Western European Russia

Western European Russia lies between Moscow and St Petersburg and the borders of Latvia, Belarus and Estonia. This area saw heavy fighting in WWII. This region was settled by the Slavs in the 6th century. At the same time Vikings began trading and often raided this area enroute to the Black Sea.

South of Moscow lies the Yelets and Voronezh. Yelets was founded on the Sosna River in 1146. Voronezh is an industrial city on the banks of the Voronezh River. It is remembered for it's folk law and the rich black soil that produces the major crop being potatoes.

Kaliningrad region is strategically important has it lies between Lithuania, Poland and the Baltic Sea. From the 13th Century until 1945, Kaliningrad was German and part of the Tuetonic Knights and their successors, the dukes and kings of Prussia. It's capital is now named Kaliningrad which was the famous German city of Konigsberg.

Dont's:

Many old customs still thrive and women are advised to wear a scarf over their heads when entering churches in Russia.

If you are invited to a Russian's home it is proper to bring a gift. Wine, confectionary or a cake is acceptable. Flowers are ok but make sure they are of an odd number as even numbers are for funerals. Once the meal begins it is rude not to accept the food or drink.

When sitting even with strangers it is customary to share your food, drink or even your cigarette.

Winters in Russia are extremely cold due to much of the country being so far north.
From May to early September summer days in the north are long and generally warm. During July and August Russia experiences its wettest months even though it is summer.