The Artistic Genius of Kseniya Simonova from the Ukraine

Watch this fascinating video of 24 year old Kseniya Simonova and you will begin to see the emotional depth and intensity that so many women from the FSU have when it comes to the arts.

Once again I’m very happy to see someone with her incredible level of beauty and talent getting some much deserved international recognition.

Watch this incredible video of 24 year old Kseniya Simonova and you will begin to see the emotional depth and intensity that so many women from the FSU have when it comes to the arts.

Her work is an excellent illustration of the suffering and fortitude that so often comes hand in hand with the history and culture of these women.

Once again I’m very happy to see someone with her stunning combination of beauty and talent getting some much deserved international recognition.

Sand artist Kseniya Simonova, winner of Ukraine’s Got Talent, becomes internet hit

Sand artist, Kseniya Simonova, who moved audiences to tears as she won Ukraine’s Got Talent, has become an online sensation with more than two million hits.

By Ian Johnston - 19 Sep 2009

Miss Simonova, 24, drew a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the German invasion during World War II.

 

Losing your mind when you talk to a beautiful Russian Woman

I just came across a interesting article from the UK Telegraph that stated something that most of us already know.

Men lose their minds speaking to pretty women.

I sure hope this study wasn’t too expensive because I could have given them the same information for the cost of an iced tea.   (Actually I probably would’ve given it for free.)

In any case I certainly didn’t need a fancy research lab to discover this.  I know this simply because I see it all the time with the various Men who travel to this part of the world in search of true love.

Now as fun as it may seem for you Gentlemen to take a spur of the moment road trip to Cloud 9 without your trusty little GPS in hand there is a serious side to this which all of you should pay close attention to.

Because getting lost in what you believe is love (but is actually lust or infatuation) can be a VERY EXPENSIVE and VERY DISAPPOINTING journey.

It usually starts with a man who is devoid of any feminine attention who starts corresponding with only a picture of some younger beauty on the Internet.

I can hardly find fault with them but it is simply way too easy for these Gentlemen to lose their minds, let their imaginations roam and believe that they have “found love”.

Now if he’s one of the lucky few who actually makes it over to the FSU to meets his lady then he’s really at risk for losing his marbles if he’s truly attracted to the girl standing before him.   Now I totally understand that these hazy feelings can be a very beautiful thing because Mother Nature can do blissful, wonderful things in matters of love and attraction.

But the flip side is this.

Lack of common sense can often bring about confusion and BAD Decision making.

So before any of you Gentlemen go flying off to marry the first girl who gives you any attention try to take a step back and realize that there is a powerful force in play that will most certainly impair your judgement as to what the best woman may be for you to build a future with.

ALWAYS keep your options open and try to meet as many everyday women as possible because..

Contrasts + Comparisons = Common Sense

Men lose their minds speaking to pretty women

Talking to an attractive woman really can make a man lose his mind, according to a new study.

Pat Hagan

Published: 10:28AM BST 03 Sep 2009

The research shows men who spend even a few minutes in the company of an attractive woman perform less well in tests designed to measure brain function than those who chat to someone they do not find attractive.

Researchers who carried out the study, published in the Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology, think the reason may be that men use up so much of their brain function or ‘cognitive resources’ trying to impress beautiful women, they have little left for other tasks.

The findings have implications for the performance of men who flirt with women in the workplace, or even exam results in mixed-sex schools.

Women, however, were not affected by chatting to a handsome man.

This may be simply because men are programmed by evolution to think more about mating opportunities.

Psychologists at Radboud University in The Netherlands carried out the study after one of them was so struck on impressing an attractive woman he had never met before, that he could not remember his address when she asked him where he lived.

Researchers said it was as if he was so keen to make an impression he ‘temporarily absorbed most of his cognitive resources.’

To see if other men were affected in the same way, they recruited 40 male heterosexual students.

Each one performed a standard memory test where they had to observe a stream of letters and say, as fast as possible, if each one was the same as the one before last.

The volunteers then spent seven minutes chatting to male or female members of the research team before repeating the test.

The results showed men were slower and less accurate after trying to impress the women. The more they fancied them, the worse their score.

But when the task was repeated with a group of female volunteers, they did not get the same results. Memory scores stayed the same, whether they had chatted to a man or a woman.

