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gifts to take to mogilev
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Posted by: dolly

i am going to mogilev in around 8 weeks time.what should i take with me re gifts for a family? i will not be staying with them but am keen to take things which are needed.the eldest daughter has spent a month with me for 4 consecutive years,i always send items back but i would really like to take things that are needed rather than 'presents'
also what will the weather be like? i intend to travel light-most of the luggage allowance being used for Masha's needs.
dolly

Posted by: rtking

I bought key-chain lights to hand-out to friends and casual acquaintances. These are the ultra-bright LED keychain lights that are very lightweight and I got them from eBay for about $2 US dollars a piece.

I noticed in most housing, lights burn out and nobody ever replaces bulbs. So people in the FSU fumble for keys, up stairwells, and to find the lock. By providing these little lights, it makes life just a little easier.

Bob

Posted by: Mike

Hi Dolly. It looks as though you intend to travel around the end of March or beginning of April. I can tell you that last year at that time it was cold in Belarus. I was surprised to see that the Sozh River was still frozen--in fact, people were ice fishing on the river (given Belarus' latitude, I don't suppose there's any good reason that I should have been surprised, it's just that when you've lived in Florida your whole life, you don't expect to encounter such cold at that time of year).
While I was there, I think it was mostly in the twenties Fahrenheit at night and probably mostly in the thirties or forties during the day. I think I would not have been so cold if not for the wind that seemed to be constantly blowing (this was in Gomel, by the way, which, as you probably know, is in southern Belarus). One thing I am very glad I took with me is my hat with ear flaps on it--because of the cold wind, I think my ears would have fallen off in the first fifteen minutes if I had not had that hat. So taking ear muffs or something like that is a good idea. I also found gloves to be a necessity. Taking a scarf probably wouldn't hurt, either. I hope you have a pleasant trip.

Posted by: andrei

Ear muffs would be a mistake. It's the same as carrying a huge 'I'm A Foreigner' poster with you everywhere you go.

Only young girls in the FSU wear ear muffs.

Posted by: Mike

Maybe a headscarf would be a less conspicuous choice than ear muffs, if you are not going to use something else such as a hat or a hood that is already on your winter coat.

Posted by: andrei

Headscarf? Now thats what GROWNUP women wear)))))

C'mon people ask a Russian before you put on all that trash instead of a fur hat)))))

Posted by: Arnold

Toiletpaper, road flares, eco radio w/crank & solar panel, smoke detector (battery operated), coffee, tea, peanut butter, fashion magazines, parfume, ziplock bags, NFL & NBA team's clothing, thesaurus, vitamin pills, R/C toys, European chocolate, make-up, CD's, DVD's, multi region DVD player, American made tools, scanner, digital camera, webcam, Nesquik, selfstick paper(to decorate kitchen), Levi's jeans, Nike sneakers, ping pong peddals (good ones -- multi layered rubber), billard cues (two-piece w/carry case), books on playing billards, nice suitcase (to leave behind), first aid kit, mint coated dental floss, beef jerky, jar opening gadget, animal head house shoes, stockings(?), privacy window film, handsfree flashligt, keyed chainlock (for entrance door), door peep hole, American style mail box,...

That should do!

Posted by: Bordric

Quote:

Originally posted by Arnold
Toiletpaper, road flares, eco radio w/crank & solar panel, smoke detector (battery operated), coffee, tea, peanut butter, fashion magazines, parfume, ziplock bags, NFL & NBA team's clothing, thesaurus, vitamin pills, R/C toys, European chocolate, make-up, CD's, DVD's, multi region DVD player, American made tools, scanner, digital camera, webcam, Nesquik, selfstick paper(to decorate kitchen), Levi's jeans, Nike sneakers, ping pong peddals (good ones -- multi layered rubber), billard cues (two-piece w/carry case), books on playing billards, nice suitcase (to leave behind), first aid kit, mint coated dental floss, beef jerky, jar opening gadget, animal head house shoes, stockings(?), privacy window film, handsfree flashligt, keyed chainlock (for entrance door), door peep hole, American style mail box,...

That should do!

Think customs will notice all the jingling and jangling going on in your bags?

Not to mention the mailbox strapped your back...

