"If you ask any Russian person what he considers the main feature of the national character his most probable answer will be "hospitality". Indeed, since ancient times it has been honor for every Russian to receive a guest, especially a foreigner. Russian people always try to give the guest the best things they can offer: the best food, drink, place".
"Hospitality stems from Russian history of a multinational state, where people of different nationalities, values, beliefs live together, help each other and survive despite anything. Time taught the Russians to be kind and hospitable to anyone, regardless of appearance or cultural, educational, ethnic background".
"When guests come, the Russians try to do their best to make their guests feel at home. They put the tastiest dishes on the table (often everything they have, or something special that they do not usually eat in their daily life). You may even hurt the hostess' feelings if you don't taste everything!"
"If you are invited by a Russian family, you shouldn't have dinner before leaving your place for theirs. Many wives can cook a very tasty dish from nothing. If she doesn't have anything, she'll borrow it from a neighbor (good relationships between neighbors are also easily observable, and valued in this country) or immediately run to the shop - the table will be breaking from food. They say, there is a belief, if a man comes to you with any evil thoughts, he'll forget about doing harm and get kinder, when you feed him".
"The Russians are very hospitable and sociable people. That is true, that the doors of Russian homes are always open for guests. You needn't give an advanced call if you want to see your friends, you can come and even if you are not at the right time, you'll be heartily welcomed and offered a cup of tea".
"We like to invite guests, to treat them, to have different parties at home. At the same time, it's easy for us to go to some place without calling and it wouldn't be considered rude".