Snapshot from Tatarstan

[peacetraveler22]

I don't know much about the Tatars, but I began to go through old photos I took in Kazan last year and noticed I have a lot of shots of locals walking the streets. I guess their appearance is highly unusual to me, even exotic to some extent. Here's just one example. About this girl (woman?), I know nothing, but find her intriguing. :)

What do I need to know about the Tatars, and this Republic of Russia? My host in this city spoke very little English, so it was difficult to learn a lot about the region from the native showing me around. Please share any interesting facts or insights. I struggle to understand why cities like Kazan are so much nicer than other parts of Russia? Is it because the region is rich in oil, and has more resources? Kazan is now my second favorite city, only Peter is more aesthetically pleasing. Both have very friendly locals, and Kazan has more English speakers than any other city I've visited. I guess because there are so many young students there, but it makes navigation in the city much easier for a foreign tourist like me...

Comments

[dp-3lo.livejournal.com]

Можете встретить земляков - в Татарстане работают Ford, MAGNA и еще десятки менее именитых компаний из Европы и Америки.
:)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I didn't notice any American companies there. Unfortunately, I was only in city center most of the time. I wanted to go away from the city, to visit a traditional Tatar family, but there wasn't enough time.

[dp-3lo.livejournal.com]

Если вы планируете только Казань - посетить -то конечно не найдете там американских компаний.
Это надо посетить Набережные Челны и Елабугу.

А традиционные татарские семьи - вы найдете в сельской местности.
В татарских деревнях.
Казанские татары - они слишком европейские. :)