In a report on their findings the researchers said: ‘We conclude men’s cognitive functioning may temporarily decline after an interaction with an attractive woman.’

Psychologist Dr George Fieldman, a member of the British Psychological Society, said the findings reflect the fact that men are programmed to think about ways to pass on their genes.

‘When a man meets a pretty woman, he is what we call ‘reproductively focused’.

‘But a woman also looks for signs of other attributes, such as wealth, youth and kindness. Just the look of the man would be unlikely to have the same effect.’

Men lose their minds speaking to pretty women

Talking to an attractive woman really can make a man lose his mind, according to a new study.

Pat Hagan

Published:  03 Sep 2009

The research shows men who spend even a few minutes in the company of an attractive woman perform less well in tests designed to measure brain function than those who chat to someone they do not find attractive.

Researchers who carried out the study, published in the Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology, think the reason may be that men use up so much of their brain function or ‘cognitive resources’ trying to impress beautiful women, they have little left for other tasks.

 

Russian Women are practically born with high heels on.

Beautiful Russian Women and high heels..

Especially REALLY High Heels have always been a bit of a fascinating enigma for me.

Just what is it about this seemingly simple invention that guys like me adore so much?

I admit I’m in an eviable position because I get to watch ladies in this part of the world walking around in some of the sexiest footware in existence.

It really doesn’t matter if it’s a knee high boot lined with real fur strutting throught the Siberian ice in the winter..

Or a hot looking summer stilletto with laces tightly criss-crossing up a well toned ankle with a shoe lace knot that’s just tempting a man to untie them ever so slowly..  ;)

Russian women so easily flaunting their natural and god given feminitiy like this is something that I’ll never take for granted.

And neither should you if you ever manage to make it over here to see for yourself.

Take a peak at the videos below to see more of what I mean.

 

Russian Women prove to be stronger in spirit than Russian Men – Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill

Patriarch Kirill is a piviotal religious figure in Russia since he is one of the Leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church.

His words carry a great deal of weight and I believe he’s trying to further endorse the critical role that Russian Women play in keeping the social and cultural fabric of this country intact.

I have been to various Russian Villages as he has and I can also validate the strength and fortitude these women have in keeping their households and communities together inspite of often overwhelming struggles and hardships.

I’m really glad that he made the following statements and brought more attention to these everyday heroines.

Moscow, May 25, Interfax – Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia considers women the stronger sex, as they have proved to be more psychologically sturdy in Russia’s tough environment.

“Men happen to be frailer. The upheavals of 1990s caused many of them to break down, but women had more vigor to endure the stress,” Patriarch said at a meeting with a youth audience of five thousand people at the Izmaylovo sport complex.

Answering their questions, he mentioned sport achievements as an example of women’s courage: “women win our country most of Russia’s gold medals in sport.” These Patriarch’s words have received a stormy ovation.

“An individual comprises both spirit and body, and human strength depends not only on its physical component. In this regard, women are the stronger sex,” Patriarch Kirill said.

He mentioned that he had to travel a lot around Russia. “Almost every village has some kind of an amateur talent group. Who sings in a choir? Women do, and sometimes they are accompanies by a drunk accordionist,” Patriarch said.

According to him, the same is true for many village schools, libraries, post offices, local administration where women have to play the lead.

Moscow, May 25, Interfax

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia considers women the stronger sex, as they have proved to be more psychologically sturdy in Russia’s tough environment.

“Men happen to be frailer.

The upheavals of 1990s caused many of them to break down, but women had more vigor to endure the stress,” Patriarch said at a meeting with a youth audience of five thousand people at the Izmaylovo sport complex.

 

Why Men Instinctively Desire Younger Women

54 year old Mel Gibson and his 39 year old Russian Lady, Oksana Grigorieva

Clearly there are many obvious reasons behind this.

However there now seems to be a real evolutionary purpose as to why our instincts work in the way they do.

And perhaps this is the most important reason of all because…

Our genes naturally drive us Men towards younger women in order to promote a LONGER life.

Now i’m sure subconsciously we all realize this.

Because as a friend of mine once said.

“Being with a young and beautiful woman forces you to stay young yourself.”

(And give the night and day physical differences I’ve seen in him because of his relationship I’d have to concur.)

