So they see us from behind the "hillock", or Russia through the eyes of foreigners. Stereotypes about "crazy" Russians through the eyes of foreigners

The Ininsky Rock Garden is located in the Barguzin Valley. It was as if the huge stones were scattered or deliberately placed by someone. And in places where megaliths are located, something mysterious always happens.

One of the sights of Buryatia is the Ininsky rock garden in the Barguzin valley. It makes an amazing impression - huge stones, scattered in disarray on a completely flat surface. As if someone deliberately either scattered them, or placed them with intent. And in places where megaliths are located, something mysterious always happens.

Power of nature

In general, "rock garden" is the Japanese name for an artificial landscape, in which stones, arranged according to strict rules, play a key role. "Karesansui" (dry landscape) in Japan has been cultivated since the 14th century, and it appeared for a reason. It was believed that gods dwell in places with a large accumulation of stones, as a result of this, they began to attach divine significance to the stones themselves. Of course, nowadays the Japanese use rock gardens as a place for meditation, where it is convenient to indulge in philosophical reflections.

And philosophy has something to do with it. At first glance, the chaotic arrangement of stones is in fact strictly subject to certain laws. First, the asymmetry and difference in the size of the stones must be respected. There are certain observation points in the garden - depending on the time when you are going to contemplate the structure of your microcosm. AND main trick- from any point of observation there should always be one stone that ... is not visible.

The most famous rock garden in Japan is located in Kyoto, the ancient capital of the samurai country, in the Ryoanji temple. This is the haven of Buddhist monks. And here in Buryatia a "rock garden" appeared without human efforts - its author is Nature itself.

In the southwestern part of the Barguzin Valley, 15 kilometers from the village of Suvo, where the Ina River exits the Ikatsky Range, this place is located with an area of ​​more than 10 square kilometers. Significantly more than any Japanese rock garden - in the same proportion as the Japanese bonsai there is less Buryat cedar. Here, large blocks of stone, reaching 4-5 meters in diameter, protrude from the flat ground, and these boulders go up to 10 meters deep!

The distance of these megaliths from the mountain range reaches 5 kilometers or more. What kind of power could scatter these huge stones over such distances? The fact that it was not a human being did it became clear from recent history: for irrigation and drainage purposes, a 3-kilometer canal was dug here. And in the channel bed here and there are huge boulders, going down to a depth of 10 meters. They fought with them, of course, but to no avail. As a result, all work on the canal was stopped.

Scientists have put forward different versions of the origin of the Ininsky rock garden. Many consider these blocks to be moraine boulders, that is, glacial deposits. Scientists call different ages (E.I.

According to the assumptions of geologists, in ancient times the Barguzin Basin was a shallow freshwater lake, which was separated from Baikal by a narrow and low mountain ridge connecting the Barguzin and Ikatsky ridges. As the water level rose, a runoff was formed, which turned into a river bed, which cut deeper and deeper into solid crystalline rocks. It is known how torrential streams of water in spring or after heavy rain erode steep slopes, leaving deep grooves of gullies and ravines. Over time, the water level dropped, and the area of ​​the lake decreased due to the abundance of suspended material brought into it by the rivers. As a result, the lake disappeared, and in its place remained a wide valley with boulders, which were later attributed to natural monuments.

But recently, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences G.F. Ufimtsev offered a very original idea, which has nothing to do with glaciers. In his opinion, the Ininsky rock garden was formed as a result of a relatively recent, catastrophic, giant ejection of large-block material.

According to his observations, glacial activity on the Ikat ridge manifested itself only in a small area in the upper reaches of the Turokchi and Bogunda rivers, while in the middle part of these rivers no traces of glaciation are observed. Thus, according to the scientist, there was a breakthrough of the dam of the dammed lake in the course of the Ina River and its tributaries. As a result of a mudflow from the upper reaches of the Ina or an avalanche, a large volume of block material was thrown into the Barguzin Valley. This version is supported by the fact of strong destruction of the bedrock sides of the Ina river valley at the confluence with the Turokchi, which may indicate the demolition of a large volume of rocks by mudflows.

