Boring Old Russia

I have to admit it: I love a good, rough-and-tumble political campaign. And yet, Russia’s recent presidential campaign—which almost made Soviet-era elections look unpredictable—was somehow enjoyable. After a decade marked by coup attempts, parliament sieges, wildly optimistic economic programs, cabinet reshufflings and Caucasian wars, boring is good. It is easy to see why Russians welcome the steady hand of the “enlightened Chekist,” Vladimir Putin.

Russia deserves a bit of peace, a bit of political boredom. Hopefully President Putin will bring this. Plus sober economic prosperity. Russia needs that too.

Already, there are positive signs in the offing. As this issue was going to press, it was reported that Russia’s monthly inflation for March was just 0.6%, or less than one-third of what it was two months previous.

A stable economy and boring political landscape might be just what the doctor ordered to revitalize Russia’s inbound tourist market. If this issue’s Annual Travel Buyer’s Guide (see pages 51-64) is any indication (it is twice as big as last year), local travel service providers are bullish. Sounds like time to arrange that Golden Ring tour! Just check the guide to find everything from where to stay and eat to whom to entrust with your visa process.

Meanwhile, with the rest of this issue, we offer a very eclectic mix of stories. It includes our cover story on a sport you don’t expect Russians to be playing, a general the West writes little about, a writer whose influence is underestimated and two towns in Western Siberia that few of us will ever visit. Baseball, Suvorov, Chekhov, Tyumen and Tobolsk would only be found together in the pages of this magazine.

One other part of our magazine that has been growing with each issue is our Events Calendar. It seems that the number of Russia-related events going on outside Russia is ever on the increase. We find it hard to keep up with them all! But we will certainly continue to try. For the latest listings, be sure to bookmark our online Events Calendar at: www.russian-life.com. While you are at it, check out the rest of our fast-growing website. By the time this issue reaches you, we will have added a dynamic, constantly updated version of our Annual Travel Buyer’s Guide. Soon, travel providers will be listing their trips and tours there and you will be able to request information of them directly from the Guide!

Speaking of important events: a select few (200, actually) Russophiles will join us on July 2 for a dinner cruise and our 3rd Annual International Vodka Taste-Off. The past two Taste-Offs have sold out very quickly, so make your reservations now and join us in Burlington, Vermont for a great evening—one that promises to be anything but boring!

Enjoy the issue.

Paul Richardson

Publisher & Editor