 

Invasion of the Latvian Blondes

The Ex-Soviet country of Latvia has come up with an ingenious way to put themselves on the map.

They just recently held their first annual “Blonde Parade” in the capital city of Riga. The locals decided to fight the “blues” associated with their serious economic contraction with an overwhelming touch of “pink” instead.

I have to admit it certainly brought a big grin to my face to learn about it.

And I’m sure it will for you too.  ;)

POSITIVE ENERGY

Blonde Parade Lifts Spirits in Gloomy Latvia

Latvians may be feeling depressed as a result of the economic crisis which has hammered the Baltic state, but over 500 blonde women did their best to lift spirits in Riga on Sunday with a parade and other “Blonde Weekend” events.

The global economic crisis has hit the Baltic state of Latvia particularly hard and left the population feeling blue. But one group of Latvian women has taken a novel approach to fighting the pervasive feeling of doom and gloom.

On Sunday, a procession of more than 500 blondes paraded through the capital Riga wearing pink and white. Many were escorted by lap dogs wearing the same cheerful hues. Their goal: to use their beauty to shine a little light into the dark mood caused by the global downturn.

Though it was far from being a protest march, some women used the opportunity to counter stereotypes. “I am beautiful, but I’m not dumb,” Ilone Zigure told the news agency AFP. The student added that she hopes that those of her countrymen who are depressed about the economic crisis will find her “positive energy” contagious.

It’s a sentiment that many observing the parade shared. “Finally, something positive,” one 70-year-old woman watching the parade told AFP. “I just can’t stand listening to people talk about the crisis anymore.”

The parade was just part of a range of events making up Riga’s “Blonde Weekend,” which also included a golf tournament, a fashion show, a ball and a drawing contest for kids. The Latvian Blondes Association, which organized the events, hoped to use any proceeds from the weekend’s activities toward a playground for handicapped children.

jtw — with wire reports

POSITIVE ENERGY

Blonde Parade Lifts Spirits in Gloomy Latvia

Latvians may be feeling depressed as a result of the economic crisis which has hammered the Baltic state, but over 500 blonde women did their best to lift spirits in Riga on Sunday with a parade and other “Blonde Weekend” events.

The global economic crisis has hit the Baltic state of Latvia particularly hard and left the population feeling blue. But one group of Latvian women has taken a novel approach to fighting the pervasive feeling of doom and gloom.

 

What would you do for the Love of a Russian Woman – One Man’s Story

Funny how some “important” things in life so quickly take a back seat when you find something you’ve always been looking for.

In the case of this particular Gentleman from India something certainly hit him hard enough to change his life completely.

This is something a few of us out there can certainly relate to.

And although he’s having a few challenges in chasing his dream I’m sure he and his lovely new family will pull through.

Because after all that’s what love really is.

Love Gets Bollywood Star Stranded In Russia

Enchanted by a Russian beauty, an Indian actor decided to trade in his Bollywood career for marrying his sweetheart and leave for her hometown, only for him to end up near-destitute.

 

What Russian Women Wear in the Summer – Photos 47

The weather has been a little strange here lately.

The last few days have been relatively cold for this time of year.. probably about 15C.  But we have had a few good days of hot weather and hopefully more of this will be arriving soon.

Because as you can see from these images of our sultry Miss Elena K there is probably nothing more incredible then seeing Russian Women like her dressing up for their sexy rites of summer.

 

The Next Russian Woman Sports Star.. in Golf!

Ave Maria! (That’s latin for sweet mother of Jesus)

“In Russia everyone is interested in tennis at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be the one to change things.”

Stood in the window is more then just a beautiful woman with a golf club, Maraia Verchenova has a burning desire to be the

best golfer in the world.

Maria Verchenova

Age:22

Best Finish: T5

Lowest Round: 66

GP Verdict:  Has shown fantastic early promise

Words Ben Cove

Photography Steve Read

I remember the very moment I frst clocked eyes on Maria Verchenova, in fact it’s hard to forget. Stood on the putting green

at the Ladies European Tour’s Turkish Open last May, out of the corner of my eye I saw what looked like Penelope Cruz in a

skimpy dress lining up a putt. It was one of those double-take moments, when you have to slap yourself to ensure you’re not

really dreaming, or hallucinating. I ran straight for the LET Tour rep and screeched… ‘Who the hell is that?’

