Russian Federation

Okay let's rev the metabolism in the remote regions of Russia. Gloves? Check. Warm hat? Check. Snow suit? Of course. Snowmobile? Ummm, yeah. Helicopter? Makes sense that this area and the impressive ice formations translate as little mountain of the Gods.

Whoa... this looks crazy.

(little mountain of the gods) is a magical geological legacy sculpted deep within the Ural mountains in Russia. It consists of seven impressive rock formations with heights varying from 30 to 42 meters which reign over the solitary mountain plateau. The Seven Giants are located in an inhospitable (little mountain of the gods) is a magical geological legacy sculpted deep within the Ural mountains in Russia. It consists of seven impressive rock formations with heights varying from 30 to 42 meters which reign over the solitary mountain plateau. The Seven Giants are located in an inhospitable and remote region in the Komi Republic,which is why access to Man-Pupu-Nyor is reserved to very well prepared travelers and usually requires helicopters or snowmobiles.… see moresee less

Legendary rumor was that the architect Postnik Yakovlev questioned whether he would ever create such a beautiful building again. The original cathedral was actually painted white with touches of gold leaf.

so much history here. one of the most amazing places i've ever been. kinda leaves you speechless.

If you've ever crossed the border into Russia on land, you know that the minute you do you see all the buildings suddenly take on an onion shape. I love St. Basil's because it's really the quintessential example of that style of architecture. I hadn't realized it was built in the 1500s.

The oldest lake in the world takes privacy very seriously. Interesting to note though, that it is home to the Buryat tribes.

Situated in south-east Siberia, the 3.15-million-ha Lake Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve. One of 24 World Heritage Sites in Russia!

If you've always thought that Red Square was named so because of its connection to Communism, think again. It was actually named so because the Russian word for "red" also means "beautiful" and thus the cathedral (not the actual square) was named Red Square.

Amazingly, the original square and the palace that was located here were destroyed in an earthquake/tsunami/fire in 1775. Later in 1908, it was the site of the assassination of the King Carlos. Luckily, today it's just a really beautiful place to stroll around.

This place was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and is incredibly grand although a tad on the overdone side. Still, the scale of the inside is pretty incredible.