In the same section of the Ina River, Ufimtsev noted two large "amphitheaters" (resembling a huge crater) measuring 2.0 by 1.3 kilometers and 1.2 by 0.8 kilometers, which could probably be the bed of large dammed lakes. The breakthrough of the dam and the release of water, according to Ufimtsev, could have occurred as a result of manifestations of seismic processes, since both slope "amphitheaters" are confined to the zone of a young fault with outcrops of thermal waters.

Here the gods were naughty

An amazing place has long been interested in local residents... And for the "garden of stones" people have come up with a legend, rooted in hoary antiquity. The beginning is simple. Once two rivers, Ina and Barguzin, argued which of them would be the first (first) to reach Baikal. Barguzin cheated and went on the road that evening, and in the morning an angry Ina rushed after him, throwing huge boulders out of her way in anger. So they still lie on both banks of the river. Isn't it just poetic description powerful mudflow proposed for explanation by Dr. Ufimtsev?

The stones still keep the secret of their formation. They are not only different sizes and colors, they are generally from different breeds... That is, they were not broken from one place. And the depth of occurrence speaks of many thousands of years, during which meters of soil have grown around the boulders.

For those who have seen the movie "Avatar", on a foggy morning, Ina's stones will remind you of the Hanging Mountains, around which winged dragons fly. The peaks of the mountains protrude from the clouds of fog, like separate fortresses or the heads of giants in helmets. The impressions from the contemplation of the rock garden are amazing, and people donated the stones for a reason magic power: it is believed that if you touch the boulders with your hands, they will take negative energy, instead giving positive energy.

In these amazing places there is one more place where the gods played naughty. This place was nicknamed "Suva Saxon Castle". This natural formation is located near the group of salty Alga lakes near the village of Suvo, on the steppe slopes of the hill at the foot of the Ikat ridge. Picturesque rocks are very reminiscent of the ruins of an ancient castle. These places served as a particularly revered and sacred place for Evenk shamans. In the Evenk language, "suvoya" or "suvo" means "whirlwind".

It was believed that it was here that spirits lived - the masters of local winds. The main and most famous of which was the legendary Baikal wind "Barguzin". According to legend, an evil ruler lived in these places. He was distinguished by a fierce disposition, he took pleasure in bringing misfortune to the poor and needy people.

He had an only and beloved son, who was bewitched by spirits as punishment for a cruel father. After realizing his cruel and unjust attitude towards people, the ruler fell to his knees, began to beg and tearfully beg to return his son's health and make him happy. And he distributed all his riches to people.

And the spirits freed the ruler's son from the power of the disease! It is believed that for this reason the rocks are divided into several parts. There is a belief among the Buryats that the owners of Suvo, Tumurzhi-Noyon and his wife Tutuzhig-Khatan, live in the rocks. Burkhans were installed in honor of the Suva rulers. IN special days whole rituals are performed in these places.

Russia is now an open country. About three million visit it annually. foreign citizens, and everyone takes home their impressions of Russia. From them is formed general idea about the country as a whole.

Conventionally, impressions from visiting any country can be divided into three categories: positive, negative and surprise. The latter, often accompanies the first two. Each person in this regard has, of course, his own subjective opinion. But when the overwhelming majority of people express the same opinion about certain phenomena in a foreign country, then this already becomes similar to the truth.

Russian positive through the eyes of a foreigner.

Foreigners really like Russian grandmothers. Communication with them literally delights them. Foreign guests are especially captivated by their kindness and simplicity.

The good nature, hospitality and breadth of nature of the Russian people also delight foreigners.

They admire Leo Tolstoy. But they bow even more to those courageous people who are capable of his huge novel "War and Peace".

Red Square in Moscow is the most revered place in Russia by foreigners.

Russian negative through the eyes of a foreigner

“Russians never to strangers"- all foreign guests of Russia, without exception, are united in this opinion. One of the guidebooks for Moscow even has a warning: “Never smile at unfamiliar Russians. It is not accepted by them. In addition, they may take your smile for a mockery of themselves. "

“Russians do not abide by laws” - absolutely all foreigners are convinced of this. When they see a car somewhere in Moscow skipping a red light, they look at it with amazement. If they see people smoking under the sign "No smoking", they are horrified.

