Russia: Tips, Tricks, and Travel

In this episode, an AMERICAN and a DUTCHMAN explore the masterpieces of Soviet architectural art at VDNKh and dive into the history of space during the USSR! The race between Russians and Americans, the MIR station, fresh vegetables for astronauts, questions of patriotism, and is it true that the United States landed on the Moon? Participate in the contest, all the details are in my group 'The Most Russian American' on Odnoklassniki!

In this video, an AMERICAN and a DUTCHMAN try RUSSIAN cuisine! Today on the menu: vareniki, dressed herring salad and Olivier salad, borscht and "vegetables with Pepsi" - that's how we described cold soup with kvass!!! Want to know if we liked RUSSIAN cuisine? Watch the video to the end!

Italian Amedeo Cigersa made a bold choice. After serving in the Italian navy, he left the sunny Verona and headed to the cold Russian winter to work in a sawmill. Here, in Russia, an amazing adventure awaited him: he found his love and founded his own language school. Amedeo is a shining example of how life can change dramatically due to the decision to learn the Russian language.

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Magadan Region with me! From mist-shrouded cliffs and the crashing turquoise waves of the Sea of Okhotsk to epic lighthouses, uninhabited islands, bustling bird bazaars, and otherworldly Martian mountains, Magadan is a region of unparalleled beauty. While many only know Magadan Region as a remote location, it's much more than that – it's an undiscovered gem waiting to be explored. Few have ventured here, making it a true frontier for anyone seeking a pioneering adventure. This video showcases the most stunning moments from our journey through the Magadan Region. For an even deeper dive into the wonders of Magadan and its surroundings, don't miss the big episode on my channel. Join me on this visual journey into the heart of Magadan's natural marvels!

Discover the untamed beauty of Magadan with me! This remote corner of Russia, nearly 2,000 kilometers from the nearest city, Yakutsk, is unlike anywhere else. In Magadan, you truly sense the vastness and isolation. No trains connect it, but that doesn't mean it lacks adventure. Magadan locals are adventurers, embracing hardcore sports and tourism. From conquering mountains to exploring seas, uninhabited islands, and enjoying breathtaking views, this region offers a genuine taste of freedom. Magadan Region may lack typical tourist facilities, but that's what makes it extraordinary. Join me on this journey through fog-shrouded rocky shores, and I won't be surprised if you feel inspired to step out of your comfort zone and experience the magic of Magadan yourself!

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Come along with us on an incredible journey to the Chara Sands Desert in Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia. Just imagine - huge mountains, winding rivers, wild swamps, and thick forests all around. And right in the middle of this breathtaking mix, there's this massive desert with these magical barchans, like someone dropped a slice of Egypt in the heart of Siberia! I kid you not, the sights are beyond belief! Who would have thought that such a diverse wonderland could exist in one place? Now, getting to this hidden treasure might not be a cakewalk, but don't worry, we've managed to capture the most mind-blowing moments of the Charskiye Sands, and we can't wait to share them all with you! So buckle up and get ready to be blown away by the sheer beauty of this extraordinary desert. Don't miss this epic journey!

The Chara Sands are a bizarre giant rectangle of pure sand in the middle of Russia. When it isn't covered in snow guides can give you the desert adventure vacation of your life. We've gathered to film this unique holiday location and hopefully will not have to deal with any bears! Would you go on vacation to the northernmost desert in the world? Well if you want, the road to it takes a 36 hour train ride from Krasnoyarsk! Which when filled with quarry workers was an adventure in and of itself! This desert is full of mystery and it is an experience like no other!!

There are rumors that Russia may move it's capital to Siberia and Krasnoyarsk is the favorite to get it. The city is huge and ever growing drawing in youth from all over Russia. Not only is it surprisingly modern but it also has some big industry including metal refining. If you have some thing made of metal from Russia there is a good chance it went through Krasnoyarsk! And outside the city its region is bigger than four "Frances" so there is plenty to explore on your Siberian vacation.

Our adventures around Russia continue in Chechnya, a land of mystery with a recent past that most want to leave well in the past. To be honest I really didn’t know what to expect from Chechnya but that is where the fun comes from – not knowing what awaits you. So we went all over this very religious and very mysterious region of the biggest nation on Earth to see what things are really like on ground level and most importantly for yours truly – find out what Chechens actually eat! This region doesn’t see a ton of foreign travelers meaning there are no tourist traps only the honest reality of how people live. Enjoy the video!

