retrace its path, geographically and culturally.

Easter is here, and that means it's time for Maria Nikolayevna's Paskha!