“It’s better not to go to Russia” - this is the opinion of foreign motorists. They are not so much afraid of the poor quality of the roads and the lack of proper roadside service, as the manner

Metro how museum, non-professional racers per driving strange yellow buses armed men in trade centers. Whichsees Moscow foreigner? About this, and same O how per the last the years changed Moscow,knowrelty.ru asked tell Carla White - an Irishman who first visited in Russian capital almost 10 years ago and regularly returning here.Illustration: Anastasia Timofeeva

Ofirstimpressionandweather

My first trip to Moscow took place in December 2008. For a long time I did not tell anyone about my intention to visit Russia. I had several reasons for this: at first I did not want to be discouraged and twisted my finger to my temple, and then I was not at all sure that the trip would take place - it turned out to be much more difficult to obtain a Russian visa than I had imagined. Before the flight, my mother insisted that I turn on roaming: “If the border guards won't let you out, be sure to call us, we will return you!”. But I didn't have to call, they easily let me through passport control.

Of course, I knew that it was cold in Russia in winter, but I did not think that it was so cold. I took the warmest clothes I had, but that was not enough. I am extremely sorry that I did not choose the ski suit for the trip, which I bought for the trip. Although, if we compare, then, of course, it is strange that on ski resort warmer than in the metropolis. In Moscow, I stood out a lot. And not because, but because I always wear white sneakers. In the subway, after all, everyone is looking at the floor, and then suddenly a pair of white sneakers catches your eye, and even in the middle of winter. In the land of black shoes, I felt like a black sheep. But, I must say, in 2017 the situation changed a little, and now I see a lot more clothes and shoes in bright colors on the streets.

Oscale

First of all, Moscow surprised by the number of people. In one city there are many times more of them than in the whole of Ireland. I was also amazed at the number. In Ireland, we often live in houses rather than apartments. But even if we do live, our houses are very low, not like those in Moscow. Although I have been to other big cities, for example, in New York, I have never had such a feeling of dense population. Everything is huge here. If it's a statue, it's the size of a skyscraper. If a building - then with an uncountable number of floors. Wherever you go, wherever you look, everything around you reminds you that you are in a very large country. Well, what country, such is the property. It would be strange if such a large state did not have huge monuments, buildings and memorials.

ORussians

The Russians are generally very friendly, but that’s only if you dig into it. On the surface, no one speaks to anyone, everyone is constantly frowning and muttering about something. It always seems that they keep some secrets from strangers. You talk to them, and they shy away from you, as if you came to find out from them the most intimate secrets. Although towards us, foreigners, they are much kinder and more welcoming. This is especially noticeable in tourist areas, where people smile at you and even support small talk. But they are colder to each other, perhaps, stricter.

Owhatit is forbiddenunderstand

I will never understand why everyone is called either Masha or Katya. It's a joke, of course, but in Russia there are actually a lot of Masha and Katya. What I will never understand for sure is why Russians always cherish everything in the house, but do not really value public areas. You go in, and there are drawings everywhere, graffiti, even rubbish happens. But in each apartment, behind a heavy iron door with eight locks, there is a beautiful renovation, chic sofas, carpets. And I also don't understand why the Russians have such a wild desire to swear and point everyone in their place. You swear everywhere - at the post office, in the store, at the tire service. We Irish people just wave our hands at a lot. Russians have such a temperament that constantly requires some sort of clarification of relations and disputes.

Olanguage

Russians are so emotional when communicating that one gets the impression that they are constantly swearing. Only the creators of The Simpsons could best describe and show how a foreigner sees Russian. Every time I am in Russia, I remember this episode.

