blog_russianculturelesson1

Welcome to the
Foreign Bride 101 Weekly Blog!

TIME FOR A CULTURE LESSON!

     It occurred to me recently that most of you guys are making plans to head to Russia or Ukraine with
no real exposure to Russian culture - after all, where would we go in the USA to find real Russian,
Ukrainian anything - unless you’re lucky enough to know a good international market, restaurant or
Eastern Orthodox church.   When you guys touch down half way around the world you will be instantly
overexposed to lots of great food, music, art, architecture and yes - women! Some of the world’s most
beautiful ladies will be walking around on every street. As you meet them at romance tour socials, or
individually arranged dates, you will want to show your respect and true interest in their lives by
familiarizing yourself with the kinds of things they experience on a daily basis. Nothing will unimpress
these ladies on a first date so much as a one way conversation that’s all about you. So I’m going to use
these next few blogs to present some interesting pieces of Russian/Ukrainian life and culture. I’ll try to
make this as interesting as possible for you, ok? The idea is when your girl eventually asks you if you
know any Russian/Ukrainian music, art, books, history etc - you can perk right up with a mighty “YES!”
and show your true appreciation for HER. Women of the FSU believe that men who go to
Russia/Ukraine have a higher than typical interest in their world - they find this quality attractive and
you wouldn’t want to disappoint them - right? So sit back and enjoy some cool stuff - courtesy of a little
YouTube action - and more.

   Today I am posting a few music video links from some of Russia / Ukraine’s most popular musical
acts. You obviously won’t know the words - though some are in English - but you will get at least some
exposure to the music your girl listens to. I find this stuff very addicting - so watch out. Most of these
are Russian MTV videos - yes that’s right - they have MTV in Russia too and get this - they actually show
music videos. Yea, I know - ain’t that a kick in the pants. Here’s another possible value to knowing
these songs and artists - you’ll no doubt experience some of this music at the socials, so you can gauge
each songs danceability for future reference!

   I will warn you now - some of these are a little risqué - these are European women after all. Of course
each video gives you the chance to scroll through some others so - Enjoy!

ARTIST: Valerya

Valerya is a very popular singer in Russia and has spoken out publicly at the UN against human
trafficking that occurs in the FSU. She was married for 10 years to a very abusive spouse but rose above
to an amazing place in Russian culture. The last video in this list speaks to the human slave trade that
affects tens of thousands of women in the FSU every year. God bless Valeriya for speaking out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dsG6NVmqNI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKFbNrbEXG0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjJ0-d_jxfc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gqt45HEXDdg

ARTIST: Leonid Augutin (and Vladimir Presnyakov on Airports)

SONGS: Airports, If I Get The Chance

Way cool dude - great voice. There’s a story behind the “Airports” song related somehow to the whole
world terrorism theme. ”If I Get The Chance” is just a very lovely song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMcMPZwkGkc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5X3pPpy1dE

ARTIST: VIA GRA

Yes, there is a Russian female group called VIA GRA. (Can’t imagine how they chose the name.) The
lead female changes from time to time but they've been around for years and remain one of Russia's
top acts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtXNmA8rU24

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsU83K1fm7M

ARTIST: REFLEX

If I am not mistaken, one of these girls is over 40. Unbelievable… again, this is a little spicey so please
skip it if your views are conservative. Reflex is one of Russia’s top female acts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74db70oDUck

ARTIST: NON-STOP

Song: Ya Na Vsye Soglasnya (I Will Do Whatever You Want)

Well, not much I could add to that…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56l3czQ25eU

ARTIST: Alsu

Daughter of a Russian Oligarch, Alsu's music career began at age 16! She's as talented as she is lovely
and every Russian girl has a favorite Alsu song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXdd2kOIDew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkqhO-wbKvQ

ARTIST: Fillip Kirkorov

SONGS: Roza Chainaya, Newer version of Roza Chanaiya Duet With Masha Rasputina

Fillip is also a true icon in Russian music. I love his voice…and Masha Rasputina's is a big as her lips.
That girl's got some pipes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk23MQfi5MI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBt_RdD2Tfk

ARTIST: Yulia Savicheva

This girl began her career very young and has an incredible voice for her age - very powerful. Somehow
she finds allot of songs with very poetic lyrics. The first song, Forgive for Love says ” Listen, you were
right. Listen to me now, it’s not painful. My heart without you beats more softly. Listen, to what is left,
listen to what was before and the silence will tell you that I loved you.”

The next song shows you the lyrics in English. Good stuff…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTWNH7UHhzQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxBltR6Jt0Q

ARTIST: Dusha

SONG: Ya Ne Boley Toboy (I Am Not Sick)

Here's a very artistic video and performer...one of my fav's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffbl7O856Qc

ARTIST: Kristina Orvakatya

Kristina is the daughter of another Russian iconic performer, All Pugachaeva.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Q1pYI-fSk

     Well, there you are - as I mentioned above if you tap into these you’ll see some great videos on the
sides to scroll through. I hope you take the time to familiarize yourself with these artists, this music and
more. Believe me, it will serve you well later on. This is just the tip of the iceberg -
there’s much more to hear, see and do if you take the time.

     Turn down the lights, grab a glass of wine, imagine as you listen your lovely Russian/Ukrainian girl
and you dancing a slow dance…