Posted by: Arnold

Hello Scotty,

I know, I know, but she asked for it (I mean, ideas for stuff to take there. I just told her things that I would like!)... I hope, she does not think, that I am making fun of her (?) unfortunately many Westerners, who have never been to former communist countries, tend to think that everything is the same there as it is here. Well, ok, 50% of the people from the West also tend to think, that people in the East live "behind" the moon. LOL.

Turns out though, she is from the UK (!), I noticed after making the list... I would probably skip the toilet paper, or bring a roll just for laughs, I don't know?

-- Arnold

Posted by: Bordric

Quote:

Originally posted by Arnold
Hello Scotty,

I know, I know, but she asked for it (I mean, ideas for stuff to take there. I just told her things that I would like!)... I hope, she does not think, that I am making fun of her (?) unfortunately many Westerners, who have never been to former communist countries, tend to think that everything is the same there as it is here. Well, ok, 50% of the people from the West also tend to think, that people in the East live "behind" the moon. LOL.

Turns out though, she is from the UK (!), I noticed after making the list... I would probably skip the toilet paper, or bring a roll just for laughs, I don't know?

-- Arnold

Yeah I have no idea what to expect when I travel there. What the food will be like etc. Well besides what I read here, but you well know reality is always different than the book.

Posted by: Charles

Arnold's list is very complete. I would add tylenol and cold medicine to the list. My girlfriend had the flu when she received my Valentine's package. I believe she liked the nyquil and cold medicine best. She told me after she received it, tylenol cold is more than $10 in Volgograd. I imagine imodium and pepto-bismol would be appreciated too.

Posted by: Pin Boy

The most pleasant surprise of my first summer trip to Ukraine last summer was how delicious all the food was. Enjoy!!!

Posted by: Bordric

Quote:

Originally posted by Pin Boy
The most pleasant surprise of my first summer trip to Ukraine last summer was how delicious all the food was. Enjoy!!!

umm I love food. I like spicy food also. Do Russians enjoy spicy food? For some reason I think of sweet food when I think of Russia.

Posted by: Arnold

Well seasoned, or hot?

Posted by: Bordric

Quote:

Originally posted by Arnold
Well seasoned, or hot?

Hot or well you are in California so my hot may be different. But I like it when it makes you sweat just a small bit.

Posted by: Arnold

Hi Scotty,

actually spices might be a good idea to bring along as well, especially if you want to cook something for your friends, or if you just like to make them sweat. LOL.

Check out this site:

www.russisch.com then click on "Kochrezepte", then "Schaschlik".

BTW, I found a lot of cool info on there. I know, you like to play around with that translating program, but if you need translation from german to English, let me know.

--Arnold

PS: If you are not an experienced cook, bring definetly toilet paper and Pepto-Bismol. LOL.

Posted by: Bordric

Quote:

Originally posted by Arnold
Hi Scotty,

actually spices might be a good idea to bring along as well, especially if you want to cook something for your friends, or if you just like to make them sweat. LOL.

Check out this site:

www.russisch.com then click on "Kochrezepte", then "Schaschlik".

BTW, I found a lot of cool info on there. I know, you like to play around with that translating program, but if you need translation from german to English, let me know.

--Arnold

PS: If you are not an experienced cook, bring definetly toilet paper and Pepto-Bismol. LOL.

LOL yeah I will bring the paper and pink stuff.

I will check out the site thanks!

Posted by: Charles

My girlfriend says most Russians do not like food that will "light you up."

I would imagine they do have horseradish. I will look that up and get back to everyone on that. My experience with Russian cuisine has been benign as far as heat . I have seen my Russian friend cry out at a Vietnamese restaurant. He said he had never tasted anything like that before.

Russian food is not bland. It has flavor, but not overpowering seasonings. That is a general overview.

Posted by: Arnold

Hi Charles,

don't you think though, that there might be some regional differences in regard to food preparation?

--Arnold

Posted by: myshka

Every Russian knows it! As far as spicy, I know different Russians than you guys, as my husband and friends love spicy things. One lived in Georgia for a long time and the rest are from Siberia where lots of Korean food was eaten.
Spicy!

