I was lucky enough to spend ten days in Russia in 2003 and I can honestly say it’s a trip that I’ll never forget.

My brother was teaching English in Poland at the time so I met him in Warsaw and then we took a 20-day trip through Poland, Estonia, Finland, and Russia.

Our time spent in Russia was intense and we got to see a lot of interesting things because we decided to take public transportation and walk everywhere as opposed to doing any kind of tourist package. It was eye-opening to say the least.

A photographer named Aleksandr Petrosyan captures everyday life in Russia and his photos give us Westerners a good perspective on how folks exist in that mysterious country.

Let’s take a look at his work.

1. Time to take a break.

Swings are fun at any age.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4riqJ1g6ae/

2. The faces of Russia.

So different from our own country.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dD6iIAJJl/

3. The pig needed to get out.

And people are delighted!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B38s_KWg5U-/

4. Drinking and smoking.

Looks like hard times.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3WCB9YA10k/

5. A woman and her cat.

The schoolgirls definitely took notice.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2vb_gSAuON/

6. In the country.

Cow crossing, so keep your eyes peeled.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2s-BIvgbda/

7. Looks rough.

Poverty abounds all over the planet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1x2LQVAs8Q/

8. Under the red hot moon.

What a great photo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1QbBoYg_yd/

9. Walking for veterans.

They do have a lot of pride in the military.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0pWkoDAuWE/

10. Put out the fire.

He’s got it covered.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz7XoS0gH6c/

11. This guy looks like he is struggling.

From what? We’ll never know…

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzpWxuygLqK/

12. Let’s have a drink.

To your health!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3OWXqhgjEO/

Now we want to hear from you.

Have you ever been to Russia?

If you have, talk to us in the comments and tell us how it went.

Thanks!