Learn to speak and think in Russian

1The Volga is the longest river in Europe and one of the main rivers of Russia. It is often called "Mother Volga" because for centuries it fed people, connected cities, and served as the most important trade route. The Volga often appears in Russian songs, poems, and paintings and is considered as a symbol of vastness, strength, and the "soul" of the country. For many Russians, the Volga is not just a river but an image of the homeland and history.

2Cheburashka is a fictional character from Soviet children’s books and animated films created by Eduard Uspensky. It is a small, kind, and slightly naive creature with big ears who accidentally comes to the city and looks for friends. Cheburashka is famous because it became a symbol of kindness, friendship, and sincerity. For many Russians, it is associated with childhood, which is why the character is still very loved and easily recognizable.

3Sochi is a resort city in southern Russia on the coast of the Black Sea. It is known for its warm climate, the sea, palm trees, and the fact that people can swim in the summer and ski in the mountains in winter. The 2014 Winter Olympic Games were held in Sochi. For Russians, Sochi is a symbol of rest, holidays, and a rare feeling of "the south" and sunshine in Russia.

4Maria Sharapova is a famous Russian tennis player and one of the most well-known athletes in the world in the early 21st century. She won all the Grand Slam tournaments and was the world number one for a long time.

5MSU is Lomonosov Moscow State University, the most famous and one of the oldest universities in Russia. It was founded in 1755 and is considered a symbol of classical higher education and science. MSU is also famous for its enormous Stalinist skyscraper on Sparrow Hills, which is known to every Russian.

6A dacha is a country house or a plot of land where Russians go to relax, especially in spring and summer. People grow vegetables and berries there, drink tea on the veranda, work in the garden, and spend time with their families. A dacha is a place to be closer to nature, away from the rush of city life. For many Russians, the dacha is associated with childhood and family traditions.

7Banya is a traditional Russian steam bath and an important cultural ritual, not just a place to wash. People go to the banya to sit in hot steam and then cool down suddenly with cold water or even snow. An important part of the banya is the venik (usually made of birch or oak branches), which is used to lightly hit the body to improve blood circulation and help relaxation. For many Russians, the banya is a place of health, deep rest, and open, heartfelt conversations.

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