Russia Travel Tour: 2007-03-25

If you think you can see the celebrated hip-hop moves only in the American Bronx, you're utterly wrong because Russia has its own version -- its celebrated hip-hop band known as Kasta. Made up of three members who are all from the town of Rostov-na-Donu, this Russian band was established in 1996 when the hip-hop genre was not yet famous.
Because of the several albums that Kasta has produced, this band has attained a sterling level of success and fame.

People often hear its songs being played as soundtracks in films, the sterling occurrence of which is "Goryachee Vremya" -- a soundtrack of the movie "AntiKiller" in 2002.
Unlike other musicians, Kasta makes sure that its songs are distinguished, so the band focuses mostly on social issues, life experiences, relationships, and even on their own dear hometown. Sometimes, they also sing about themselves (avoiding being narcissistic, of course), their company, and their cherished fans.

Aside from the songs' subjects, this band is also celebrated because of its incomparable style of singing. Though the band's forte is hip-hop, the band's capability to sing with eloquent, witty, and sharp rhymes has a special effect to the audience and thus, makes Kasta one-of-a-kind from other bands.

I am fond of cooking delectable meals especially for my loved ones. As such, I investigate for unusual recipes that might interest my family’s taste buds. I already tried distinct cuisines such as French, German, Italian, and Chinese, and they all loved their distinctive zest.

However, they asked (quite a few times) that I cook a special Russian dinner since I had just arrived from Russia.
Straightforwardly, I do not know much about Russian cuisines that is the reason why I asked my Russian friend for an easy but mouthwatering recipe – and she recommended the Tsyplionok Tabaka.
I already tasted this recipe when I visited my Russian friend a week ago and I only have one word to describe it –yummy.

Plus, it is very undemanding to prepare and cook because all you need are a whole capon, melted butter, salt, and pepper. To prepare it, you ought to clean the capon by cutting its stomach lengthwise and beating it to make it flat. Then, press its wings to the back and tuck in its legs and then distribute the distinctive seasonings.

After that, put the butter in the pan and alternate the chicken every 15 minutes until its cooked.
Most male sports fans these days often compare Russia with blond, beautiful, and fashionable players in the professional tennis circuit. This is quite funny because before, mixing sports with sleek and chic clothing is unthinkable.

But now, this is the current swing in Russia, and we can clearly see the proof of the manifold Russian athletes who endorse clothing lines.
It all got off when Anna Kournikova joined the women's professional tennis scene during the mid-1990's, when the people's look of the world's geographically largest country changed. As most individuals know, Russia is but a quiet country and it was almost thought of as having less stir
in the world, however, for world sports observers, it's not as dominant as America.

But at 16 then, Kournikova was among the most attractive and trendy players of the said sport. The sad part, however, was that she is not really that talented and her modeling overtook her play earnings, thus creating a mark on Russian players – just chic and beautiful, no talent.
That conclusion was kept for sometime until Maria Sharapova came out in 2001.

She also has supermodel looks but what sets her apart from her precursor was the aptitude. Starting out at 14 as a proficient player, she proved to the world that she's more than just a beauteous face. Now turning 20 in April 19th of this year, she is currently placed world's number one and models for Nike's sportswear, Samantha Thavasa fashion line, Prince sports equipment, Tag Heuer watches, and Parfux fragrances just to mention a few of her endorsements.

St.Petersburg is one of the most recognized places in Russia, and this is not entirely surprising, especially when one considers the many attractions that it offers the voyagers that regularly visit the area.

In addition, St. Petersburg also hosts a number of fantastic hotels located in very strategic spots, making it an ideal area for prospective tourists.
One such hotel is the Fontanka Inn, which boasts of a number of rooms that are individually created.

Each of these rooms possesses a double-sized bed, a safe, TV, bedside table with lamp,and a bathroom having private comforts such as a washbasin, shower, and toilet. There is no business center inside the lodging, but typical business facilities can be availed of, including copy machines, fax, computers, and wireless connection.

The Fontanka Inn may offer only the basic lodging amenities, but it makes up for it by the number of tourist sights that literally surround the place.

These typically concern a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes, aside from theaters and museums, all of which can be accessed quite effortlessly on foot. The beautiful Fontanka River, meanwhile, can be reached after a mere two-minute walk if one is coming from the recognized Nevsky Prospect. Alternatively, the river can also be witnessed when one is looking out from one of the many lodging room windows.