Posted by: Arnold

Hello Myshka,

how about everyday type of stuff to bring to Russia?
Are we with road flares, toilet paper, and other survival gear on the right track, or is all of that available at the local "mamushka & papushka" store?

(I appologize for inventing new terminology!)

--Arnold

Posted by: Bordric

I like Tobasco hot. That is a good level of spice. Hobanaro (however you spell it) is over the line for me. Those little peppers will light your day up.

Posted by: ConnerVT

One must remember that Russia is big. Very big. Just how big you ask? Before the breakup of the soviet union, the USSR was the largest geo-political landmass on Earth. After it broke up, the largest country in the world was still Russia.

Think of the region flavors found in the US, which is still physically small compared to Russia. You will find similar differences in the foods in the FSU. Regional similarities will exist, as well as personal tastes that were 'transplanted' as people from one region relocate to another.

You will find that food becomes more spicy the further south you travel. Just as in the rest of the world before refrigeration, spices were used to prevent spoilage (or to mask the flavor of spoiling food). Also ingredients for special dishes may be local (and inexpensive) in one area, and harder to get (and pricey) in another.

So there are many differences in Russian food. It is not as noticeable to someone who see's it for the first time. After all, so many dishes seem different to a new traveler. If you are a friend of the Atkins diet, you'll feel at home. If you are a low fat/low cholesterol type, uhh, expect to go on a binge for a while...

Posted by: myshka

I have a little different situation than you guys, as my Russian family comes here quite often to visit. (one reason i always dispute the statement that Russian women cant get visit visas, i know it is not fully true)and my husband goes back 2 times per year, anyway, since my family comes here , we dont send /bring the things you guys will when you go. Be aware that everything you can get where you are IS available in Russia. The difference is one thing: Russians (average ones) dont have the money to buy them. so your ideas are sound if you know there are reasons your friend would not have the items, but not if you think Russia would not have them, because Russia has everything.

Posted by: ConnerVT

Myshka, I know Arnold's list was a bit long.The FSU certainly isn't a third world country. Most of what you can buy in the US is available in the FSU. Prices can be different, and some things can be hard to find there. One exciting day in my life was finding a well stocked hardware store in Russia! (Well, it made a Mr. Fix-it like me happy...

)

As for a tourist visa, they are much easier to obtain when there is a family member who is at least a permanent alien, with a US citizen for a sponsor, and they are bringing over a family member. There is still less than a 0.0001% chance of a young, single woman, with no family ties in the US or fiscal ties in the FSU to get a tourist visa.

Posted by: Bordric

You know the Visa issues are a pain but there are some very good reasons for denying them. Sex trade comes to mind right off the bat. It is a reality one which many central Euro nations have failed to work hard enough at in my opinion. I was reading on the BBC where German and other western Europeans just cross the border into poorer nations of Central Europe and go on sex tours and buy children and young girls.

I know we have enough sicko's in the United States to where if they allowed these young beautiful women to come here without any sponser or stability they would be preyed upon by these scum bags. It is a fact of life unfortunately.

I seen a program on I think Nightline where they went to Asia and American men were paying for sex with children as young as 4 years old. They filmed Americans in these acts however there was nothing US authorities could do about it. They were successful business men from the States. Nightline did show up at their work and asked them to explain so there was some justice. One of them was instantly fired after the film was viewed another lost a grant for study of Asian culture!!

Sick sob's should be left to rot.

Posted by: Arnold

Thanks, Myshka & Conner!

I guess, the best advice would be then to go there assess the situation your friends are in, and then send them what they need?

And for the first visit just stick with presents.

--Arnold

PS: Where have you been hiding Conner?

Posted by: Arnold

Hello Scotty,

actually this practice has been going on for years and years. Decades even. It is unfortunately nothing new, and as you pointed out not just the Germans are doing it but pretty much all rich, decadent and demented people from the West who have the money and inclanation to do so. They used to be known as the "Bang Bombers", because they came by plane!
They also go to Asia and African countries.
Back in the day of good old Communism, people from the West would go to East Germany, Poland, And Russia with even used sneakers or Levi jeans (also used) to pay for sex.

It was and still is totally disgusting.

