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Traditions and Habits, Saint Petersburg
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Womens in St-Petersburg - Saint Petersburg
Womens in St-Petersburg
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Traditions and Habits: Money: Russian Ruble
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  • Russia is the country of cash, so it is best to pay cash. In the last years the Russian Ruble has been relatively stable, so it is best to pay in Russian Rubles instead of other currencies. I watched some Americans who wanted to pay in US Dollars but the shops refused to take them. Credit Cards are accepted in a few places like hotels, restaurants or airports. There are enough cash points all over the town; you find at least one at every metro station. Apart from that, there are plenty of exchange offices in the city centre. Their rates vary slightly. I would recommend you to ask how many Roubles you really get for your currency, just to make sure that no commission is added.

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    Traditions and Habits: The Locals
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  • Almost all of the local people I met in St. Petersburg were very friendly and very helpful They seem to be especially interested in Americans and American culture. Many of the younger people we saw were wearing t-shirts that said things that made no sense in English, shirts that were obviously badly translated by some local manufacturer. Many of the local people, however, are also very poor, and will do anything for US $. There are beggars and people peddling items everywhere, especially in places where tourists congregate. Another thing that I thought was pretty cool was what happened when we arrived at the sea port by ship: the city dispatched a brass band to play on the docks for us. They were great, and kind of hilarious. They played "When the Saints Come Marching In" and managed to make it sound, well, Russian. I will never forget it.

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    Traditions and Habits: Visiting Christian Churches
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  • Christian churches - be they Protestant, Orthodox, or Catholic - are a vital part of Europe’s cultural, artistic, architectural, and religious heritage, and as such you are likely (and I really recommend doing this:)) ) to visit many of them. However, most of them are even today not only major tourist attractions, but also religious sites where people come to pray. This is something to be respected, and here are several pieces of advice I would like to give that might help avoid ill-feeling: - Dress modestly, covering shoulders and most part of the legs (women in Orthodox churches might be requested to put on something to cover the head); - Do not speak loudly - all the descriptions are better either read in silence or given outside; - Try not to walk too much during the service; - Avoid using flash in your camera near people you see praying; - Respect notes that forbid entrance to some parts of the church that are designated as ‘for prayer only’. Following these simple guidelines helped me when I visited, I guess, more than 1000 churches up to date :)))

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    Traditions and Habits: In the metro...
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  • the Ploshad Vostannya metro station - Saint Petersburg
    the Ploshad Vostannya metro
    station
    by liusia
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    There are a few common subway habits that might take foreigners by surprise. First, when riding down the escalator, stand to the right - the left side is for people who want to run down the escalator. Secondly, when in the car, if you're standing near the door, people will probably ask you "Vy vyhoditye?" That means "are you getting out?" and they want to know if you're leaving on the next stop. If you aren't, step aside and let them get closer to the doors. If you are, just nod or say "da" and they'll wait behind you.

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    Traditions and Habits: White Nights
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  • If you head to St Petersburg, try and be there during the last two weeks of June. This is the period known as White Nights. The city is never in darkness during this period and it is quite a spectacular phenomenon. If you are some one who can only sleep while it is dark make sure you take an eye mask. If you don't want to sleep make sure you go out and see the bridges being raised over the Neva. You will find lots of like minded people whatever the time.

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    Traditions and Habits: Vodka !
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  • This drink is considered an important part ot the Russian culture and features in many parts of their lifes. If you meet a group of locals, expect a bottle of Vodka to crop up , in the most strangest of places :) They just love it's taste. It is considered an honour to toss a drink with a friend, so if you are offered Vodka,do not mix it with any other alcoholic drink..... believe me :) If you are buying Vodka to friends or families, opt for" Russian Standard" brand. Very good and professional brand

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    Traditions and Habits: Origin of name
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  • I was surprised to read that St. Petersburg was named in honor of St. Peter and not Peter the Great, the founder of the city. The city has undergone several name changes: From May, 1703 - August, 1914 it was called St. Petersburg. From August, 1914 - February, 1924 Petrograd From February, 1924 - July, 1991 Leningrad From July, 1991 - Present back to St. Petersburg Nicknames include "The Venice of the North" in reference to St. Petersburg's many rivers and canals and "The Northern Capital of Russia" in reference to the centuries old rivalry between St. Petersburg and Moscow.

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    Traditions and Habits: Don't whistle indoors
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  • Whistling indoors is said to bring bad luck. The phrase 'ne svisti a deneg ne budet' means 'don't whistle or there'll be no money'. Russians are pretty superstitious people. Their 'narodnie primety' , or 'folk omens' still have a very powerful influence on the collective psyche. While foreigners would scoff at someone getting nervous about breaking these traditions, Russians can sometimes take it very seriously and may be offended. In Russia you are unlikely to hear anyone whistling anywhere, even outdoors. Since Soviet times, whistling has been frowned upon. Whistling to someone to attract their attention may cause offence. Whistling a tune while walking down the street is a sure way to attract attention from pickpockets and thieves - they'll know instantly that you're a foreigner.

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    Traditions and Habits: The People's Car
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  • According to our driver (for a city tour on our first day), Lada means “lovely darling" and at least 10 million Russians own one. It is Russia's most beloved (and maligned) car, and has been for over thirty years. It’s as identifiable a part of the culture as the fur hats or vodka. Not the prettiest of vehicles, the car is the subject of jokes and insults ~ but it holds its own on the brutal Russian roads. There’s even an SUV Lada that has a bit of a cult following overseas (in my own country, among others). . .

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    Traditions and Habits: Ice Cream
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  • Ice Cream Carts, Nevsky Prospekt - Saint Petersburg
    Ice Cream Carts, Nevsky
    Prospekt
    by Canadienne
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    Ice cream is a favourite in both St. Petersburg and Moscow ~ stands can be found on almost every street, as well as in department stores and other less-expected locations. From early in the morning (a meal replacement for some, perhaps) through evening, you'll see kids, business people, soldiers and any other "type" of person with an ice cream cone or treat in hand. Picking up this local custom is the perfect key to blending in to the Russian population. . . ;-)

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