Today we are in the North Caucasus region of Russia, and we are in for plenty of adventure in and around some rockin’ mountains! In this episode we are featuring two very contrasting regions of Russia - Ingushetia and North Ossetia. Ingushetia is the smallest region of Russia occupying just 0.02% of the nation’s landmass. The region is very monoethnic with almost everyone being an Ingushetian. This region has the lowest percentage of Russian population anywhere in the country. It is also the most Islamic region of the nation with 99% of respondents saying they are believers. If Ingushetia is passionately Islamic, then North Ossetia is equally passionate in terms of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, probably because this land was Christened even before Kievan Rus! These two regions create quite a contrast and that is exactly the reason to come here, you can see two completely different realities united by amazing landscapes, good food and plenty of history.

The ancient Russian regions of Khakassia and Tyva have unique cuisines completely different from Moscow's. But what could one possibly eat on the barren open steppes? In this video we reveal the answer as we take you on a culinary journey. As you might expect, with giant open fields come plenty of sheep - hence the mutton, as well as plenty of other calorie-dense options to keep you strong and ready for a day of fighting, riding or working. Now when it comes to vegetarian options in the cold and barren South Siberia, you'll just have to watch the video and find out!

Some of the most distant landlocked realms of Russia are its most beautiful secrets. In this video we show you all the big vista footage that we took as we filmed the Khakassia and Tyva which both border Mongolia. Take in the views that we’ve gathered together. You are sure to enjoy them and hopefully they’ll inspire you to take a vacation and start your travel holiday right away!

Tyva is definitely more than the birthplace of a particular military leader! I have to say when you mix together the huge open vistas around the region, and the nomadic lifestyle experiences that you can have, the insanely heavy food and the psychotherapy magic of the shamans… this place is kind of magical. Seriously, the local government should call it "Tyva, the land of magic" or something like that because it really is. This place will pleasantly surprise you. Just telling your friends that you went to the most Buddhist region of Russia should perk a few ears at a dinner party for sure. South Siberia should be your next holiday/vacation spot!

Outside the capital city of Abakan, the Russian region of Khakassia opens up to big skies and brilliant shining steppe surrounding the mighty rumbling Yenisey river. Prehistory is very much alive in this part of the world. There are many ancient burial sites surrounded by imposing monoliths. The area is also home to one of the most impressive national parks in the world and a feat of engineering - its titanic hydroelectric power plant that supplies South Siberia with power. So let’s take a look at this mysterious realm under giant blue heavens that they call Khakassia.

Dog sled races over brutal terrain and crushingly cold weather are one of the toughest challenges on Earth. This is the story of Russia's biggest competition.

Friends, it’s “Mega Crab vs Giant Octopus” today, as we are going to be eating big in Vladivostok all the way in the very Far East of Russia. Since we are right by China, Korea and the Pacific Ocean, you can probably imagine that the food will be different from what you get in Moscow. We are going to gorge on seafood and have all sorts of crab, octopus, scallops, shrimp, fish and more! But don’t worry, the city is still part of a huge land empire, meaning there are plenty of heavier, less healthy treats available at every turn. So for those of you who are curious about “Russia’s San Francisco” and its tasty treats, give this video a watch - it could make you change your vacation plans!

Now friends, in our previous video we showed you Vladivostok itself, the weird Russian version of San Francisco, but what lies beyond its borders? That is the topic of our holiday video today. The “Marine Nature Reserve” is a stunning park with 900 hectares of land (and even more sea) for visitors to explore. There are even friendly deer that will walk right up next to you. For those of you that like things a bit mystical, the Brynner Family Mausoleum is quite an unusual piece of architecture surrounded by dachas and quaint country homes. Since this region has the word “sea” in its name, not surprisingly there is plenty to do on the water including kayaking, but be forewarned, it is not easy as our audio-wizard Albert found out the hard way. “Safari Park” was the least “zoolike” of any zoo that I have been to and it was great to see the local tigers in a comfortable natural environment. Very neat. All in all the part of Russia next to China is beautiful, different and full of surprises for your travel vacation.

