Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Dan23 · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 10:10 pm Post subject: Breakfast in Russia

I'm from California, and am used to eating no fat in the morning. There's no way I can eat any cheese, grease, etc. at breakfast. If I ever travel to Russia, I'm afraid I'd be under a lot of pressure to eat cheese or grease at breakfast, especially if I stayed in someone's home (especially outside of Moscow or SPb). Is this a legitimate concern?

Dan

windmoonstar · Frequent Guest Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 14

I would say that yes, you would be expected to eat what they give you. There is usually black bread and cheese, sometimes meat. Or kasha (it is like porridge). Especially if you are staying at someone's house. But they are not trying to be mean, they just want to make sure that you are fed. Maybe say that you are on a diet. A lot of Russians go on diets so they will understand your concerns. But bear in mind that fruit is relatively expensive in Russia compared to other food items. Maybe buy your own because that way you don't pressure your guests to spend too much money.

bryanboy · Lounge Lizard Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 90

black bread??

tuller · Talk Show Host Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 238

Black bread...hush and try it, you might like it...lol
Do as I do if you're staying with a family there...I stay with my fiance and future little daughters...go to the grocery store and buy you some eggs and make you some toast and eggs !

Tuller

uday · WayToRussified Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 323

Quit being so damn whingy. Why travel if you don't want to do something different?

If you really don't want to eat cheese, then don't, just don't bitch and whinge about it.

tuller · Talk Show Host Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 238

I agree and I think one of the things to do when traveling to another country is to try some of their food. In the grocery stores in Russia my fiance and myself buy cooking oil, not grease, we buy cheese because the little ones like cheese omlets that I cook for them, they have Parmalot milk and cheese that we buy here in the States,. My fiance and her family cook some of the most fantastic tasting dishes I've ever eaten before that's Russian..
I always think of traveling to another country as an adventure and sometimes new experiences.....especially when I clear customs in Moscow and my three girls are waiting on me ..WHEW!..that's new experience every time !!!!! Excited,,can't wait until I can go get them and bring them home with me Smile

Tuller

Just my worthless 2 cents worth

DennisF · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 4:55 am Post subject: Russian diet

I agree. Being in another country is an adventure and part of that is trying new foods. If grease disagrees with you, then I would think that toast (maybe with a little butter) would be fine. It won't hurt to skip breakfast occasionally and wait for lunch. Or you might possibly purchase some food supplies and offer to prepare a breakfast for your hosts (sort of a cultural exchange). I've found good, enjoyable food everywhere I've traveled (even in England, believe it or not) and would feel deprived of a vital part of the trip if I didn't sample the local cuisine. Come on man, it's not like you're making a lifetime commitment. Well fed in Texas, DennisF

Atomcat · Lounge Lizard Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Posts: 187

It is wrong to asume anythig. My mother is Celiac and diabetic and cannot touch many foods. trying to a foreign country can be hard, so do not assume that exporation is possible.

Dan23 · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 7:38 pm Post subject:

Jeez, people... it's not like I'm some kind of homebody redneck idiot who wants to travel in a little bubble. It's just that I've had this experience in the USA (being presented with grease for breakfast) and if I go abroad I'm sure it could happen just as easily, so I'm looking out for myself. But thanks for the replies.

Dan

DennisF · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:19 pm Post subject: Breakfast for Dan

Lighten up Dan, I was only having a little fun. I think that honesty up front with your hosts with pave the way for a great visit. If you feel that you would prefer certain foods, ask if you can grocery shop with your hosts (and offer to pick up the tab). That way you can influence the choice of foods and partly repay your host for their hospitality. Still well fed in Texas, DennisF