Russian Culture Monday: Political Matryoshka Dolls
Monday July 6, 2009
Obama is visiting Russia this week, and most people are wondering how the trip will affect US-Russian relations. "
Anti-American" sentiments currently impede the prospect of closer ties between the Kremlin and Washington, though Hilary Clinton tried to break the ice and set goals for a
new arms treaty earlier this year.
Whether or not you're interested in politics or foreign relations, you can take advantage of how Russian culture capitalizes on current events by adding an Obama matryoshka doll to your Russian souvenir collection. Matryoshka dolls of political leaders also make creative conversation pieces and timely gifts. Russian leaders matryoshka dolls have long been popular, and their presence is now expected at stalls that sell more traditional style matryoshki. Political matryoshka dolls typically feature the current leader on the largest doll with past leaders hidden inside. You can find these dolls when you travel to Russia or purchase them online.
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Obama and Medvedev Matryoshka Dolls photo credit: Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images,
Mala Strana District Prague
Wednesday July 1, 2009
Prague's Mala Strana, or Lesser Quarter, is central enough to offer on-the-spot dining, rooms, and attractions, but far enough away from Old Town Square to maintain a sense of peace at night. Connected to Old Town by
Charles Bridge, Mala Strana is nestled at the foot of Castle Hill. Its charming streets are lined with palaces, churches, hotels, and restaurants, and most of the sights of Prague are within walking distance of this district.
Prague's Squares
Tuesday June 30, 2009
As you find your way around Prague, you'll pass through its squares, sometimes because these squares are important sights in themselves and sometimes without even knowing it.
Old Town Square is one of the first Prague sights most visitors head for when they first arrive in the city. This large square is unmistakeable for anything but what it is, so often does it appear in
photos galleries of Prague. Other squares, like Jan Palach Square and Mala Strana Square, may not initially register as historic points of interest on the visitor's radar, but they are marked with significance of their own.
Knowing a little about Prague's Squares can help you find your location on a map and identify nearby attractions. They also offer clues about Prague's historical development because some squares were used as markets in times past.
Monday June 29, 2009
The Tretyakov Gallery in
Moscow is one of the most important museums in
Russia and is responsible for the most significant collection of Russian art in the world. Iconic images of
Russian culture, like the portrait of Pushkin with a plaid sash, and the portrait of Catherine the Great with her dogs, hang in the Tretyakov Gallery. Other easily recognizable images are also a part of the Tretyakov's collection, many from Russia's most celebrated artists. Ilya Repin, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich (responsible for
Black Square), and many other famous Russian artists are represented here.
Pavel Tretyakov, a 19th century businessman, established the Tretyakov Gallery. An avid art patron, he befriended artists, supported their work, and commissioned paintings. Tretyakov's love of art made possible the existence of some formerly controversial images as well as portraits of his contemporaries, like Lev Tolstoy.
The Tretyakov Gallery is among Moscow's must-see sights. The images on display are integral to Russian cultural identity and serve as a survey of Russian history for visitors.
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