The Russian language is difficult for me. Sounds seem very hard, growling, in English there are none. They also speak very quickly in Russia. I sometimes catch some words, but, as a rule, they have nothing to do with their real meaning. Russians are strange and very fond of monkeys, for some reason they often talk on the phone about "gorrilaz" ("Agreed." NSnote. ed.). And they always tell you some terrible secrets, secrets or shocking news by phone. One can only hear: “Come on! Truth?" I can read Russian, but I don’t know what these words mean. I learned the Cyrillic alphabet on my very first visit, which was very useful to me - so I myself could find the necessary metro station on the map or even read the sign. The main thing is that someone pronounced this word for me by syllables, and then I can find it myself.

OMoscowthrough the eyesforeigner

The center of Moscow is insanely beautiful, but the names of the streets are very difficult. On this trip, I noticed that maps appeared in English. They are still not enough, but I can imagine how difficult it is to take and implement an innovation for a short time... I think that in a couple of years the entire center will be equipped with new plates, signs and maps in both Russian and English language... I really like the Moscow metro - it is real museum! Each station is special, unlike the other. The system is simple and easy to understand. There are, of course, several stations at which I have not figured out how to find my train (Kitay-Gorod station with a cross-platform transfer. - Note. ed.). In many cities, payment for the number of stations has long been introduced, and I do not like this system, it is not designed for people who do not know where they need to get and how many stations to travel. And in Moscow there is no such thing, and it's really great: you paid for the entrance and walk around the museum, ride as much as you want. The only negative is that despite the fact that metro stations are being announced in English, none of the metro employees still speaks English. And just buying a ticket in the window becomes problematic. In general, it would be very difficult for me to sort out Moscow on my own and, probably, even a little scary - the police, the army, all with weapons go everywhere. This is how you go from shopping center, and a group of armed men meet you. I have never seen this, because our Garda (Irish police. - Note. ed.) is not armed. In addition to the army, these little white and yellow buses scare me (Minibuses. - Note. ed.). It seems that the drivers for them are recruited from the stock of non-professional racers. There is no need to talk about safety precautions at all - some of the passengers are sitting, and many are standing. And with one hand they hold onto the ceiling, and with the other they transfer money. Often the chief is chosen there, this “chief” collects money and gives out the change. You don't see that in Ireland.

OtypicalMuscovites

Have I already said that everyone in Russia is called Masha or Katya? Seriously, I cannot tell a Muscovite from a resident of another Russian city. In general, the people in Russia are gloomy, stern, they love to drink and eat. They say Italians are very loud. But it seems to me that only those who have not seen the Russians say so. Russians are very noisy, loud, like to attract attention and show their wealth. At the same time, in families they are completely different: they are friends in a completely different way, they have much more warm relationship, they are sympathetic, benevolent, hospitable. You can't come to a Russian person's house and just drink tea. Any meeting ends with a feast. We don't eat that much in Ireland. And Russians are also very touchy, it is easy to hurt them to the quick. Therefore, when visiting, you need to carefully monitor what you say.

Ochanges

Moscow looks more and more like others European capitals... It becomes cleaner and more beautiful, more atmospheric, or something. On my last visit, I was amazed by the city center: the roads around Red Square were repaired, lanterns and benches were installed - beautifully. I personally really like Red Square and Victory Park. But I always remember that Moscow is the capital, and you cannot judge the whole of Russia by the main city. I think that there, outside the concrete city, it is wild in places. It is a pity that there is never enough time to travel to other areas.

PreparedMariaWhite

The older generation has not yet forgotten that in the Soviet Union, to put it mildly, trips of ordinary citizens abroad were not welcomed. From the other side, very few people visited us either. These difficulties have led to the emergence of biased and one-sided ideas about Russia, consisting in three words - vodka,
bears, matryoshka. Hollywood, which is very popular among all segments of the population, also played an important role in strengthening the hard-hitting opinion about our country. By the way, in those years, few people singled out Ukraine, Kazakhstan or any other republic separately. We were all Russians for foreigners. Not anymore iron curtain... Russians travel freely around the world, demonstrating there, "over the hill", what our nation is. Millions of tourists also come to us, see with their own eyes how we live, get acquainted with our culture.

