For some time now I've been exploring the marvels of Russia and its citizens in this column. Some familiar facts and rituals, so commonplace for Russians, turned out to be a great and mysterious novelty to foreigners. Russia is famously an enigma wrapped in mystery, with its numerous questions and controversies, and these peculiar features make us what we are.

Trying to find out more, I understood why I am Russian. Never before have I felt so patriotic. Never before have I taken such a pride in my country and its people. I discovered myself with you, dear reader. Looking afresh at all these peculiarities, I learned a lot to pass on to you. I hope the process was enlightening for both of us. I am not a connoisseur of Russia though. Nobody can be, as this land embraces an extremely wide range of creeds and ideas, customs and traditions, feelings and faces.

Once in primary school a teacher asked my class to draw a picture of Russia and left it up to us to choose what to draw. Everyone could choose a personal vision, some image which defined their homeland. A child's perception of the world is an honest one. We drew many pictures of matrioshkas, bears, Russia's giant territory on the map and so on. My picture showed a birch tree that was growing into a beautiful lady. For me this was a tangible image of my country. The lady symbolized the entire nation, the birch tree an image of something strong but fragile.

Thus, in her simple way, the teacher helped us to understand the meaning of the proud name  ‘Russia'. And I hope I have helped you uncover this magnificent country. Not entirely, of course, as that's impossible even for Russians. Now that you know more about my Motherland, I want you to love Russia as well. To love the country that can't be understood by mind, as Fyodor Tutchev wrote in one of his lyrical masterpieces:

You will not grasp her with your mind

Or cover with a common label,

For Russia is one of a kind -

Believe in her, if you are able...

This stanza has already been quoted in one of my columns, but its sense is so deep that it reflects the feelings of many Russians. Yes, believe in her as the poet said. This country needs belief, for despite all its strengths it has a feminine spirit. And like every lady, it wants some love and warmth throughout its existence. Since Russia is feminine, it hides a number of secrets that "cannot be grasped with your mind," but they all make her unique.

It is always wrong to judge by surface appearances, whether we think of people or their countries.

Don't apply some common yardstick and don't believe those who speak about Russia in generalities. Stereo­types exist for every nation and every country. We tend to accept the favorable ones and focus our attention on the negative and critical opinions of others.

In Russia we rarely say farewell, so I say goodbye. Please discover my country yourself. It's not that difficult, just feel it and let it feel you. But I ask you - love Russia. And if you manage to find this love inside you, you will understand this country a bit better.

By Daria Chernyshova