Russian Hospitality

[caption id="attachment_1410" align="alignleft" width="162" caption="Bread and Salt Ceremony"] [/caption]

Do you want to find out what to expect visiting your cute Russian Bride in her home town?

Russians are very proud of their traditions regarding hospitality. When you travel to Russia, you are very likely to be invited into homes, offered drinks, food, or given gifts.

Serving guests the best and most expensive food is very common for any Russian household. If you don’t like the food, you might still want to pretend that you are eating, otherwise you risk offending your host. Fortunately, traditional Russian meals are quite delicious, and Russian women are great cooks. Don’t be surprised to see Russian ladies wearing traditional Russian clothing, and presenting a loaf of bread and salt. This ceremony is a symbol of Russian welcome and hospitality.

It is very common to get to know each other by sharing drinks. You might not even suspect that you already found your new best friend somewhere in the process of your glass being filled with magic liquid. Once the first drink is poured, you will never see it empty again. If you prefer not to drink, be firm about it from the very beginning.

So what are the basic rules of etiquette to be aware of, in order not to be perceived as being rude?

• Remember to take off your shoes before you enter a Russian home.
• Bring a gift if you are invited to visit the home of a Russian. Flowers, a small souvenir, or a postcard from your country should suffice.
• What time to leave? – Russians like to party a lot. You are not likely to hear that it is getting late, or see other signs, which normally tell you that the party is over. Even if it is very late, you might still be asked to stay longer. In this case you should just rely on your common sense.

When you travel to Russia, don’t be surprised at the hospitality the people will show you—but don’t hesitate to show your appreciation!

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