Photo
January 10, 2012
0 comments
5 notes
For Russians, Free So, as I was saying, the thing that topped off my experience at the “Bagatitsa” Cossack Concert was this: It was the second time in my trip I got ‘the Russian discount’ on something. (The first time, you may remember, was at Peterhof.) We came out of the concert and a few of the dancers were taking pictures with tourists. I might add that pretty much everyone in attendance was a tourist, which was kind of disappointing. They had a sign up that said “Photos: $2 or €2” (I think that’s about how much they were - I don’t remember exactly.) Obviously, the thrill of the discount isn’t saving the $2, it’s passing for Russian. So I asked (in Russian) how many rubles it was and they said, “For Russians, Free”. Okay! So I got mistaken for a being Russian and got this cool picture! My only regret in this situation was that I held back from speaking very much because I didn’t want to give myself away as a non-Russian. In hindsight, I should have just risked it - it would have been worth a nice chat with a couple Cossacks. What do you think - do I pass for a Cossack?

For Russians, Free

So, as I was saying, the thing that topped off my experience at the “Bagatitsa” Cossack Concert was this:

It was the second time in my trip I got ‘the Russian discount’ on something. (The first time, you may remember, was at Peterhof.) We came out of the concert and a few of the dancers were taking pictures with tourists. I might add that pretty much everyone in attendance was a tourist, which was kind of disappointing.

They had a sign up that said “Photos: $2 or €2” (I think that’s about how much they were - I don’t remember exactly.) Obviously, the thrill of the discount isn’t saving the $2, it’s passing for Russian.

So I asked (in Russian) how many rubles it was and they said, “For Russians, Free”. Okay! So I got mistaken for a being Russian and got this cool picture! My only regret in this situation was that I held back from speaking very much because I didn’t want to give myself away as a non-Russian. In hindsight, I should have just risked it - it would have been worth a nice chat with a couple Cossacks.

What do you think - do I pass for a Cossack?

Tags: 2010 Russia Trip St. Petersburg Cossack Dancing

Photoset
January 09, 2012
0 comments
2 notes

Багатица!

I think I have been putting this post off because it was such a wonderful experience, I just don’t know how I can do it justice. This was, by far, the highlight of our trip.

First of all, I faced my fear of going into one of the various ticket booths, and actually arranged plans with someone in Russian. (It’s not that I was so afraid of the ticket booths in particular, but any ‘customer service’ transaction (and I use the phrase ‘customer service’ very loosely) in Russia can be quite the challenge - especially if you’re Russian’s not perfect.

Actually, it ended up that the scariest part wasn’t talking to the lady, but was when an armored truck driver dressed in camo and carrying a machine gun stopped by to pick up a deposit. (I really wanted to take a picture…but thought better of it.) 

But anyway, we stopped by the ticket booth, not knowing what we were looking for, but right away I saw 2 Cossack Concerts and chose Багатица. (I have no idea what Багатица means, by the way - I think it is just the name of their ensemble. Anyone know otherwise?)

So, we attended the concert, and it was just wonderful. I don’t know how to describe it. They obviously love what they do and put a lot of energy and spirit into it. Plus, if you’ve ever seen a Cossack concert, how can you not love it? And if you haven’t, please do as soon as possible!

The one thing that topped it all off was…well, this post is getting a little long, you’ll have to check back tomorrow.

Tags: 2010 Russia Trip St. Petersburg Cossack Dancing

Video
February 18, 2011
0 comments
2 notes

Cossack dancing is one of my favorite things in the world.

Tags: Cossack