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12:00
Siberian Deerskin Boots
The Siberian version of Russian valenki (felted wool boots), «pimy», came from the Nenets people and their «piyuny». That is what the Nenets, one of the peoples that have lived in Siberia for hundreds and hundreds of years, call reindeer skin boots. Russian immigrants borrowed the idea, developing their own boots from sheep’s wool. Long ago «pimokaty», craftsmen that specialise in making “pimy,” lived in every Siberian village. Nowadays there are very few such men. A pimokat’s job is not an easy one, but the woolen boots that they make keep them warm. In these parts people believe that there is no warmer shoe - a statement that should not be taken lightly considering the temperature here often falls below negative 40 degrees Celsius in the winter. For this reason valenki manufacturers in the Golyshmanovsky District of Tyumen Oblast have their work cut out for them even in the June heat a...
Tour of Vyborg
Vyborg is a small city whose rich, seven-century history can be seen all over — in its narrow turrets, towering gothic spires, the old masonry of the castle walls and citizens’ unhurried way of life. Over the years many things have taken place in this city, ultimately influencing the lives of local people, the architecture and city layout. Centuries later however, most people associate this historic city with the dark, militaristic and very romantic Middle Ages whose spirit seems to pour out of each and every stone.
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Tour of Vyborg
Ilmen lake
Lake Ilmen in the western part of Novgorodskaya Oblast is a lake with character and the eighth largest lake in Europe. Some academics have drawn a connection between the lake’s name and the Russian word “il,” acknowledging the multi-metre thickness of “il” — or “silt” — on the bottom of Lake Ilmen. A more widely spread explanation of its name is that Ilmen is a Finno-Ugric word. A version of it, “Ilmer,” used to be found in chronicles. Translated the word means “lake which makes the weather.” This translation is surprisingly accurate with regards to reality — Lake Ilmen plays an important role in determining the weather in the surrounding area. The old village of Vzvad is considered Ilmen’s fishing capital. Presenter Nadezhda Lebedeva visits to check out the town’s tried fishing practices and even casts a line herself. She also gets to touch the Ilmen glint – a geologi...
Now on air
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