Re: little things

Yes, I am familiar with borsch, I have made it several times myself. Also with that salad, I didn't know the name, but I love to make it! It's good to take to parties, too. I like to add fresh dill, it was served that way sometimes.
I didn't drink Kvass, although some of my friends did. Now that I've read about it in Nourishing Traditions, I wish I had!
I even liked the buckwheat kasha and of course the BLINI!!!!
Eating fresh bread and cheese!
And many, many cups of hot tea (using a samovar)...
Also there was some chewing gum, Wrigley's Orbit that had a eucalyptus flavor, I loved it and chewed it everyday!
I also enjoyed going to see live shows - ballets, concerts. As an american, the tickets were great prices!

I wasn't there for long and I wasn't fully immersed in the lifestyle there, but yes, there is something different. Especially outside of Moscow in the fresh outdoors, it was beautiful! Even walking in a small village, looking in some simple stores, it was very enjoyable. And a lot of things to see and do.
In some ways, I wouldn't mind living in Russia. I'm not so sold on America anymore.
It is very different, the USA and Russia. I'm sure you miss Russia... some things are better here (like shopping), some things are better there, I guess it will always be a toss-up!
Just focus on your husband and the good things about America.

Your grandmother's fruit is making me jealous! I would like to have an abundance of my own fruit someday!