What do foreigners think of Russia now? How much has their opinion changed? Some public organizations and ubiquitous journalists conduct polls from time to time, but the responses of citizens from friendly and unfriendly countries are very different. It depends primarily on the purpose of their visit. One thing is said about Russia by tourists who came here for a couple of days with an excursion group and organized visits only to the sights mentioned in the program. They only see what the tour guides want to show them. Foreigners working in Russia, studying here, everyone who lives with us can tell a completely different story. long time, and the impressions of those living in the capital and in the outback are fundamentally different. And the foreigners themselves are also different. The opinions of Americans or Germans about our country, for example, differ in many ways from those of Nigerians, Chinese or Mexicans. But in one thing all foreign guests are united: Russia is huge, it takes years to get to know and understand it.

Russians and alcohol

In the Western world, there is an opinion that our nation is an incredible drinker. Almost all Europeans, Americans, Asians speak about this in one interpretation or another. But if we turn to the statistics of the WHO, Russia takes not the first, not the second or even the third place in terms of alcohol consumption for each of its inhabitants. Even the restrained Balts have overtaken us in this matter. Nevertheless, foreigners say about life in Russia that they drink a lot here. They are especially surprised why you can drink anywhere with us - in a restaurant, at a banquet, in a park on a bench, just on the street. The guards do not stop this, passers-by remain indifferent. Perhaps that is why we all seem to them to be so drunk? And foreigners cannot understand why even in our store you can buy low-quality alcohol, because it is dangerous to health. They are also surprised that in Russia the reason for drinking can be the most trifling, and the process, which began with "one hundred per cent for health", often develops into a large-scale drinking binge and drags on until deep night, and almost always well-received Russians begin to conduct intellectual conversations about politics and the meaning of life, although, being sober, they try to avoid these topics. They have there, "over the hill", only sober people talk about such topics, and when they drink, they just have fun or talk about their real or fictitious victories.

Many foreigners, looking at our drinks, cannot understand: are the Russians really so rich that they can find funds for so much alcohol? And most importantly, after a heavy drink, how do they calmly go to work the next day?

Russians and order

For our people, as they say, laws are not written. We are accustomed to this and no longer notice how we constantly violate something somewhere. But they notice. Foreigners say about life in Russia that it is the norm here, or even an obligation not to follow the rules, if there is no punishment for it. For them, on the contrary, it is considered the norm to comply with the established rules, even when there is no control nearby. Russian people, without the slightest doubt, cross the road at a red light if, according to their calculations, a moving car is still far away, on platforms in the metro they constantly go beyond the boundary line, although this is life-threatening, leave their cars in uncomfortable places, just not to pay for parking. Foreigners wonder why there are dozens of checkouts in supermarkets, if one or two work, despite the queues gathering in them. They do not understand why our roads are patched up in the rain, and heating systems are being repaired in the frost. And how the traffic cops serving in the roadside bushes are amazing for motorists from abroad!

Foreigners speak differently about life in Russia regarding security. Coming from dangerous in terms of criminality Latin America, Tanzania, South Africa, Sudan believe that our evening and night streets are heavenly calm. Europeans, on the other hand, are confident that Russian cities pretty hectic. Even if nothing and no one threatens life, you can easily lose property or be drawn into a scandal. At the same time, the streets are always full of patrolling police officers, therefore, according to the logic of things, the order should be perfect.

Russians and wealth

Previously, in the USSR, everyone was approximately equal. Now in our society there has been a division into the poor and the rich. Everything, like theirs, in their distant America, Europe, only with a Russian flavor. What surprises foreigners in our rich people? The fact that most of them boast of their new status, erect houses of several floors not to live there, but simply for prestige, shop only in the most expensive stores, buy expensive cars in order to seem even more weighty and significant. Moreover, if there are traffic jams on the roads (and in large cities they are constantly), our rich people will wait for hours, get nervous, be late, but will never go down in the metro, because this is below their new-found status. There is no such thing abroad. There, even the directors of companies without the slightest damage to their image can come to work today in an expensive car, tomorrow - on a city bus, and the day after tomorrow - on a bicycle. There, the rich do not see anything wrong with visiting ordinary supermarkets, and they willingly buy promotional goods.

