Mother Russia / Social Customs and Traditions in Modern Day Russia

Social Customs
When greeting, Russians shake firmly, friends may kiss on the cheek, and say, Zdravstvuyte or privet ("hello"). Kak dela ("how are you") is taken literally, and may require a lengthy answer. English is widely spoken by most citizens under the age of 35, but efforts to speak Russian are appreciated.
Russians have three names: Their first name, patronymic (father's first name), and last name. At a formal first meeting, use the first name and patronymic (e.g., Dmitri Pavlovich--"son of Pavel").
Formal meetings require prior appointments and punctuality. Arrangements for visa, m…