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Kamchatka… This wonderful land was discovered by Russian Cossacks over 3 hundred years ago. Even today, however, Russians know very little about it, to say nothing about the rest of the world where most people have hardly heard of Kamchatka. And not surprisingly.

This century the airplanes have mage Kamchatka closer to Europe and America though not more available. The mysterious peninsula get into the list of those regions that used to the called “closed” in the USSR. Up to 1990 not a single foreigner could step onto the Kamchatka land and even Russians needed a special permission to get there.

However, those who desired to see the fairy world of Kamchatka with their own eyes broke through all the obstacles. Expeditions with geologists and volcano explorers, autonomous routes - Kamchatka seemed to be re-discovered: black beaches of the ocean line, smoking volcanoes, blue mountain ranges painted with white enamel of snowy peaks. The bears’ paths led to the heart of wonderland…

Discover wonderful world of Kamchatka where vivacious rivers and mortal volcanoes, perpetual snows and hot springs, taiga and tundra, a wild animal and a human being in peaceful co-existence…

walking-tour-hot-springs

Apr 01

Public restroom phenomena

Trip Advisor, Uncategorized No Comments »

Toilets in Russia are a bit different from what you’d expect in the United States or Western Europe. While serviceable public toilets are becoming more easily found, especially in well-populated areas, you will still encounter some old-style public toilets in Russia and former Soviet countries. Don’t be alarmed - the use of these toilets can be navigated, but be prepared.

Pay Toilets in Russia :Public toilets, such as those in train stations or large shopping centers, may require a small fee for their use. The fee is usually prominantly displayed and will amount to a few cents’ worth of the national currency. If you’re out and about, it may be possible to avoid the use of pay toilets. Keep some change handy for these instances.

Carry Toilet Paper when Traveling in Russia:Public toilets often do not equip each toilet stall with toilet paper in Russia. Sometimes toilet paper is available outside the stalls. Sometimes there is none to be had. You can purchase small, travel-sized rolls from hygiene-product travel sections in supermarkets or convenience stores. Travel packages of tissues may substitute in a pinch as well.

Russia’s Dreaded Squat Toilets:No one likes to enter a stall only to met with the sight of a hole in the ground flanked with feet-shaped tread. Even more bizarre is the regular toilet that has been equipped with raised platforms so it is impossible to use the toilet in the normal way - one must squat over the bowl or teeter precariously in front of it. There is usually a more serviceable toilet nearby.

Are Public Toilets Clean or Russia?In nicer Eastern European shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes, you’ll be pleased to find some very clean, equipped toilets. In airports or train stations, and even in some universities, the state of disrepair and lack of maintanance of the toilets will leave you breathless - literally. These may be your only choice. Carry waterless hand sanitizer.

Russian Toilet Paper :“Sandpaper”-like toilet paper is still in use in some toilets in Russia and Eastern Europe. Yes, the soft stuff is available for general purchase. The gray-to-brownish Soviet-issue toilet paper is as bad as the stereotype - to varying degrees. If you stay at a friend’s house, and they are still using it, try introducing them to the cotton toilet paper. They will probably think you’re funny for lavishing luxury on your posterior.

Toilets in Private Residences in Russia :Some toilets in Russia and Eastern Europe are given their own room, separate from the bathing/sink area. This will require you to exit the “toilet room” and enter the actual “bath” room to wash your hands. No one thinks this is weird.

Flushing Toilets in Russia:Some toilets in Eastern Europe will flush the way you’re probably used to - there will be a lever on one side of the tank. Other Russian toilets will have a ball or a button on the of the tank. Pull or press to flush the toilet. Some toilets will not have enough power to flush toilet paper - there may be a sign over a trash basket asking that no toilet paper be flushed.

Apr 01

Samovar

Made In Russia, Russian Heritage No Comments »

Samovar (literally “self-boiler”) is a heated metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water in and around Russia. The Russian equivalent of “coals to Newcastle” is “You don’t take a samovar to Tula”.Museum of Samovars consists of three halls about the history of occurrence and development of one of the most known Tula crafts. The samples of varies types of samovars with an art list are presented there. samovar