--Arnold

Posted by: Charles

My Russian friend here in Nashville always takes a lot of underwear and bras when he goes home. Of course, you might want to get to know people before you ask for their underwear sizes.

I am aware there are regional differences in recipes in Russia (I am sorry to be a day behind the discussion), like everywhere else. My thoughts about hot food came from the introduction page of my Russian cuisine cookbook.

Living in the southern USA myself, I have seen spice preferences change in my lifetime. 20 years ago, southern people did not eat much spicy food. Now we have lots of Mexican neighbors and restaurants. Our tastes have turned to spicy food. People here are raising jalapenos and habaneros in their backyard gardens now.

Posted by: Arnold

Hi Charles,

what's the title of the cook book?

--Arnold

Posted by: Bordric

Quote:

Originally posted by Arnold
Hello Scotty,

actually this practice has been going on for years and years. Decades even. It is unfortunately nothing new, and as you pointed out not just the Germans are doing it but pretty much all rich, decadent and demented people from the West who have the money and inclanation to do so. They used to be known as the "Bang Bombers", because they came by plane!
They also go to Asia and African countries.
Back in the day of good old Communism, people from the West would go to East Germany, Poland, And Russia with even used sneakers or Levi jeans (also used) to pay for sex.

It was and still is totally disgusting.

--Arnold

Yeah that does not surprise me in the least. Scumbags.

Posted by: Charles

Russian Cuisine (seriously).
I'll look and see what publisher and all later.

Posted by: Charles

I got this from a Russian historian friend. It is a detailed account of the contents of a Russian spice chest in The Domostroi , a Russian household management manual written in Muscovy between 1550 and 1600. It mentions the following spices and favourings:

A Russian Spice Chest

saffron
pepper
garlic
poppy seeds
hops - as flavouring for fermented drinks; they were also strewn like confetti on newly-weds
cloves
nutmeg
ginger
hemp seed - used mainly as a source of oil, but hemp seed cakes are also mentioned
lemons - these seem to have been preserved in salt or brine, and probably came from Astrakhan
horseradish
frankincense and incense - for burning near icons and as church offering
cinnamon
mace
dill - added to consecrated wine
[The Domostroi: Rules for Russian Households in the Time of Ivan the Terrible ]

It also contains medievel Russian recipes.
I would think any spice not on this list would probably be very appreciated by any Russian wife or person who cooks.

Posted by: Charles

Arnold,
My cookbook is from Taschen(the a is umlauhted) Press. The title is simply, Russian Cuisine. I bought it at Borders bookstore, in the bargain section, for about $12 before Christmas. It was printed in 2001 in Quebec.

The seasonings in the recipes are close to the medievel spice list I posted earlier. There are more fruits listed in the new book, of course. There are no potatoes mentioned in the medievel cookbook. I have read they were introduced to Russia during the reign of Peter the Great.

Posted by: Charles

Are spices expensive in Russia today?

I like to cook. I know quality spices are very expensive here in the USA.

Posted by: Arnold

.

Posted by: sierratango

Hi,
i am not sure if the mentioned item �road flare� will actually be considered for that trip in the future. But just in case, and as nobody else has brought this up so far: flares and travelling with an airline are not things that usually go together too well (the �usually� was only used as there are parts of this world where you might end up with people carrying all kinds of stuff even into the cabin).
So if you think this is something that ABSOLUTELY has to make it into an aircraft, check first and avoid a possibly lengthy conversation with a screener .

Just my two cents on the �spicy food� part: I also have heard comments about certain nations foods being too spicy and none of them would have made it on my list (wel.. OK, my grandpa is originally from Hungary but even I would call Hungarian food and some other already mentioned �cuisines� spicy)
Not something �to light you up�....but still spicy.

Posted by: Arnold

Hello Sierratango (did I spell you right (?))!

LOL. You are right about the road flares. LOL. I was thinking glow sticks, but kept writing road flares instead. LOL.

No ROAD FLARES people, unless you want to be detained by airport security. LOL.

Posted by: ConnerVT

If you do take road flares, it's best to take 5 or 6 of them, wrap them with a few turns of wire or electrical tape, then put it in your carry on bag with your travel alarm clock!