Marika’s Russian Trip: Reflections on Russia and Cultural Discoveries

Galina Sanaeva: Marika, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Let’s start with something simple. How old are you, and when was your last visit to Russia? 

Marika: I’m almost twelve now. I went to Russia over the summer, spending two months there. 

Galina Sanaeva: Wonderful! Where exactly did you go? 

Marika: I stayed in Saint Petersburg and the surrounding areas. We were visiting family — my grandparents.

Galina Sanaeva: That must have been such a meaningful trip. How would you describe your experience? 

Marika: It was amazing! The culture, the food, and the people were all so interesting. I particularly loved the nature around Saint Petersburg. 

Galina Sanaeva: What stood out to you most about Russian culture compared to Canada? 

Marika: It’s very different. Russians are more direct and don’t feel the need to smile all the time like Canadians. Some people might think they’re rude, but I think they’re just being honest and straightforward. 

Galina Sanaeva: That’s an interesting observation. Did this directness ever feel uncomfortable? 

Marika: Not really. I think it’s refreshing. In Russia, if someone’s having a bad day, they’ll just admit it, and that’s okay.  You don’t have to say, “Everything’s great!” when you are not happy.

Galina Sanaeva: What about interactions with strangers? 

Marika: Russians don’t do small talk like we do in Canada. But if you start a conversation, they’re surprisingly open and willing to discuss serious topics. It’s almost like they skip the surface-level chat and go straight to meaningful discussions. 

Food Discoveries 

Galina Sanaeva: Let’s talk about food. Were there any dishes or treats that you particularly enjoyed? 

Marika: Oh, definitely the syrki сырки— those sweet cheese curds covered in chocolate! They’re creamy and delicious. I wish we had them in Canada. 

Galina Sanaeva: Anything else? 

Marika: Yes! There were so many snacks and drinks for kids, like FrutoNyanya. And the ice cream was incredible — so many flavors! I also noticed there’s a lot more variety in general. The stores were full of fresh bread and wide variety of cheeses, and meats. 

Galina Sanaeva: Did you notice any differences in how food is sold? 

Marika: Definitely. In Russia, you can find everything in one store — bread, ice cream, snacks, and even special drinks. In Canada, you often have to go to separate stores for specific items, like specialty meats or desserts. 

Exploring Russian Museums 

Galina Sanaeva: Did you visit any landmarks or museums during your trip? 

Marika: Yes! We went to the Kunstkamera and some other museums in Saint Petersburg. The metro stations were like museums themselves — so beautifully designed.  Saint Petersburg in itself is like a museum under open air. The architecture is stunning! What makes it interesting is how historical buildings are preserved so carefully and neighbour with modern glossy skyscrapers.

Galina Sanaeva: How do Russian museums compare to Canadian ones? 

Marika: Russian museums are massive! You can walk for hours and still not see everything. In Canada, museums feel smaller and are often designed more for kids, with lots of interactive exhibits. Russian museums seem more focused on history and science. 

Galina Sanaeva: What was your favorite museum? 

Marika: The Kunstkamera was fascinating. It’s full of curiosities, and I couldn’t stop exploring. The zoology and anthropology exhibits were incredible

The Weather

Galina Sanaeva: How would you describe the weather in Russia during your visit?

Marika: I stayed in Saint Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Adjusting to the high humidity was challenging; it made summers feel hotter and winters colder compared to Canada. Humidity makes air feel heavy when it’s frosty outside in Russia, whereas in BC, while it’s the temperature is warmer, like +5, it’s cold to your bones. The climate reminded me of British Columbia in some ways, but traveling to Russia was much harder than returning to Canada. Jetlag hit me particularly hard after a stop in Estonia.

Galina Sanaeva: How would you describe Russia’s nature and outdoor activities?

Marika: Russia’s landscapes felt serene and almost like something out of a fairytale, especially the taiga. I spent time foraging for mushrooms, which is very popular there, and made chanterelle soup — a dish my grandfather enjoyed. We also went fishing, though it wasn’t very successful. Swamps presented unique challenges with hidden roots and poisonous snakes, but I felt a deep connection to the outdoors despite that.

Everyday Life

Galina Sanaeva: What was it like for children in the village?

Marika: Children in rural villages seemed to have much more freedom. It felt safe for them to play outdoors and interact spontaneously, like knocking on a friend’s window to invite them to play. That sense of community was heartwarming.

Galina Sanaeva:  Did you have any other observations during your trip?

Marika: Yes, I noticed how self-sufficient many rural families are. From making their own preserves to organizing community gatherings, there’s a strong focus on local traditions and sustainability. It’s something that stood out to me and felt very different from my life in Canada.

Also, I noticed that most goods, including souvenirs, are domestically made in Russia. It’s a strong cultural emphasis I really appreciated. I also loved using online store Ozon, their e-commerce platform, for its fast delivery and minimal packaging. For example, you can buy just one pen and it will be delivered today with no extra packaging.

Galina Sanaeva: How did this trip shape your view of Russian life?

Marika: I appreciated the slower pace and deep-rooted traditions in rural areas, which contrasted with the modernized urban lifestyle. The visit reinforced how unique and meaningful the cultural and natural aspects of Russia are, leaving me with a mix of nostalgia and new insights.

Galina Sanaeva: If you could give advice to someone visiting Russia for the first time, what would it be? 

Marika: Be open to the culture. Don’t expect people to act like they do in Canada — they’re different, but in a good way. And try all the food — it’s worth it! 

Galina Sanaeva: That’s wonderful advice. Thank you, Marika, for sharing your thoughts. It’s been a pleasure hearing about your trip!