Russian Life: July/Aug 2011

7: From Khimki to the Duma Maria Antonova
The summer, a forest north of Moscow is shaping up to be a battleground for environmental activists and construction workers...
Note Book

14: BRRRRAINS!!! Maria Antonova
As Russian elections inch closer, the perfect climate has developed for satire...
Humor

19: The Tale Collector Tamara Eidelman
For Russians, it is impossible to imagine life without the countless characters from our fairy tales, collected by Alexander Afanasyev, born July 1826.
:: Translation by Nora Favorov
Russian Calendar

19: Absent for the Coup Tamara Eidelman
Many Russians were caught abroad during the August 1991 putsch, including History Editor Tamara Eidelman.
:: Translation by Nora Favorov
Russian Calendar

24: The Grand Theater Tamara Eidelman
Since the Bolshoi Theater (founded 1776) is indeed Bolshoi (i.e. big and grand), perhaps it is not surprising that it has seen its share of problems over its 200-plus-year history.
:: Translation by Nora Favorov
Russian Calendar

26: The Art of Draznilki Mikhail Ivanov
Every Russian learned a few "draznilki" (teases) in childhood. While these usually have cruel intent and may not be something you will use in your Russian, it is good to be able to recognize and understand them.
:: Illustrations/Images by Victor Bogorad
Survival Russian

28: Candy Land Lada Bakal
Just a few hours’ drive from Moscow is the wonderfully preserved, ancient town of Kolomna. And here, amidst golden-domed churches and a beautifully restored kremlin, there is a hidden gem of a museum.
:: Translation by Jennifer Davis
:: Illustrations/Images by Alexei Sovertkov
Travel

34: Conflict in the Caucasus Laurence Mitchell
Russia has a long history of fascination with and love for all things Georgian, be it wine, literature or landscape. But there has also been recurrent conflict and even war. In recent years, conflict has all but completely eclipsed collaboration. We explore why.
:: Illustrations/Images by Laurence Mitchell
History

40: Time Waits For No One Lois Kapila
The clock atop Moscow’s Spasskaya Tower is as central, geographically and metaphorically to Russian life as Big Ben is for the British. But that was not always the case.
History

46: Riviera Russians Nicky Gardner
Since at least the days of Turgenev, Russians have flocked to the French and Italian Rivieras to escape northern winters. A new direct train, the first since the Revolution, may ignite that tradition anew. [Includes full page sidebar on Russian Churches on the Riviera.]
:: Illustrations/Images by Susanne Kries
Russians Abroad

54: To Market, To Market! Jennifer Eremeeva
Moscow’s bustling food markets are colorful, clamorous, exciting places. And much of what goes on there lies hidden behind the superficial din. This is a story of pesto, plov and piglets.
:: Illustrations/Images by Jennifer Eremeeva
Cuisine

60: A Russo-German Libation Darra Goldstein
The art of Ivan Bilibin spurs a consideration of the history of beer brewing in Russia.
Cuisine

62: Six Books and a Movie Paul E. Richardson
Reviews of the books "Made in Russia," "The Hottest Dishes of the Tatar Cuisine," "Moscow Believes in Tears," "Romanov Riches," "The Suitcase," "Russian Magic," and the film "How I Ended this Summer."
Under Review

64: Potyomkin Press Conference Maria Antonova
It was announced as a major press conference, and the rumor was that Medvedev would announce his reelection campaign. Not.
Politics