Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning across two continents, it plays a big role in today's economics and politics. It has centuries worth of a rich history, full of faith, persecution, and restoration that has made it into the world superpower it is today.
1. The unique culture
Russia has a unique and diverse culture that makes it stand out from every other European country. It has a very distinct European feel, but as you start traveling east, each region has its own characteristics. The capital, Moscow, is the best representation of everything Russians hold dear to their hearts. It shows in the spiraling, flaming colors of St. Basil's Cathedral's cupolas, the Kremlin's towers guarding some of the city's oldest churches and its central government. If you were to travel to Kazan, the capital of the Tatar Republic, you would see something very different. This is where "East meets West." The Kazan Kremlin guards not only the Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral, but also the Kul Sharif Mosque; a sign of peace between the two faiths as the cultures merge. This is only one example of the many ways each city shows a different perspective on Russia's culture and lifestyles.
2. The history
Russia's history is a fascinating story of the Prince Vladimir's conversion of Rus to Orthodox Christianity, the Tatar-Mongol period, flashing forward to the Bolshevik Revolution, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the formation of the Russian Federation as it rebuilds itself to its former glory and discovers its national identity. The stories of saints, martyrs, national heroes and villains will leave you fascinated.
3. National and religious monuments
In Russian, there is a saying that translates to "Moscow-the golden domed city", which rings true because everywhere you go, the countless churches' golden cupolas can be seen in the distance. No country has such a love for soaring cathedrals, intricate architecture that makes no two churches alike, and pride in its tumultuous but inspiring history as Russia does. The national and religious monuments, from the State Historical Museum to Christ the Savior Cathedral, had me in awe of their beauty.
4. The food
From borscht, (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings) to many other famous Russian dishes, you will find great authentic food wherever you go, I promise it won't be a disappointment. One of the things I miss most about home while I'm at college is my mom's Russian cooking, it's on the top of my list for things I'm most excited about for breaks.
5. The community
Russians are the craziest, liveliest and most outgoing group of people I know. I mean, have you seen the way Muscovites celebrated their team's breakthrough into the World Cup quarter-finals this past summer? Every single car was honking on the streets, Moscow's main streets were throwing block parties, natives and visitors were celebrating together like never before. Each city has a welcoming and warm atmosphere that showcases its culture in the best light, really giving tourists a sense of community during their stay.
As someone whose entire family is from Russia, it, of course, feels like coming home every time I go back there. I hope that these 5 reasons out of the countless numbers I can think of, will make you put Russia down as your next destination trip. I promise you won't be disappointed.