The answer, was the delectable Soviet swingstress on your right. A girl that had firted with leaderboards over the past 12

months and turned heads in doing so, for she was a rarity; she was a Russian golfer. Five months and a hundred phone calls

later, we meet at Royal Blackheath Golf Club, a bastion of nobility and golfng history in south London to witness a clash of

worlds. Where old meets young, east meets west, and I meet the hottest swinging siren in golf.

Born in the former Soviet Union in 1986, Verchenova didn’t take up golf until she was 12. But when she did, her handicap

plummeted like the icy temperatures of a Russian winter. And now, at the still tender age of 23, she’s continuing with her

fine form. The perfect cocktail of a silky smooth swing, bubbly persona and the heavenly prototype of a body – exactly how

God intended the female form to be – she’s livin proof of golf’s all-too-often-understated glitter and glamour. Possibly the

sexiest thing on a tee box since Hugh Hefner had a pitch ’n’ putt course installed in his garden.

Lets get to know Maria Verchenova…

golfPunk: You look very natural behind the camera there Maria…

Maria Verchenova: “Yeah I love it! I’ve never been taught how to pose or anything like that but have done a bit of modelling

before, so I kind of know what I’m doing. I really enjoyed myself today because we mixed golf with more sexy stuff – it’s so

cool.”

gP: What’s easier, modelling or golf?

MV: “Are you kidding me?! Defnitely modelling! You just put some clothes on and pose. If golf was that easy we’d all be

20-under-par every tournament!”

gP: So. why golf?

MV: “That’s a question I often ask myself! Golf isn’t a big sport back in my homeland. When I was 12 my Dad fancied learning

to play, so I just went along to the golf club with him and had lessons at the same time.  To be honest I didn’t really enjoy

it, I wanted to be a professional ballet dancer. But my Dad identifed that I had talent, and encouraged me to practice hard

on the driving range. Now that I’m on Tour and making a living out of the game I love playing. So I guess he was right!”

gP: Russia isn’t exactly renowned for its golfing prowess…

MV: “Yeah in Russia everyone is interested in tennis, tennis, tennis at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be the one to change

things!”

gP: Inevitably you’ve been compared to other sexy Russian sportswomen like Anna Kournikova and Maria Sharapova. How does that

sit with you?

MV: “Yeah a lot of people say that but I’m like: ‘Hey come on guys – I’m not blonde!’ I was in Japan recently and there was a

crowd of people shouting ‘SHA-RA-POVA’ at me! She is a good-looking girl and a great athlete, but I don’t want to be the

Maria Sharapova of golf. I want to be the golfer – Maria Verchenova.”

gP: You’re obviously in great shape, do you work hard to keep your body in such condition?

MV: “Yeah my coach drags me out of bed to work out at the gym most days. But that’s no problem – I like to feel good and look

good, so I do it for myself as well as for my game.”

gP: You’re still studying for a Sports degree at Moscow University, how do you fnd the time for golf and school?

MV: “It’s been diffcult to juggle golf, studies and exams, but it is for the best. I’ve been at University for fve years and

this is my last year so I’d be stupid not to fnish my degree now. Sure, there have been a lot of evenings spent doing

homework in hotel rooms here, there and everywhere, but I’ve chosen to turn pro and travel the world, so I’m not going to

complain about it.”

gP: Did you fnd it diffcult to learn the rules and scoring systems for golf?

MV: “I did yeah… Everyone does though, right?! I remember reading through my little pocket-sized St Andrews rulebook when I

was younger and I just couldn’t understand half of the rules – I still struggle with some of them. Luckily they have rules

offcials on the LET!”

gP: Did you watch much golf on TV as a kid?

MV: “Not at all. There isn’t any golf coverage on Russian TV, so I didn’t even know what The Masters was! I had no idea about

the media interest or prize money available. I just thought that playing golf for a living would be a whole lot of fun!”

gP: At what stage did you realise you could make a career from golf?

MV: “When I was 16 I was playing off fve and was selected for the Russian golf squad. It was there that I really improved and

realised that I was pretty good. And now here I am!”

gP:What do you like doing away from the golf course?