Russians and feminism

It is no secret that foreign grooms willingly choose our young ladies as wives. Foreign men say about Russia that the issue of equality is not as acute here as, for example, in America. There, most women are trying to prove their independence, because of which their femininity suffers. They pay for themselves in restaurants, react painfully if they are helped to open the door or shake hands when leaving the transport. There, women, creating a family, are primarily guided by material considerations and in a hurry to make marriage contract... Most Russian women are not like that yet.

Although their willpower and spirit are not weaker than those of the same American women, they like to seem weak. feels himself more man than in his homeland, because our women do not prevent him from asserting himself. They are grateful for any help from men, even if they can cope with the problem perfectly without them. Agreeing to become a wife, our beauties are first of all interested in whether their chosen one loves, and only then in second place they put the question of where and by whom he works, what are his prospects in the service. Some foreigners are surprised by the abundance flower shops on the streets of Russian cities. They wonder why it is so important for our women that the beloved comes on a date with flowers, and why there must be an odd number of flowers in a bouquet.

Russians and culture

In this regard, Russia is simply beautiful through the eyes of foreign tourists. Most of the excursion groups visit St. Petersburg and Moscow, and there are the most famous sights. It is not surprising that all the excursionists interviewed spoke with enthusiasm about the Hermitage, Winter Palace, Tretyakov Gallery, Pokrovsky Cathedral, Red Square. Many foreign citizens, even those advanced in the field of French culture, are surprised that people of all ages like to visit museums and galleries in our country, and you can often meet couples in love there. Italians, Spaniards, Americans find it difficult to imagine their date with a girl not in a restaurant or even in a movie, but, for example, in an art gallery.

Almost all foreigners talk about Russia, be sure to mention our The Bolshoi Theatre and wonderful ballet. Many girls from friendly countries dream of studying at a Russian ballet school.

The foreign guests are very surprised by the love of Russians for reading. We still read ordinary printed books and newspapers in the metro and electric trains, in the park on benches and in public transport, although young people can often be seen with tablets and iPhones.

Abroad, among those who have never been to Russia, there is still an opinion that men here play balalaikas, and women lead round dances. Some foreigners who visited our country were surprised that they could not see the Russian folklore, about which they were told so much, at all.

Russians and food

Foreigners often talk about life in Russia, remembering our dumplings (or huge ravioli), our borscht (or red soup), pancakes with meat, the most delicious black caviar in the world. Foreign gourmets do not like jellied meat. Many do not understand how such a dish can be eaten. Even more unflattering words are about okroshka. As foreigners think, this is all that is on the table, collected and mixed in one saucepan.

Our compatriots, who had a chance to visit abroad, remember that there was no abundance of food on the table, although everything was enough for everyone. Of course, Russia looks a little differently from the eyes of foreigners than the Russians see it. The former sometimes consider it a fairly rich power, because all the feasts in our country are held on a grand scale, regardless of the reason and material wealth of the people who organize them. For some reason, it is very important for a Russian to make a table with dishes with all kinds of salads, cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese and sausage cuts, fried chicken legs and other food. Half of all this is not eaten and thrown away, to the amazement of foreign guests.

Those of the foreigners who traveled around Russia by train cannot understand why our people, as soon as the train starts to move, begin to get a bunch of groceries out of their bags, as if they want to eat up on the road for the rest of their lives.

Russians and friendliness

Almost all foreign guests remember kind words our sincere Russian hospitality. Some of the foreigners interviewed traveled around Russia by hitchhiking, asking for a stay with ordinary residents, and not staying in hotels. They all tell what a wonderful reception they received, how they put a lot of food on the table, put them to bed in a clean bed, even specially heated the bathhouse. The next morning these random people became best friends for a foreign guest.

However, in general, foreigners call all Russians gloomy and believe that our harsh climate is to blame for this. They say that in our subway, in the store, it is just that you can rarely see smiling men, women, young people, old people on the street. The situation changes dramatically when you turn to the Russian people, for example, with the question of how to find your way. Sullenness immediately disappears, instead of it appears sincere desire help.

