Northern Russia is home to a bird known all over the world for its insulating feathers - the eider. It is eider down that people living in extreme northern temperatures used to use in order to keep warm and survive. Unfortunately, mankind did not appreciate just how important this natural gift was, and hunted them almost until the point of extinction. It was only at the beginning of the last century that the Kandalaksha Nature Reserve - a reserve dedicated to saving the common eider - opened on the White Sea. Despite its relatively simple name, the eider really is quite an amazing bird. Have you ever seen how male eiders try to steal each others' mates? Do you know how these ducks protect themselves from dangerous predators, and would you ever have guessed that these birds even have their own type of ducky kindergarten?! Join us on a journey to islands in the White Sea where we will imm...
Colorful painted decorations, lacquered miniatures, lace, bone and clay toys... These and other crafts, spread across the map of Russia, make up the enormous mosaic created by the various cultures inhabiting the country. Some of these crafts are hundreds of years old. They reflect the history of the local population – their experience, beliefs, and collective concept of beauty. Many of the items are symbols of their regions, and the pride of the huge country that is Russia. Palekh, Khokhloma, Gorodets, Zhostovo, Gzhel… Where and how did Russian folk arts originate? Why did some of these places grow into folk art meccas, while others disappeared into the annals of history? This is a comprehensive film analysis of how folk art in Russia developed, from the time of Old Rus’ to the present day. Only on Russian Travel Guide.