MV: “When I’m away on the LET I go to a lot of dinners with sponsors and pro-am guests, so when I get some time to myself

it’s nice just to chill out. Sometimes I’ll be by the pool reading celebrity gossip magazines, but normally you’ll fnd me

eating popcorn and watching TV!”

gP: Sugared or salted popcorn?

MV: “Salted, of course!”

gP: What do you watch on TV?

MV: “A lot of the American TV series’ are good. It depends on my mood really, sometimes I like a comedy, but then I also

love scary movies they’re great! I watch all American stuff in English language, and then catch up on Russian shows when I’m

back home.”

gP: Favourite flm?

MV: “I love The Bodyguard. When I was younger I’d watch it religiously twice a day; once before school and once in the

evening. After about fve months of this my mum got sick of it and chucked the DVD in the bin. That was a shame because

I loved Kevin Costner!”

gP: What music are you into?

MV: “Anything and everything. I like RnB, but also listen to Elton John, George Michael or Mariah Carey.”

gP: Do you follow politics?

MV: “Oh no because I can’t understand what they’re all going on about! I tried to give it a go by reading the newspaper a

few times but that’s just not for me.”

gP: Do you live the student party life when you’re back in Moscow?

MV: “No way – I’m an athlete! I’m trying to keep myself in a state of good mind and body, so rarely go out socially during

the season. It may seem boring, but I can go out partying in the winter and add drop a of vodka into my coke!”

gP: You must’ve been to a lot of big cities, are you a shopaholic?

MV: “I enjoy shopping for new clothes but I can only handle it for a maximum of two hours – then I get bored out of my brain.

If I know what I want I’ll go in and buy it and get out of there quickly. I don’t go mad; I’m trying to save my money!”

gP: What other sports are you into?

MV: “I like playing other sports for fun. Especially tennis, swimming and I love basketball, although I’m rubbish at it!”

gP: Why did you turn pro at such a young age?

MV: “A lot of people wanted me to stay as an amateur and gain more experience whilst fnishing my studies, but I’d played a

lot of amateur golf and it doesn’t give me the same buzz or prestige as I now have in the pro ranks. Sure you play your round

and it’s nice to win, but you take home trophies and put them on the shelf and that’s it. I was like: ‘so what?  Is that

it?!’ I knew I wanted bigger challenges.”

gP: And so how is life on the LET?

MV: “It’s been great fun actually, I’ve met a lot of new friends but by the same token I’m very much a hometown girl so I

have missed being with my family in Moscow at times. I’ve been trying to treat Tour life as work; gym, range and course,

that’s my day job. I got into the habit of winning back in my amateur days and that’s something I want to fnd again on Tou

It would be nice to have another collection of trophies… and some big pay cheques!”

gP: You received a fair bit of media attention during The British Open at Sunningdale last year because of what you were

wearing.  How does that sit with you?

MV: “I enjoyed it. I always like to bring something extra special to the golf course, so if I’m wearing sexier, more stylish

stuff like a shorter skirt or a nice tennis-style dress and people notice then great.”

gP: Can golf be sexy?

MV: “It depends on how you interact and how you dress on the golf course, but sure, why not? Things have changed – golf is

defnitely cool, and hey golf can be sexy!”

gP: Would you rather be known as a sexy woman or a great golfer?

MV: “I’ll settle for both, thank you!”

gP: You were leading an event in Morocco recently but fell down the leaderboard on the fnal day. Did the pressure of leading

the feld get to you?

MV: “It was a combination of things really. It was blisteringly hot and we were playing pro-ams every day, which kept us on

course for six hours each time and it took its toll. Plus I was in the fnal group with Laura Davies which was kind of

intimidating… sometimes she was hitting a wedge and I was hitting a fve-iron! But hey, that’s an experience I’ll learn from.”

gP: What are your ultimate goals?

MV: “Eventually I want to replace Lorena Ochoa as world number one. But if I can win the US Open and play in a Solheim Cup

along the way I’d be so happy.”

gP: You mention missing your family when you’re away, how close are you as a family?

