"Russia cannot be understood with reason, nor measured by usual standards. It has its own character; one can only believe in Russia." This is a famous quatrain by the poet Fyodor Tyutchev, often quoted by Russians when commenting on the uncertainties of their everyday lives. From time to time, they affectionately and mockingly refer to their homeland as "Absurdistan." How must a foreign visitor feel when even the Russians do not always understand their own country? Author Katrin Liska provides insights into Russian society. Katrin Liska spent a year in Russia, completed an intensive Russian course, attended several seminars on Russian studies, and traveled extensively throughout the country. At least once a year, she visits her relatives in St. Petersburg with her Russian husband.