Russia is a hard country to travel in. It’s one of the reasons we chose to go with G Adventures on their 8 day Golden Ring of Russia trip. For the first time, we were met with a true language barrier and a bit of culture shock. Things are just different in Russia. But for every frustrating moment we had, it was replaced by 3 amazing moments that would make us wonder what exactly we’d been frustrated over in the first place. Certainly traveling with our G Adventures CEO (Chief Experience Officer), Daria, made things worlds easier. Not only did she act as a translator, Daria shared story after story of what it was like to grow up in Russia. Short of carrying around a recorder, I’d never remember all she shared. But to kick off our time in Russia, we thought we’d share these 10 fun facts about Russia we learned from our time there:
Our G Adventures group posing at Peterhof
1. Moscow has more billionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Russia’s capital boasts more billionaire residents than any other city in the world – 79 to be exact, according to Forbes. Even without Forbes confirming, it’s easy to believe since we spotted just about every make of luxury car including more Rolls Royce’s than we’d even seen in Monaco.
Loved these easy to use guides at each station!
2. Moscow has the 3rd busiest metro in the world.
Topping the list of the world’s busiest metros at number three, just behind Toyko and Seoul, there are 12 lines and more than 6 million people ride the Moscow Metro daily. Sound a bit intimidating? It was actually one of the easiest metros we’ve ever used and never had to wait more than 40 seconds between trains. There’s even a clock at each stop to time it!
Scowling Russian Nesting Dolls
3. Russians are taught not to smile in school.
Russia regularly takes first place on lists of the World’s Least Friendly Countries. I personally think that Russians are just misunderstood. Our G Adventures CEO, Daria, told us that Russians are taught not to smile in school. And despite being met with scowls, most Russians were friendly and willing to help us translate or point us in the right direction when temporarily lost.
Rub the nose of the dog with your left hand to be blessed with riches
4. Russians have a lot of superstitions.
From rubbing a dog’s paw (but only with your left hand!) for money to making a wish if you could successfully toss a coin into Peter the Great’s boot, we learned about a lot of superstitions. But my favorite was how Russians selected where to build their homes in ancient times. Of course, it was a superstition that the first to enter a new house would die, so naturally they’d send a cat in first. They have nine lives after all! If the cat refused to enter, they’d tear down the structure and re-build somewhere else.
How many brides can you spot?
5. Russian brides go on a city tour after getting married.
I think we saw more Russian brides in 10 days traveling in Russia than I ever saw in 6 years of living in Las Vegas. We saw them posing in front of famous churches like St. Basil’s and Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, at parks, and even on boats along St. Petersburg’s canals. It’s tradition for a newly married couple to go on a city tour immediately following the ceremony.
She walked for blocks in those shoes!
6. Russian women really do walk around in 6-inch heels.
Russia = the land of fabulous shoes. And Russian women never failed to amaze me as they traversed the cobbled streets in 6-inch stilettos, never faltering. Perhaps all the vodka numbs the feet?
One building of the beautifully ornate Hermitage
7. If you spent 2 minutes looking at each exhibit in the Hermitage, it would take you 6 years to see everything.
The Hermitage is huge. Massive. Comprised of six buildings, there are over 3 million exhibits inside. It’s also one of the largest and oldest museums in the world and was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764.
Kremlin and the wooden Church of St. Nicholas
8. The village of Suzdal is only 15 square kilometers but has an incredible 53 churches.
Suzdal is full of picturesque charm. Even though the population is now over 10,000, it retains its small village feel and charm. There is a beautiful juxtaposition between Russian architecture and farmland. The sun had broke through the clouds just in time for sunset and we literally frolicked in a meadow as the golden sun illuminated the Kremlin and wooden church of St. Nicholas.
Standing on a bridge, taking a photo of a bridge
9. St. Petersburg has three times as many bridges as Venice.
Many cities – Bruges, Amsterdam, and Hamburg, to name a few – are all dubbed the “Venice of the North”. St. Petersburg is also on that list, and dare I say, is much more romantic than Venice itself. We had sunny days and the golden hour before sunset was our favorite time to wander the city. We’d pause on some of the city’s over 1000 bridges that cross the canals to watch golden onion domes glisten and spires sparkle.
10. The Trans-Siberian Railway crosses 8 time zones, goes through 87 cities and towns, and crosses 16 rivers including the Volga.
Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest single railway in the world, we only traversed a teeny-tiny part on an overnight train journey from Yaroslavl to St. Petersburg. But hey, we were on the Trans-Siberian Railway!
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing everything from our trip to Russia. I hope you enjoyed this teaser!
Our trip to Russia was sponsored in part by G Adventures. As always, all opinions are entirely our own.
Stef says
seriously? 8 time zones? That’s just crazy. And why are children not allowed to smile? Very interesting post indeed! I’m happy you had a nice trip and can’t wait to read more about different Russian destinations later. have a good week you two!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
There’s a famous Soviet poster “Ne Boltai” (Do not Chatter) that sort of explains it all with the no smiling thing. It’s more about not smiling at strangers because history taught Russians to trust no one. Also in the smaller villages, it was thought that you must be a simpleton if you go around smiling for no reason. Just a very different culture!
