Moscow(1) / Russia

One key to understanding ordinary Russians is the "dacha." This word that is unfamiliar to Japanese is often translated as "villa" in the dictionary but there is a great difference from the image generated in our minds when Japanese think of resorts.

In Russia, dachas are more like a second house or a small and simple cottage with a household garden next door. Even in Moscow, there is land just out of the city that has been set aside for dachas. The space is just enough to build a small cottage for sleeping and a small garden for growing fruits and vegetables. Although this is difficult to imagine in Japan where there is little land and it is expensive, to a Russian a dacha is nothing special. It is something that is natural and which many Russians have. It is a relaxing place that is inseparable from the daily lives of Russians.

When sprouts have just begun to show with the arrival of spring,Russians begin going to their dachas every
weekend.From then until the summer,they carefully cultivate vegetables and fruit.The harvest of their efforts is transformed into vineger or salt pickled preserved foods to last through the long winter(salt-pickld pickles are well known,and go well with vodka).

Strawberries, various berries and other items that can't be preserved are made into various jams and compote. The jam and compote are then bottled and this is generally done at home.

In addition to providing means for self-sufficiency, dachas have another major role as an element of leisure. During the summer, Russians play in the water and fish if there are rivers or lakes near their dachas. When there are mountains, they enjoy picking mushrooms, berries and such. All these activities are enjoyed as families.

For Japanese people who have become too accustomed to convenience, this type of entertainment probably looks very plain. However, the dexterity and strength of Russians who do everything on their own are very impressive.

The secret to living the Russian life, which is surviving through the long severe winters by receiving the blessing of the summer sun, continues today in the form of the dacha.

Marubeni Group magazine "M-SPIRIT" VOL.6 (Nov.,2001)

The "rinok" market where
everyone gathers. A traditional dacha Red Square full of tourists