Russians and business

How tourists see our country is roughly clear. What do foreigners who live and work here think of Russia? The Chinese believe that we have a very strict orders, decent salaries, high prices and a strong-willed president. They call Putin a wonderful ruler, much like their Xi Jinping.

Europeans and Americans, who work in our country as leaders or leading specialists, believe that salaries in Russia are below average, and prices are prohibitively high, even for such goods that should be cheap, for example, gasoline (after all, we have many oil wells).

If we ask any Russian what places should be shown to foreigners, what will we hear in response?
Red Square, palaces of St. Petersburg, Lake Baikal - these sights, most likely, will be named among the first (absolutely deservedly, it should be noted). But we are unlikely to hear something like "a forest in the Moscow region and an abandoned Soviet antenna in the form of a ball."

Obviously, this is why Frank Herforth's photographs have gained such popularity on the web. Many people think that some of his photos were made using Photoshop, they look so psychedelic and incredible. But the photographer assures that each shot is a real place.

True, he sometimes asks people to pose a little, because it is not always possible to catch the moment the first time. Frank actually lives in two countries and spends approximately the same amount of time both in Germany and in Russia. Particular attention of the Internet is a series of photographs by Frank entitled “Russian Fairytales”.

The photographs show various moments Russian life, often - with unusual angle... So, in this photo you see the military academy cadets in the relaxation room. The conditions of training of the academy imply a permanent stay on the territory educational institution, which is why the children do not see their parents for several months (the cadets in the photo are 15 years old). Due to the tough daily routine and high physical and psychological stress, students sometimes need to relieve psychological stress.

And this photo shows an old Soviet antenna and a mushroom picker sitting down to rest. Frank admits that the mushroom picker scared him a lot, appearing almost silently, in fact, out of nowhere. "This is the case when I asked a person to pose for me, if you can call it that, of course, because I rather just offered him a specific place for a break."

Geographical Institute and Museum of St. Petersburg

Herforth was born in East Germany, in Leipzig even before the fall of the Berlin Wall. This may partly explain his attraction to the attributes of the Soviet past. “I have never perceived the art of photography as a profession, it is rather my life. Not to say that since childhood I dreamed of becoming a photographer - rather the opposite: I even somehow specially lit a film in my mother's camera. But with age, I realized the beauty of this art and its main advantage - to tell a story that cannot be expressed in words.

Frank notes that the Russian people are much more open than the Europeans. “I live in two cities at once: Moscow and Berlin, and although my native language- German, I know Russian quite well. In Moscow, people are easier to make contact: sometimes I'm ready to finish the photo session myself, but new acquaintances continue to communicate with me, ask questions - I have to stay late. I know that in many countries people are reluctant to sacrifice their time to pose for an unfamiliar photographer - but this is not about Russia.

Zoological Museum of Moscow state university named after M.V. Lomonosov

Kremlin theater wardrobe

“Chechnya”, photo taken in Grozny

Entrance to the only hotel in the city of Polyarny, which is near Murmansk.

The photo was taken at 3 am in July, one of the white nights. This military city is still considered closed, since the base of the northern fleet is located there. “I don’t know why, but they didn’t check me very much at the checkpoint: they just asked for a German passport. However, at the hotel, at the reception, I was asked how I ended up in the city, and asked if I had any other documents allowing me to stay in the city. I decided not to make money yet more problems, just took a couple of shots (including this one) and left town.

Norilsk, pink residential building

Globus restaurant in Grozny

VIP waiting room at Kazansky railway station

Traditional headwear seller, Grozny

Frank sells some of the photographs, so they have their own names. Photos are expensive by our standards, but prices are more than reasonable for Europeans and Americans. Here are some of the photographs presented in the online store.

"Honey seller"

"Cash"

"It smelled of spring"

"Elevator to Kirov"

“This photo of my grandmother was taken in a place called the Future, although time there seems to have stopped and is somewhere in the past,” comments Frank