We often forget that Russia stretches really far east. There is plenty of land way out there that borders China and North Korea and it is about darn time that we filmed a video about it to show to you! Vladivostok looks really different from the rest of the country and a lot newer. There doesn't seem to be much Soviet stuff here and looks more like San Francisco than Moscow. The weather is very warm and sunny and there are big bridges uniting the city. Also it seems like every street is at a 45 degree angle which means you will shed some calories for sure if you go on a long walk! There is plenty of seafood to be eaten all around the city at prices and quality levels vastly superior to Moscow. All in all, Vladivostok is a Russian experience that you’d never expect!

The Wild Wild West of Russia has to be its mysterious Far East. So, here is some great 4K drone footage from our trip to Primorsky Krai which is basically the part of Russia that borders both North Korea, China and the Pacific Ocean. Get ready Cowboy to trade in your steed for a cutter or kayak to take on the waves of the sea that infinitely crash against sky high cliffs. Many lighthouses and bridges dot the landscape as otherwise people would be completely stuck by the rough terrain. Every lighthouse is like a lone star at night. There are many national parks around and opportunities for jeeping through the countryside or just hoofing it on foot up to ancient peaks. This is a true mountaineering adventure zone. Be it land or sea the area around Vladivostok has it all as the capital of the nation’s Far East. We hope you enjoy this video because we have plenty of adventures around the region and in Vladivostok coming in the near future. Enjoy the 4K video friends! Yeehaw!

Justus Walker spent time in Russia as a child and it changed his life forever. Now he is homesteading on his own land in the Siberian region of Altai. He has A crew of local workers and an American wife and children all working together. Justus believes that food is the future of Russia which by his estimation can feed the whole world. He wants to change the perception of farming in Russia from grunt labor to big business. Did Justus make the right call, would you do the same thing? Let us know in the comments.

Father Joseph Gleason made the choice to put his faith above today's secular ideas and left America to raise his children in Russia, which he feels offers one of the last few bastions of Christianity on the planet. Just 30 years ago Russia had official state atheism, now the national "enigma wrapped in a mystery" is arguably the most religious nation in Europe. Did Father Gleason make the right choice and what was it like bringing 8 kids and a wife to a country where not one person spoke the native language?

Ever wonder what it would be like to work in the world of StartUps and innovation? Well, today we are going to take a look at a day in the life of Federico Ibanez and Miguel Cabrera who have come from very far to pursue their scientific dreams in Russia at Skoltech (the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology). What happens inside the Russian silicon valley on a daily basis and just what are these engineers up to in their research? You’ll find out later today!

There is nothing more romantic than enjoying a lovely walk through the amazing Christmas/New Year's decorations that are all over Moscow in winter. In this video, you get to see what the magic looks like downtown and find out a great route you can take to see it all. And best of all it's free - best date night ever!

Over Instagram, I noticed that I have some new neighbors in Chekhov County, Russia who are building a unique project for Russia – a farm primarily for tourists. Like me, Valeria and Konstantin wanted to escape the big city and live in the countryside. But they are doing so with many cows mooing all night. And speaking of cows their farm will allow you to visit guilt-free as it is a “no kill” farm - all the animals give milk or eggs until the grim reaper knocks on their door in old age. Another unique part of the farm was their idea to allow people to invest in “cow sharing”. Basically, you can buy a whole or part of a cow and come to the farm to pick up that cow's milk! That's all the farm freshness with zero percent of the work! The farm wants to attract tourists with children and is expanding into the Russian wilderness to provide cabins for people to rent. Valeria and Konstantin hope their agro-tourism project will prove that you can do a lot with your own two hands without the help of the government. Is this the face of Russian Libertarianism? Watch the video to find out!

Erika and David’s Russian story is truly inspiring. They teach students to think about the world from a different perspective; to improve critical thinking and team experiences, while finding a way to consolidate modern educational methods and strengths of the current system. Accordingly, students are inspired to believe in themselves, improve study motivation and understand that their opinions and ideas matter and have an actual impact. Moreover, Erika and David support the community of expatriates in the university and actively help promote it. It’s a necessary task, because Russia’s traditional education system, culture and seemingly harsh climate can be clearly awkward for some foreigners. This special consideration and motivation for success allows them to solve such different issues effectively. Their approach is: “If you’re going to study and you’re planning to have an intensive intellectual life, you need more isolation.” It may be hard to believe, but in terms of standards of living, Tyumen holds one of the leading positions in the country. Because of this, the University of Tyumen is considered one of the best educational institutions in Russia. To this end, the decision of our protagonists to move to Russia and get a job teaching at the School of Advanced Studies is both understandable and intriguing! Produced in partnership with the University of Tyumen.