MV: “I’ve a younger sister aged 16. She’s playing off three at the moment and will probably join me on Tour one day.”

gP: There’s another one of you?! Tell us more…

MV: “Well, she’s a very talented golfer, her handicap is much better than mine was at her age. Oh and she’s taller than me

and I’d say she’s prettier than me too.”

gP:She sounds, ahem… horrible! So in a few years’ time – when you’re both fying the fag for Russia on Tour – can we do a

shoot with you and your sister together?

MV: “That’s a deal!”

(original article can be found at http://golfpunkonline.com/)

This is a bit of a tongue in cheek interview I just found on Ms. Maria Verchenova who is a rising star in the Golf World.

When you read her interview take special note on how focused and goal oriented she is and how this probably took the interviewer for a bit of a surprise.

You see what might be viewed as being an “over-achiever” in the US or the West for a young lady this age is seen as a perfectly normal thing here in Russia or the FSU.

So what is the main message I want to convey to you Gentlemen out there?

If you want to associate with Real Russian Ladies like Ms. Verchenova (let alone try to have a relationship with one) you may need to step up your own game as a Real Man to a whole new level.

Because many Russian Ladies who have stepped it up in life like Ms. Verchenova will certainly expect it from you too.

And if you are a regular reader of this blog..

Then I think this is something you have all realize by now.

Ave Maria!

(That’s latin for sweet mother of Jesus)

“In Russia everyone is interested in tennis at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be the one to change things.”

Stood in the window is more then just a beautiful woman with a golf club, Maria Verchenova has a burning desire to be the best golfer in the world.

• Maria Verchenova
• Age: 22
• Best Finish: T5
• Lowest Round: 66
• GP Verdict:  Has shown fantastic early promise

Words by Ben Cove

I remember the very moment I frst clocked eyes on Maria Verchenova, in fact it’s hard to forget.

Stood on the putting green at the Ladies European Tour’s Turkish Open last May, out of the corner of my eye I saw what looked like Penelope Cruz in a skimpy dress lining up a putt. It was one of those double-take moments, when you have to slap yourself to ensure you’re not really dreaming, or hallucinating. I ran straight for the LET Tour rep and screeched…

‘Who the hell is that?’

The answer, was the delectable Soviet swingstress on your right. A girl that had firted with leaderboards over the past 12 months and turned heads in doing so, for she was a rarity; she was a Russian golfer. Five months and a hundred phone calls later, we meet at Royal Blackheath Golf Club, a bastion of nobility and golfng history in south London to witness a clash of worlds. Where old meets young, east meets west, and I meet the hottest swinging siren in golf.

Born in the former Soviet Union in 1986, Verchenova didn’t take up golf until she was 12. But when she did, her handicap plummeted like the icy temperatures of a Russian winter. And now, at the still tender age of 23, she’s continuing with her fine form.

The perfect cocktail of a silky smooth swing, bubbly persona and the heavenly prototype of a body – exactly how God intended the female form to be – she’s livin proof of golf’s all-too-often-understated glitter and glamour. Possibly the sexiest thing on a tee box since Hugh Hefner had a pitch ’n’ putt course installed in his garden.

Lets get to know Maria Verchenova…

 

Russian Women Have Another Admirer

Now I admit the following article might be a little biased since it came from the english edition of the Moscow Times..

But Hey..

I don’t think I could have done a better job writing such an inspired article about our favorite Russian Women myself.

But in anycase..

I can CERTAINLY relate to this guy.

And at the same time..

I’m sure many of you can too.

The Essence of Russia: Devushki, Zhenshchiny, Babushki

12 May 2009

(By Eastern Europe, Paolo Casciato, Dow Public Affairs Leader for Russia, Greece, Turkey)

I believe Russia is a country of women. Without questioning the value of Russian men — nor considering the immense Russian cultural, artistic and religious treasures and relics, what definitively impresses most visitors (obviously including me) during a trip to Russia are the Russian women.

Russian women impress more than Russian men. Yes, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, in Russia for a long business trip, an expat, a tourist for just a few days, or if you are a student or a pensioner: what you’ll remember about your Russian experience are first of all its women, then comes the rest.

In fact, although Russian men are — like Russian women — warm in their nature, they generally tend not to take too much care about their appearance, which makes them less remarkable than women when you just look at them. This doesn’t mean they are not smart, educated, kind and sensitive to their women’s needs and desires. For example, compared with foreign men in this aspect, even in their own country they seem very closed and change-resistant – this is particularly true for the current middle-aged male generation. The younger generation definitively has greater access to international standards and trends, and perhaps also driven by a stronger curiosity they are learning how to care more about their appearance.

