St. Petersburg’s Banyas: Purify Body and Soul
Shaping Cultural Experiences
Travel has been an integral part of my life since I was a young child. I grew up in a multicultural, bilingual home in the Netherlands with a Polish mother and a Dutch father. My
Update & BBC News Link
A brief update: One interview video will be uploaded tomorrow evening. I believe the BBC News One-Minute World News provides well-balanced reporting of news, hence why I wanted to share it. Top stories on May
From Nigeria to Boston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VNkCazT_T4&feature=youtu.be
When you first meet Oluwagbeminiyi Osidipe, you encounter a very vibrant, friendly, and unique personality. Oluwagbeminiyi or Niyi – as she shortened her name for simplicity – was named by her mother, who had a “very personal experience” when she had her, Niyi explained. Niyi is a Yoruba Nigerian transplant who arrived in the U.S. in 2006. As one of the most densely populated (West) African countries, Nigeria derives its name from the river that spans its land. To the South, it borders the Gulf of Guinea to the Atlantic Ocean. Originally colonized by the British, Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Its main ethnic groups are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, who speak English and their own respective languages, while major religions include Islam, Christianity and indigenous beliefs. Niyi shares her story, her views on politics, cultural differences she’s embraced with humor, and what we can learn from each other by expressing curiosity. Her message is simple: travel enriches us through its exposure to new cultures, and enables us to grow.
Mark Twain on Travel
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” (American author Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad).
Have you had the opportunity to travel (extensively, within your country, or even once abroad)? Can you relate to Twain’s sentiments? How does travel enrich us?
Pleasing The Taste Palate
Food has the wonderful quality of uniting us no matter where we are. There is nothing partisan or narrow-minded about food. It simply invites us to indulge, create recipes, and share with others. Two of my favorite Polish dishes (included in collage) are pierogies and barszcz czerwony – a beetroot soup – served on Christmas Eve in Poland. How does food bring us together? What are some of your favorite dishes and why? Can food trigger memories?
Stereotypes: Truth or Fiction?
DEFINING STEREOTYPES: “An idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation.” (Merriam-Webster). Stereotypes enable bias and preconceived notions to perpetuate, but can also reveal valid
Annual Human Rights Report
“The world changed immeasurably over the course of 2011. Across the Middle East, North Africa, and far beyond, citizens stood up to demand respect for human dignity, more promising economic opportunities, greater political liberties, and
Euro Crisis & Emerging Stereotypes
Brief Crisis Breakdown Since the onset of the global financial crisis, or Great Recession, in 2007, the Eurozone has feared impending growing global debt levels, as well as sovereign debt within European countries themselves. In
Remembering Tiananmen
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests in Beijing, China. Inflation, a lack of career prospects, the fall of Eastern European communism, and political corruption, are all said to have fueled anger
Coffee's Uniting Power
A cup of coffee can bridge cultural gaps. At least, that’s what Gizem Salgicil White, founder of Turkayfe.org, believes. Her organization aims to create awareness of Turkish culture, particularly within America. Gizem is a Turkish native,
Today’s Culture with Travel post is by a traveler under the pseudonym, MyBooks&Roads
The banya, or bathhouse, is among the oldest of Russian traditions dating back several centuries. The word banya is of Greek origin and means “cleansing a body with the help of steam.” The banya has long been part of the Ancient Slav culture as a means to purify body and soul.
Russian Television in their feature on the origins of the banya, describes how Peter the Great was such a great devotee of the tradition, that it is said he waived taxes for anyone who built one when he founded St. Petersburg in 1703. Today, these unique bathhouses in St. Petersburg are said to “keep the doctor away” with their therapeutic effects.
According to history, newcomers to Russia were enthralled by the wooden steam houses, where naked people steamed themselves to extremes and lashed themselves with bunches of dried tree branches, or venik. The high temperature is of immense benefit to the body as it cleanses and allows it to flush out toxins and bacteria. It opens pores and enhances blood circulation as well as improves kidney function. A venik massage doubles the healing effects. Locals will tell you that the best banyas are to be found in scenic St. Petersburg.
History is likely repeating itself with many newcomers visiting St. Petersburg in 2018. The city has experienced an unprecedented surge in tourism this year, due to being a host venue for the FIFA World Cup. Ladbrokes in their section on St. Petersburg in the World Cup call it one of the most idyllic host cities. With thousands of fans descending on the city for key matches, we expect many tried the famous banyas listed below.
St. Petersburg Banyas
Yamskie Bathhouse
For those seeking a traditional cleansing experience, the most historic of bathhouses and a favorite of Dostoevsky and Lenin, according to legend, is the Yamskie bathhouse along Dostoevskogo Street. The oldest bathhouse in the city, it has been an institution in St. Petersburg since the middle of the 19th century, offering traditional wellness services in a traditional setting. Both private and shared rooms are available, with experienced therapists and masseuses. Yamskie also offers modern therapy techniques with a cryo chamber on site, an infrared sauna, and a solarium.
Degtyarniye Bani
If you’re looking for a more traditional and luxurious experience look no further than the bani, located along Degtyarnaya Street. Operating for over 50 years, it offers visitors the traditional wooden bathhouse in a luxury setting. Try the parnaya, or very hot steam, room option for the authentic experience. If you’re feeling brave, the Guardian recommends the venik herbal massage treatment.
Lotsmanskie
If you’re not so much into luxury, and prefer a more rustic and authentic experience, Lotsmanskie bathhouse offers the simple, classical touch of the original Russian bathhouse. Located away from the city center along Lotsmanskaya Street, this simple, authentic bathhouse ensures visitors get a thoroughly good steam in the traditional wooden bathhouse. Lotsmanskie also maintains the old male and female segregation, with men on Friday and Sunday and women on Saturday and Monday.
Usachevskie
Another bathhouse that a famous personality used to frequent is the Usachevskie bathhouse along Pereulok Makarenko Boulevard. The Culture Trip reveals in their banya article that Rasputin is said to have visited this bathhouse which offers only public rooms to its visitors. It also maintains the old style with three classes of rooms for the average folk, mixed class and merchants. In keeping with history – and inequality for that matter – the mixed and merchant rooms are only open to women once per week.
For your next visit to the beautiful and historic St. Petersburg, keep in mind this carefully handpicked list, which will surely enhance your Russian immersion. Check out the recent Culture with Travel guide on Russie and the World Cup travel.
Find “MyBooks&Roads” on Twitter via @r_am_jones
Hi! I'm the founder of Culture With Travel and #CultureTrav. Please chat with us on social media and contribute in the comments! Follow @Nicolette_O
