Russians' Cultural Leasure |
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In Russia, as well as in many other countries, all sorts of sociological interviews are often conducted. This time the interview was aimed at defining the most popular leisure activities in Russia. More than ten thousand persons were interviewed, and it was not a surprise that in the time of summer vacations traveling became the most popular recreation. Second place was taken by music, which was quite surprising, leaving the previous leader, cinema, in third place. There were also offered several alternative ways to pass time.
The ways Russian people like to relax are well-known abroad. Foreign old-timers will remember for a long time our countrymen's amusements who spent their holidays abroad in the '90s. The fact that "these Russians" seek ventures and adventures is rather undeniable. The proof is that more than 38% of the respondents prefer traveling when they have time. Supposing, the TV presenters of various traveling programs are the happiest people as they are constantly traveling. But the fact that every third user of the Russian language Internet is a music lover by nature was surprising. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents said that they spend their free time with music. Definitely, Russian people love music. It is our history. Even in the shabbiest town, you can always find a Philharmonic Hall or at least two or three recreation centers. The Russian recreation centre is something between a Western private concert hall and a small movie theatre. If a music band or a singer is known, the hall will not be empty. It is especially noticeable in provinces. Concert halls there are always full, and sellouts are common. The ticket price is about twenty dollars. In capitals, the situation is different. There on the first place is the name of the singer and the price.
Cinema - "the most important of arts" is left behind (36% of votes). By the way, it won't be surprising if we remember that for several recent years movie theatres have spread in Russian cities and towns. Visiting a movie theatre became a real hangout. It is composed of a cafe, a bar and a restaurant. The average ticket price varies from three to ten dollars.
The Internet is in fourth place. Almost 34% of the respondents spent their free time on the World Wide Web, while 33% chose reading. Though we are no longer read more than other nations (this year we are in seventh place, Hindus "read more than all the others"), we still hope that technology hasn't killed our hankering for reading. And what do you think our respondents are doing on the Web? In most cases, they are communicating with people of the opposite sex. Most often, they spent a lot of time visiting dating web-sites, chats and forums of this kind.
Sport takes sixth place in our "cultural leisure" rating (23% of votes). It looks like Russia leaves Britain behind, where historically the number of fans is hundreds times more than the number of those who take up sports at least just a bit. That's because the cultural leisure "sport" may be treated as watching or taking up, though, in Winter and in Summer, especially on weekends, the sight of people heading towards the nearest natural parks is impressive. Russia is a sports nation. We play football, hockey, volleyball and tennis. We love skiing and skating, yachting and surfing.
Undoubtlessly, visiting the banya by our people may be a separate theme for discussion. The Russians consider it to be a sport, health and sheer washing at the same time. Banya is one of the ways to release stress, keep fit and just enjoy. Believe me, most Russian men and women think this way. Russians enter the steam room several times. The first entry is usually dry, without washing, to feel the temperature, for about fifteen minutes. Then tea in the anteroom. Men usually "warm up" by drinking beer. The second entry is usually special. In the steam room, herbal infusions are made, so the room is filled with aromas. Birch or oak whisk is an inseparable attribute. The third entry is the longest. This wonderful tradition is engrained in Russia from grandmoms and great-grandmoms. In most cases, Russians are sure that "warming up their bones" in hot banya will restore cell nutrition, lessen blood pressure, activate the metabolism, normalize stomach activity, release pain and help to relax.
So, step by step, all Russian customs are begining to have their outlines. We also adore communicating with friends, we are keen on various computer games, love night clubs, picnics, and, surely, beer with vobla. Some of us like caving; some women like knitting and tambourine. In Russia, as well as in your country, there are people who are keen on Japanese culture and Chinese breathing exercises. You just need come to Russia, spend time here and, at the same time, make new acquaintances.
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