Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Performance Times
Most ballet, opera and theatre performances begin at 7pm or 7.30pm. Come in
good time to absorb the atmosphere (woe betide you if you're late - you'll have
to face the wrath of the fearsome babushkas who ensure order in the theatre).
During the White Nights, many theatres have two evening performances to
meet the enormous demand for tickets, so you may find you can get tickets for
a second show at 9pm.
Etiquette
Definitely dress up for the ballet, opera or theatre: Russians are dolled up to
the nines on these occasions, and you'll stick out like a sore thumb if you
aren't.
Banya
If you're looking for a completely different and uniquely Russian experience, then
head to your nearest
banya
(steam bath). Enter the
parilka
(steam room) stark naked
and sit back and watch the mercury rise (yes, the
banya
is normally segregated by
gender, unless you book a private one with friends). To eliminate toxins and improve
circulation, bathers beat each other with a bundle of birch branches, known as
veniki
.
When you can't take the heat, retreat. A public
banya
allows access to a plunge pool,
usually filled with ice-cold water. The contrast in temperature is invigorating, ener-
gising and purifying.
The
banya
has always been essential for surviving the coldest Russian months. Ap-
parently, in the early days, Peter the Great was often sighted running naked from the
bathhouse to jump in the Neva. A
banya
is not complete without a table spread with
snacks, or at least a thermos of tea. And just when you think you have recovered, it's
time to repeat the process. As they say in Russia,
S lyogkim parom
- easy steaming!