Since 2004, HotRussianBrides.com® has provided easy to use and affordable tools to help men find their Russian or Ukrainian partner. Bulk email remains the go to communication resource for other sites, but Hot Russian Brides® has taken things to the next level by offering technologically advanced tools like live video streaming and instant message chat. Using real time communication tools increases the chances of creating a compatible match. Continuing their legacy as the superior option for international dating, Hot Russian Brides offers its members cultural resources, progressive communication options and the highest level of customer service.

While many in the industry attempt to copy them, none can match the value Hot Russian Brides offers its members. Silver, Gold, and Platinum memberships provide a number of perks,such as unlimited email messages and free translation services. With package prices as low as $.40 per credit, Hot Russian Brides has the lowest per credit prices available. Other special perks include the Member Referral Program where free credits can be earned and special promotions held throughout the year.  Although HotRussianBrides.com® does not offer romance tours or trips to Russia or Ukraine; Premium members have access to in-house Travel Coordinator when the time comes to meet the Russian woman in your life.

Overcoming cultural boundaries as men seek a Russian or Ukrainian bride is a difficult endeavor if faced alone. Hot Russian Brides understands this and provides its members the most comprehensive platform of support on the web. From live Web Hostesses that understand the complexities about the cultures the women are from to inside information from experts through a multi-media blog providing  written articles, FAQ’s, podcasts, e-books, cultural and history info, videos  and interviews, Hot Russian Brides’ members have thetools they need to build cultural bridges towards love.

The superiority men have seeking a Russian companion through Hot Russian Brides is obvious. A Premium Membership combined with expert guidance from the Customer Support team and access to over 10,000 Russian and Ukrainian ladies seeking romance with international men provides an experience that far exceeds that of any other site.  Perhaps it is best expressed by the testimonials of those that found love through HotRussianBrides.com: “I only thought that I was happy before, I didn’t know it could be this good. My searching heart is finally at rest and in love. I can easily say that I am the happiest I have ever been. Anya and I communicated for a year through the computer. I had fallen in love with her up-beat personality and charm.”

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There are two things every traveler absolutely MUST do when visiting Odessa: view the sea and drop in for a meal at the KOMPOT restaurant. In fact, it is arguable that sampling the delicious menu at KOMPOT alone is worth a trip to Odessa. 

KOMPOT not only pleases with its tasty traditional Ukrainian dishes and fast, friendly service; the unusual and quirky décor and theme of the restaurant is also sure to entertain all your senses. The menu is designed like the former Soviet Union’s newspaper, listing and describing the variety of dishes available to you. The spirit of Odessa’s past and history is preserved in the décor and atmosphere of the restaurant, including black and white televisions playing old Soviet films and bill boxes in Soviet style “purses”. The restaurant is cozy and welcoming, with an old-fashioned cast iron street sign outside, directing you to their door.

One of the most potent delights to your senses is the fragrant aroma of KOMPOT’s freshly baked bread. Three varieties (rye, wheaten and with bran) are baked daily. These breads are available for purchase as an accompaniment with your meal or to be taken away with you for later. And don’t forget the delicate croissants offered at breakfast! There is nothing quite like enjoying your breakfast at KOMPOT with a great view of Deribasovskaya Street, looking out at the heart of the city in the morning.

Dinner offers several traditional Ukrainian dishes to try, but it is said that to visit Odessa and not try a REAL Odessa borsch is to lose half of your life. The borsch is truly memorable, prepared with bald-ribs and served with pampushki and salo, garlic and greens; this soup alone will make you want to stay the rest of your life.

You have not truly visited Odessa if you haven’t checked out KOMPOT, so be sure to stop in and delight your senses when you’re in town!

 

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All Ukrainian families incorporate bread into their daily lives. They don't only find this grainy goody tasty and nutritious as most of the world does, but they hold bread in high regard as an important part of their culture. Thanks to the rich soil, Ukraine is often called the breadbasket of Europe. Once the first Ukrainians started reaping the hearty grains, bread quickly became a symbol of prosperity, divinity, and hospitality. Even the baking and decorating processes have become a special kind of art for Ukrainian girls.

One way that bread plays such an important role in Ukrainian tradition is when they welcome guests. It began many thousands of years ago and is still practiced today. Circular bread and a mold of salt are presented to guests on an embroidered cloth called a rushnyk. This combination symbolizes hospitality and friendship. The Ukrainian hosts will often say "with this bread and salt we greet you, welcome", after which the guests will break off a small piece, dip it into the salt, and bow their heads as a sign of gratitude.

An important aspect of Ukrainian holidays includes the baking and decorating of special occasion breads. A sweet, circular bread is baked for Easter, known as paska.  Dough is used for the decorations of crosses, roses, and pine cones. Much larger, ring-shaped braided loaves are called kolach and are baked for Christmas celebrations. Three loaves are stacked upon each other which represent the Holy Trinity. A candle is placed inside of the rings and is lit before dinner and continues burning all night.

Ukrainian weddings also call for a special ceremonial type of bread. Korovai is a large, sweet, circular bread that is traditionally decorated with love, faithfulness, and fertility symbols such as cones and doves. The tops and sides may also be embellished with green periwinkle leaves. An ancient Ukrainian folk tale tells how the korovai must be baked a special way to ensure a happy union. Seven Ukrainian ladies must be chosen from seven happily married couples to create the bread. They all must travel to seven different wells for water and seven different fields for wheat.

While most Ukrainians cherish the ritual of baking their own homemade breads, others prefer to buy commercially made goods at bakeries. Families often have special recipes that have been passed on throughout the ages since breads are such an essential part of Ukrainian culture. Some even believe that anyone who neglects to finish their entire serving of bread will be plagued with bad luck and nightmares. More cultural and historic lore about Ukrainian bread can be found at the National Bread Museum in the country's capital city of Kiev. No food has ever been more important to the people of Ukraine.

Want to learn more about Russian Culture and History? Visit the Russian Women Blog, brought to you by HotRussianBrides.com, the premier Global dating Website.

Men and women around the world celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th. It is a day when both sexes recognize the social, political, and economic achievements of women as well as the current challenges females face. The holiday is especially important to Russian citizens.

International Women's Day became official in 1909, but Russian women first observed the holiday in 1913. They held large peace rallies to protest World War I and by 1914 women from European countries began holding protests of their own in a gesture of support.

Russian women weren't satisfied with the early peace rallies and on March 8, 1917 they begin striking "for bread and peace." The deaths of more than 2 million Russian soldiers in World War I prompted the strike and even though they were opposed by political leaders, the ladies continued to protest. Their voices were heard, the current Czar was forced to give up power, and incoming leaders gave Russian women the right to vote. A few years later, Russian feminist Alexandra Kollontai asked Lenin to declare International Women's Day a public holiday in the Soviet Union and he agreed.

In 1965, International Women's Day became an official holiday in Russia. Businesses, schools, and banks close for the day and hardly anyone has to go to work. Many Russians enjoy celebrating with family, friends, and coworkers.

In Russia, International Women's Day is not the feminist holiday it once was. It has evolved into a celebration of women in general, a sort of cross between Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. Women are praised for their beauty, charm, and tenderness and Russian men show their appreciation by purchasing small gifts. Flowers, chocolate, perfume, and other special treats are all common as is breakfast in bed and a break from household chores. Men honor all women on International Women's Day. The holiday is not exclusive to wives, mothers, or significant others.

Although the holiday has gone from a celebration of women's achievements to a celebration of women in general, International Women's Day is still a significant holiday in Russia and its importance will continue for decades to come. On Monday, March 8th, Russian men and women and millions of other people around the world will mark this momentous day.