“Warm” Russian Hospitality
The "warmth" and welcome of Russian homes contrast sharply with the reserved, somewhat "cold" character of the people on the streets. You feel the disparity both physically and emotionally. What do you notice as you go along a normal Russian street?
Most of the time, these are cold, square, Soviet-built structures devoid of feeling. It's somewhat dismal. Go inside an apartment complex, then ascend a few flights of stairs. It remains the same: dreary, gloomy, and rather dismal. Now enter a Russian residence by passing via a flat's doorway.
Suddenly, warmth, color, and order that were nonexistent on the other side of the doorway hit you like a ton of bricks. Any foreigner who has made friends with Russians or Ukrainians can vouch for this. Russian homes are incredibly warm and giving, both physically and emotionally.
The importance of food and drink in Russian hospitality cannot be overstated. You will be served a variety of foods that have been prepared at home, the majority of which are included on our menu of Russian cuisine, when you are invited to dinner. There is always some kind of snack food available when drinking spirits around the table (aкуски - zakuski), which is particularly helpful as a "chaser" after drinking. There are always some type of chocolates or sweets (слатки - slatki) available when sipping tea or coffee. Russians adore desserts.