Alex says
omg) I’ve studied in a Russian school. Of course you can smile. You shouldn’t laugh and yell, but I think its normal for the learning process.
Russians prefer not to smile at each other on the street, because they thinks that smile should be sincere (honest).
Sean says
Jennifer, it is strange to hear how u, western ppl, expectin to see and discover some bizarre things in Russia – country of so many wanders and warm-hearted ppl!
Петко Василев says
After 71 years of communism who will be able to smile ? It’s can’t be explained .
Alexey says
Hey, my foreign friends. As it was written above,
we really need the reason to smile for unknown people. Here if your smile to every one everywhere, you could be taken as not really mental healthy. We use a smile to express the ourself emotions, not the attitude to other person. E.i. if you did a favor to me (anything) you will get my smile back.
Maksim says
Hello! I’m from Russia and I am 12.
In the school we don’t have a lessons in smiling.
Sorry for translation errors
Val Dawson says
Wow! I can't believe children aren't allowed to smile! Russia seems so exotic!
Olga says
Don’t believe everything you read
Of course Russians smile, just don’t hold the grin all the time. That’s more of an American habit. As a matter of fact, in many cultures it’s not very common to keep smiling at strangers for no particular reason.
Myk says
Probably people are the same. More or less. The friendliest nurse i hae was russian. Named olga. Lollol
Dave Briggs says
Some lovely photos, especially of the Hermitage 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Dave! We had fantastic weather while in St. Petersburg. Nothing but sunshine and blue skies.
Larry says
The Hermitage is beautiful and I’m sure would have some very interesting artifacts. Very nice photos.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Moscow has some beautiful buildings, like St. Basil’s, but St. Petersburg is just a stark contrast where every building is Baroque style and ornate and over-the-top. We, unfortunately, didn’t have time to visit the Hermitage to see any of the exhibits. 3 days just wasn’t nearly enough for St. Petersburg.
Erika Blake says
Awesome! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!
T.W. Anderson @ Marginal Boundaries says
Awesome! Good to know you guys are enjoying your time there. Looks like a blast! Beautiful scenery. And talk about an epic train ride =)
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We really did enjoy our time there! Russia is subjective and it was like we had an entirely different trip than some others in our group, who didn’t quite come away with the same feelings we did. It’s just such a different mindset there and you really have to be open to it.
Ankur Jee says
What exactly is in the mind one should keep to travel Moscow? People are cold or born like that attitude problem ?
Cathy Sweeney says
What a great trip. I love all these interesting fun facts. I knew a Russian woman who had come to the U.S. several years ago. She told me about how it shocked her at first that total strangers would smile at her.. She would almost feel angry about it. But I didn’t know that they learned that at school!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
They just have such a long history of being taught to trust no one. It’s not that Russians don’t smile at all; it’s that they don’t smile at strangers. There’s just sort of suspicion about everyone until you work your way in and convince them you’re okay.
Katie says
I could not believe the shoes when I was there – especially since it was winter and the sidewalks were covered in slush and ice. Those women have super powers, I’m sure of it.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Haha, they must have super powers! The shoes are just unbelievable. I’d love to see them walking around in stiletto boots in winter. I can barely walk on the slush and ice in flat boots without biting it!
Leigh says
What a truly fascinating set of facts. I do wonder how the billionaires ended up so rich. I knew there were a lot but 79 in one city – WOW. I would never be a good Russian woman as there is no chance I could totter more than 10 feet in 6″ heels.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Isn’t it insane? Russians show off their wealth, particularly with the car you drive and an extravagant watch.
Heather says
Those scowling nesting dolls are hilarious! I wouldn’t have pegged the Russians as having much of a sense of humor.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We thought they were hilarious too! I think Russians do have a sense of humor; they’re just not so open about it.
Jessica says
I’m really looking forward to your posts about Russia – it seems like a really cool place, but I feel like I don’t know much about it. And the 6-inch heel thing? Japanese women wear them all the time too, and it blows my mind. They even wear them on long walking tours – I’m definitely not that tough!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I feel like we only began to scratch the surface and realized just how little I knew about Russia before going! Such a fascinating country and history.
Katherine Belarmino says
I think you’re on to something there with the vodka numbing the feet theory. I love the superstitions. I’m kind of superstitious myself. Now I know to rub my dogs’ paws with my left hand from now on! Also good to know about the culture shock. We don’t take many tours, but it sounds like joining a tour for Russia would be far less stressful.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
This was our first ever group tour and normally don’t like tours either. I’m really glad we did go with G Adventures and had a born and bred Russian leading our way. Her stories were fantastic and listening to them really helped us learn more about Russia.
Kay says
You’re so right, Jennifer! Enjoed this post. I’ve just came from Belarus. I met 12 brides within 45 minutes 🙂 And heels… they wear them as we wear snickers 🙂 ladies wear very fashionable outfits all the time.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
They are SO stylish! Definitely the most stylish Europeans I’ve ever seen. It really is like walking down the street with a bunch of super models.
