The Pearl of Siberia (A Wondrous Lake)

LAKE BAIKAL (The Pearl of Siberia)

A freshwater lake that is the deepest in the world and one of the cleanest lakes. It's the seventh largest lake in the world and surrounded by mountains. This wondrous lake has over a thousand species and is worth seeing during your tour of Russia.

The nearest big city to Lake Baikal is Irkutsk. This is a good city for lodging options. The International Hotel Sayen 13B Karl Mark Street, Irkutsk is a nice designer hotel with lots of amenities. The Irkutsk Hostel Zhelyabox 23A/1 is a good value. They offer dormitory, twin room and one bedroom apartment accommodations.

Don't miss out on glorious views of Lake Baikal from all angles. You might even want to enjoy a Siberian Vodka drink. The Russians love their vodka.

SIBERIAN VODKA DRINK

1 and 1/2 ounces of Russian vodka

4 ounces grapefruit juice

1/4 ounce cranberry juice

Fill a shaker with ice and combine vodka with the juices. Strain and pour into a glass!

Mingling in Moscow

MOSCOW the capital city of RUSSIA is the most populous. It has the largest community of billionaires in the world. 

MOSCOW is situated on the Mooskva River and has more forest area within its borders than any other city in the world.

MOSCOW may have long winters and short summers but that doesn't stop visitors from flying into MOSCOW and experiencing all the fascinating things it has to offer.

With one of the deepest underground metro systems in the world navigating around MOSCOW is easy. Once you arrive at one of Moscow's airports you can begin mingling in Moscow and mastering your way around the city like the locals.

Here's a list of things not to miss when in Moscow:

The Moscow Kremlin, one of the greatest architectural complexes in the world, a medieval city fortress, a World Heritage Site.

The Kremlin Armoury

Bolshoi Theater

Chaika Swimming Pool

Gorky Park Skaters Rink

Izmaylovo Market

Moscow City Tour

St Basils Cathedral

Red Square

Vorobyovy Gory Nature Preserve

MOSCOW is flooded with extraordinary eating establishments from A to Z.  Below are just a handful of recommendations:

Mari Vanna (authentic Russian), Homemade Cafe (International),
Red Square 1 (authentic Russian), Gallery (International), 
Shinok (Ukrainian; house specialty, vareniki), Stolle (Central Asian; known for coffee, pirogi pies, and cakes). Kaukazskaya
Plennitsa (Moscow's favorite for Georgian dishes), Filimonova &Yankel Fish House (outstanding seafood).

The Russians love their food and one of their most famous dishes are Blini. When time permits feast on a plate of Blini at one of Moscow's restaurants.

BLINI  (Blee-nee)

2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon yeast (rapid rise yeast)
1 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 egg, separated

1) Mix flours, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
2) Pour in warm milk, mix and cover with towel for 1 hour.
3) Stir melted butter (make certain its cooled) with one egg yolk. 
4) In separate bowl whisk egg white until stiff and fold into mixture. Cover mixture with a towel for about 20 minutes.
5) Heat non stick pan over medium heat and drop quarter size portions of blini dough into the pan. Cook for one minute on one side until bubbles form, turn and cook 30- 40 seconds. After all the blini are cooked keep them warm.

Top each blini with caviar, smoked salmon, or other fish,
minced onions, sour cream, and fresh dill.


ENJOY MINGLING IN MOSCOW! 

Russia at a glance!

The LARGEST country in the world
is R U S S I A!

There's a lot to see in this country that's inside two continents; Asia and Europe.
My upcoming posts will take you on a tour of Russia with highlights on places you
won't want to miss and interesting facts about Russian culture and foods.

RUSSIA: THE LAND OF PLENTY!