This site is our response to everyone who has ever asked us what Russia is like, and for anyone who might have never wondered, but should have. It’s an attempt to put into words Russia as we see it; our go at explaining that big old riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, that in fact, never went away. It’s about understanding the views, opinions and psyche of a nation that hits our headlines daily, without many of us ever really knowing why. And ultimately, it’s about providing a picture of Russia, as seen first-hand by two people, who think that although the journey they’re on to try and understand this country might never end, the process itself is worth sharing.


Sunday 14 December 2008

Miss Constitution

Photo: Igor Miukhin
It’s not all doom and gloom in Russia. Turn on Channel One, the state owned television channel, and there’s always something to lift your spirits. This Friday (12th Dec), Russia celebrated “Constitution Day”. The event was reported in a rather amusing manner. First there was the speech by President Dmitri Medvedev; rather ironic on the backdrop of his recent constitutional amendments to increase the presidential term:

The constitution is not, of course, a canon law given from above, but the result of a social contract; and contracts can change. But the fundamental articles of the constitution should not change; they should not change because this would be dangerous for the very existence of the state. Everything that is laid down in the constitution and everything that determines our fundamental rights and freedoms, the presidential character of our state, the federal system, this is what in all likelihood should never change, or, at any rate, not in the near future.”

In case things got too serious however, “Nashi” the pro-Kremlin youth organisation, had organised a “Miss Constitution” event which was held on Red Square. As Channel One reported:

The girls sang, danced, demonstrated their intelligence, answering questions on the content of the Russian constitution and expressing their personal opinions on the country's politics… The girls also took part in a catwalk wearing mini-bikinis. The organisers of the event noted that these would be “fur swimsuits, like Snow Maiden’s outfit.”

To top it all off, yesterday the world’s largest felt boot was on display in a park in central Moscow. Never a dull moment I tell you.


2 comments:

driftingfocus said...

I find your blog very interesting, as both an expat and someone who is 1/2 Russian. Mind if I add you to my blogroll? You can see mine here: ww.driftingfocus.com/blogs

Robert said...

раз раз и ну понял ?

Saturday Dec 13
Russia wins Miss World 2008

Хорощенкая Ksenya Sukhinova from Russia
was crowned Miss World 2008 after beating 108 other international beauties in a glittering African extravaganza held in South Africa on Saturday.

http://www.topix.net/world/russia/2008/12/russia-wins-miss-world-2008