Frank says
Great post and fabulous photos!
Frank (bbqboy)
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Frank!
Marina K. Villatoro says
Figures it has more billionaires 🙂 ALl that Russian Mobster work.
I’m Russian, born there and my parents were born and raised there. I’ll have to say that the G Adventures CEO should do some more research about the smiles, Completely and totally untrue! Kind of like the song from Sting that Russians love their children too. falls into the wtf category.
The scowls are more likely from Putins repression and even though there are tons of billionaires there are also more than ever poor people as well.
Russia is a gorgeous country but with a lot of problems that dont seem to get better with time.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Our G Adventures CEO is also born there. She’s from Moscow and learned not to smile in school. We also found some other references to this online. Perhaps, like in the US where people are taught different things based upon where they are from, this is true of Russia? It is a huge country, after all!
Marina K. Villatoro says
I guess, My parents studied in Odessa, siberia and St. Petersburg. But this might be the new weird thing Russia is doing.
Who knows the reasons for what they do in many things.
Kenin Bassart says
Looks wonderful! I want to do the whole trans-siberian one day. I’ve always been fascinated by Russia! Beautiful pics.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I’d definitely like to go back to Russia and see Siberia! We really enjoyed our time there seeing the cities, so I have no doubt we’ll love Russia’s more adventurous side.
Andrea says
You’ve made me really want to go!!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Then my job is done! 😉
Leslie says
Great post! Russia looks really interesting.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Russia was definitely interesting! We’ve got much more to come about our time there, so hope you come back and follow along!
Linda Bibb says
I’m enjoying your posts about Russia. I’ve wanted to visit for years. I like the insights about how people have a different perspective, and it would be interesting to go to a culture where no one smiles. It’s a stark contrast to some Asian countries, where they smile all the time because they don’t want the demons to know what upsets them.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The culture was just so different; definitely more so than I anticipated. It’s a huge tourist destination for Asians, so I wonder how they feel about the not smiling since they are the complete opposite.
Lee says
I found it interesting that you said Russians are taught in school not to smile, but what would make this a stronger post, would be if you explain WHY they are taught this? Did you ask your Russian guide?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Yes. Russians have such a long history of being taught to trust no one. It’s not that they don’t smile at all; it’s that they don’t smile at strangers. There’s just sort of suspicion about everyone until you work your way in and convince them you’re okay. Smaller villages also equated smiling for no reason to being a simpleton.
Mike says
Hi Jennifer! This post was so much fun! I had heard about some of these trivia facts. But, my favorites were that they are taught not to smile in school….what?! The supersitions part was good. But WOW, on the Trans-Siberia Railway. That totally put the size of the country into amazing perspective compared to the United States. Look forward to catching up soon with you guys again on your blog! 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Isn’t is insane? Eight time zones…still blows my mind! The continental US only covers 3 time zones.
Abby says
Loved this. I could NEVER walk around all day in heels!
Inessa says
Hi Jennifer, I was really fascinated by reading your post. I am Russian but have been living in Australia for the last 25 years. Smiling to a stranger is in my blood now. When I visited Russia in 2000 for the first time, my sister saw me walking into a shop smiling and saying hello. She said: “I know you are kind of different now after so many years living overseas but you look like nuts here. Can you please stop smiling to everyone?’ I was laughing my head off.
Robert says
Ребята привет!)я из России,город ижевск( в котором производят автоматы калашников)удивительно читать про наш народ,глазами гражданина другого континента и государства.очень многое описанное так и есть,но факт про улыбки)))быть такого не может)
Улыбка в вашу сторону от русского-это знак доверия,дружелюбия и добра.без дела и повода,улыбатся у нас могут только в дурдоме.по сути мы приветливы и дружелюбны,но не стремимся показывать это каждому встречному
Анастасия says
Wow, really interesting to read what others think of us citizens of other countries. In the comments there is a very old thing. I really liked the article!
Andrew Griffin says
Thank you for your honest article.
The fact is that we just do not make a smile without a reason.
No one is teaching in schools not to smile, you can see a lot of videos on youtube, where students laugh.
Just like you wrote, even in shops we do not like smiles, if they are required only for work 🙂
I want to say: make your trip to Russia, we are actually close nations. Almost all russian people with benevolence treat visitors from the west, and are ready to help and prompt, and many people know English, at least at the school level.
I also recommend that you visit the Altai, and Baikal.
You know that there are pyramidal mountains in the Altai Mountains, and even half-ruined near Krasnoyarsk ?
Jamy says
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for these fun facts! Russia is such a huge country with so many interesting things going on. Good that you went to St. Petersburg in summer – in winter it’s also beautiful but not the best time of the year ot visit. I really recommend everyone to go there at least once in their lives!
Regards,
Jamy
Prince Oti says
Hello Jennifer,
this is a well-expressed article, I have learned a lot here both from people’s comments and their observations as well’
I’m so grateful
Regards
Oti