The world of Russia at times seems to be nothing but a whole bunch of Kiosks and markets. Scattered all over the place. What is a Kiosk? Glad you asked…
Kiosk: is a small, separated garden pavilion open on some or all sides. Kiosks were common in Persia, India, Pakistan, and in the Ottoman Empire from the 13th century onward.
In the Western hemisphere and in English-speaking countries, a kiosk is also a booth with an open window on one side. Some vendors operate from kiosks (see mall kiosk), selling small, inexpensive consumables such as newspapers, magazines, lighters, street maps, cigarettes, and confections.
An information kiosk (or information booth) dispenses free information in the form of maps, pamphlets, and other literature, and/or advice offered by an attendant…
Okay well that is close enough to what we have in Russia. Except in Russia anything and everything is sold in a Kiosk. The picture above and to the right is a chicken Kiosk. It sells that yummy delicious rotisserie chicken that I have written about before…
The next picture to the left is a Doughnut/Beer Kiosk. This is a very common sight around Moscow. Grab a doughnut and a beer and be happy…
The third picture in the center of the page farther down is a Bread Kiosk. It has fresh baked bread that is still warm when you buy it. The smell is heavenly around this kiosk…
People are lined up like you see in the picture all day long and it does not matter what the temperature is outside. They will be here and it could be -30 C. No – there is no lack of bread in any store. It is just that people want fresh baked bread right out of the oven. I like it also…
In Russia a Kiosk is very important but we also have another way to buy things that is just as important. The market…
In Russia you have what you would call in the West – Gypsies Markets. They are everywhere and they are an intricate part of society. There is no better way to shop and buy. When I first came to Russia I did not like these markets. But I have grown very fond of them and now I put the Russian market above stores such as a Walmart. Just like today, Sveta called me and told me that she picked up a new pair of jeans from a market on the way to work. These markets are located to catch people getting off train stops, bus stops and metro stops. It makes life very convenient and simple…
Here below is a picture of a market that is near our train station…
In this market you can buy anything from fresh fruit and veggies to a new coat for Winter…
Also do not think flea-market like in America! These Russia markets are name brand and new items. Think about these markets as the same as a name brand outlet malls in America and you would have the correct products available, only much less sophisticated and plain ugly at times. Yes that woman in the left of the last picture is in a real fur coat. Yes that is very common in Russia…
In Russia practicality overrides stupidity anytime. So wearing a fur coat when the temperature plummets is just good survival sense. Sveta will be wearing her fur coat before long. If I remember correctly it is made of lambs wool and she just loves it. I know that it is very warm. Another practicality is that Russians see no reason to make a business look nice on the outside or inside for that matter. Though the inside will get the beauty treatment, if anywhere does at all. Russians look over the run down exterior and lack of eye candy on a business. Like I said practicality is more important…
Now you know a little more about Russia and you see why I just love Russia. It is a wonderful fun place that everyone should enjoy. It might be a little rough and the people hard to understand at times. But life here in Russia is honest and true…
Lets hope that never goes away…
Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia!
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