Should I specify right now that by talking about Russian women I’m not only referring to their indisputable beauty? Maybe I should: well, I’m not just directing my thoughts towards one of the most common international stereotypes (and a reality): the astonishing beauty of Russian women. But I cannot ignore it either. While the reality is evident going around the big cities such as Moscow or St. Petersburg as well as in rural villages, in winter or in summer, there is a second dimension surprisingly able to shadow the glamour of the Russian beauty.

This is probably the main reason why Russian women seem so interesting, attractive and memorable — their strong character which surely enables them to fight to “survive”, advance and succeed in the extremely competitive environment of today’s Russia without impacting their exquisite natural gentleness. They tend to have a high level of education as well as possess open-mindedness, intelligence and pragmatism, and this combined with their strong ethics at work, where they prove to be reliable and hardworking, can make them exemplary employees.

Their attributes include clarity in setting personal objectives and the consistency in achieving them, an ability to always guide and support their partners, in good times and in bad, and the proven ability to overcome any difficulties while still remaining feminine regardless of the socio-economic context in which they find themselves. Does it seem too much? It is not.

And we are back to the beauty of Russian women. In a convergence with their natural beauty, Russian women — it appears crystal clear — are nowadays extremely determined to affirm their femininity, to be and appear like women regardless of their income and personal situation.

Russian women seem to make something of a mission of valuing their femininity with a dress code, careful makeup, and high heels they apparently never abandon: in the office, visiting shopping centers, going around with their friends, walking with their kids, in supermarkets, in a park or at a museum, with no difference whether they are going to drive a car or take the underground, and even ignoring the sometimes challenging Russian weather or the road and sidewalk conditions.

Why, you might ask? Simply, Russian women desire to be beautiful and attractive. And they succeed because they know well how to do it without offending their intelligence, their dignity as a woman, and surely without merchandising their body. It has nothing to do with feminism in Russia. It is about culture, education and desire.

As a visitor, it is of paramount importance not to confuse a dress code, which sometimes might leave little to the imagination, with an invitation to approach a woman believing she might be somehow “easy”. You can instead easily avoid making a poor impression by just not thinking that whatever you see is obvious. The era of Russian women looking for foreigners to escape Russia and improve their living conditions is definitively over. The opposite might be true now.

Surely these are not unique differentiating factors of Russian women, but I believe this combination explains why many non-Russian men fall in love with Russian women although they might keep struggling forever with the cultural differences. But that’s definitively a different story.

What I believe is important to consider, when striving to understand today’s Russian women, is the historical context that has contributed to the conditions and common elements you can notice in their personality.

Simply learning the recent history of Russia has personally helped me a lot; along with progressively understanding and appreciating the positive aspects of my now years-long experience in the country, while also clarifying many of the more or less apparent and strong paradoxes and contradictions that characterize daily life in today’s Russia.

In fact, although the situation is gradually changing for the better with benefits spreading from the wealth Russia has been generating in the recent years, I’m pretty sure that together with the impression of Russian women what you’ll bring back from your Russian experience are the extremes you will notice simply going around the country, and — if you stay long enough — you may also come to struggle with. Anyhow, Russian citizens are fighting against them almost daily, and be sure they will progressively solve them; at least the most pressing ones.

(read the original article here)

The Essence of Russia: Devushki, Zhenshchiny, Babushki

12 May 2009

(By Eastern Europe, Paolo Casciato, Dow Public Affairs Leader for Russia, Greece, Turkey)

I believe Russia is a country of women. Without questioning the value of Russian men — nor considering the immense Russian cultural, artistic and religious treasures and relics, what definitively impresses most visitors (obviously including me) during a trip to Russia are the Russian women.

Russian women impress more than Russian men. Yes, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, in Russia for a long business trip, an expat, a tourist for just a few days, or if you are a student or a pensioner: what you’ll remember about your Russian experience are first of all its women, then comes the rest.

In fact, although Russian men are — like Russian women — warm in their nature, they generally tend not to take too much care about their appearance, which makes them less remarkable than women when you just look at them.