A bear dressed in kosovorotka and bast shoes playing balalaika is one of the strongest Russian stereotypes. In reality, bears live in Russian woods or zoos, kosovorotkas and bast shoes could be traced in museums and at folk concerts. In contrast, the balalaika has won its unique place not only on concert posters but also at an international stage, in concert halls, jazz and rock clubs.

Summers in Alaska are short. And the breath of winter is felt from early fall. Famous Russian traveler Sergey Sinelnik knows this better than most people. Since 2019, he has been sailing on an exact replica of the medieval coastal dwellers boat Pilgrim. The journey has taken him to the northernmost American state. This year's voyage is over; next spring, Sinelnik and his crew will sail along the Northern Sea Route to Russia.