Anyone from Krasnoyarsk?

[kmin]

I have found a great gal from Krasnoyarsk and was thinking about visiting in January or February....  I know, I know it is really cold at that time of the year, but it is ok as I am from Minnesota and we have the same weather during that time of the year so that wont be a problem. 

I was more wondering if there is any special customs I should be careful about, or anything which maybe helpful when visiting the area beyond the normal customs in Russia.  Also is there anything I should know about family customs, things to say and not to say to mom?

Your help would be much appreciated. 

[Eduard]

Our best friends are originally from Krasnoyarsk. Very good people in that area IMO. The main thing to remember is to take your boots off when you come in some ones house/apartment. IME many Americans don't know about this custom. Another thing is when you are invited for dinner/supper at somebody's home make sure to bring something like a bottle of vodka, wine, or cognac. Little nic nac type gifts are always good as well. They don't need to be expensive, just have something special about them. Anything with "USA" or the name of your town/state would work. T-shirts work good too. A bouquet of flowers for the lady of the house is always a nice touch.
Also don't get shocked by the prices you see on the tags. Always keep in mind that prices are in Rubles, not dollars, which means you have to divide by 30 to get the approximate price in US dollars. I've seen this "sticker shock look" many times on my client's faces and always had to remind them that they have to divide by 30 in Russia or by 8 in Ukraine to figure out the price in dollars. Still takes them a few days to adjust.
Hope this helps,
Ed

[mendeleyev]

Nice place and one of the Russian cities with a very good English language website: http://www.admkrsk.ru/sites/eng/info/pages/default.aspx

Krasnoyarsk played an interesting role in late cold war relations with the West especially as it related to the "Case of the Wandering Soviet Radar." http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/yeniseysk.htm


Interactive city map: http://www.emomaps.com/


Krasnoyarsk sits at the geographical centre of Siberia and was a major part of the Gulag prison system.


How to pronunce Красноярск/Krasnoyarsk: "kras nigh yarsk" (remember that an O is never spoken as one unless accented.)

Spelling: This name is easy as the Cyrillic is translated directly letter for letter from Russian to English; Красноярск/K-r-a-s-n-o-ya-r-s-k.


Daily weather: http://www.gismeteo.ru/city/daily/4674/


Photos below:

The city's most famous bridge.

The city name.

That bridge as shown on a 10 Ruble bill.

[mendeleyev]

Also is there anything I should know about family customs, things to say and not to say to mom?

Cool question! Very perceptive.

If you can learn to speak both Mom (and Dad's if appropriate) first and middle (patronymic) names, and use them in conversation, you will be worshiped and adored. In Russian you will notice other adults addressing her that way in polite conversation as well. It is a sign of mutual respect.

For example if her name is Ludmila and her father's name was Ivan ("E-vAHn") then you'd address her as Ludmila Ivanovna or "Lyud-mila E-vAHn-ahv-na."

Last names are always written first but not necessary in normal conversation unless you are introducing her to someone new at which time you'd use all 3 names in her introduction, spoken in the order of first-patronmyic-family name. Remember that her last name will generally have an "a" at the end to signify the female gender of the family name.

At some point either she or her daughter will let you know that it is okay to drop the patronymic. That means you are "in." Sometimes it takes months or more for that to take place (unless she notices you struggling and wishes to spare you from the task). However, use the first + patronymic in public places and when other adults are present unless told otherwise.

Don't overdo it, but for the first meeting with Mom bring a present--something like chocolate, a modest floral bouquet, bottle of wine, etc, usually goes well. Your lady can suggest something from a nearby market (flowers are so CHEAP locally!) or bring something nice from your home state.

[kmin]

Wow, thanks everyone..   great advice.  If you have any more stuff please let me know 

I am exited and anxious to visit and see her for the first time in real life, however I think it will be a great experience and have always had a great time visiting new places and people.

[Avis]

 
Was quite funny to read an actual question if Krasnoyarsk customs are any different to the rest of Russia, sounds like Krasnoyarsk is another country


My sis lives in Krasnoyarsk, I'm originally from Siberia, myself, too.
Krasnoyarsk is quite lovely Siberian city with lots of things to do and local attractions, as soon as you mentioned you're not afraid of snow and all. People are welcoming and hospitable.


The customs are still the same, be polite, friendly, and say hello and thanks when interacting with people Bring Mom some little presents like chocolate, flowers, and she'll be pleased. No need to bring too expensive stuff, that might be a little embarrassing for the first meeting.


My fiance visited Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk in September and absolutely loved it. I am sure you will like it too, a bit of adventure if anything