When it’s really cold outside, it feels nice to be surrounded by warmth. Part of the experience is alternating between extreme heat and extreme cold. So after sitting in the banya for a few minutes, it gets too hot and people leave to cool off. To do this faster, sometimes they douse themselves with cold water. Imagine a bucket of icy water that you dump over your head by pulling on a rope. It might sound unpleasant, but when you’re really hot, it’s a relief! Or, if the banya is located out in the countryside, sometimes people will jump into a pile of snow to cool off. I got to try this once, and it was a lot of fun!
Drinking tea, or in Russian, chai, is also a cornerstone of Russian culture. When I lived in Kazan, my host family drank tea pretty much before doing (or finishing) anything: with breakfast, with lunch, before leaving the house, after returning, with dinner, before bed, or just when they wanted tea! I have always loved tea, so this was really fun for me. Do you like tea? When do you like to drink it?
Both drinking tea and going to the banya are both united in two goals: getting warm and bonding with family and friends. Drinking tea in Russia is usually less about drinking a yummy drink and more about sitting down and having a conversation. It could be talking about your day, sharing your dreams and aspirations, or venting about something that is bothering you. You can also drink tea with new people you meet and get to know each other. I really enjoy how when Russians drink tea, it encourages them to check in with each other and spend time with those they love.
