Yes, we have similar jokes! Guinea pig is called a "sea pig" in Russian, and we joke the same way!
And now about my method of study foreign language.
To learn Russian you need to be involved in something Russian, because to learn it in isolation is not interesting.
At first you need to study Russian letters to be able to read (it is very easy). Barbara says that she does not understand anything, but it is easy to understand many things when you know some basic words. The active vocabulary is usually very small.
To learn the active vocabulary you need to write the words and expression on paper cards that you can cut from regular paper. One side is in Russian, another side is in English. It helps me VERY MUCH! You do not need to learn the cards, you need only to go through them 2-3 times a day. At first you look at Russian word and try to remember its translation. Then turn the card and see if it is correct. When you know it, start looking at English side first (trying to remember its Russian translation). Do not do it with efforts, it should be a pleasure.
And to be involved into something you can participate Russian forums on facebook. It is very interesting sometimes and if is usually very friendly. In Facebook there are Russian groups organized by RTOC person, ROCOR-A person, there is a group of RTOC, and others, and there are discussions in the blogs. At first you will only read and try to translate (using the help some good computer-translation that I can recommend you). Then you will start to read it without a translator and comment some simple things. And always you will write the important words on cards. You cannot imagine how much this method helps.
And now several more words to read. These are church words for your first cards. I put the stressed sounds in bold:
литургия, Синод, Собор, Лавра, икона, монастырь, монах, монахиня, игумен, архимандрит, диакон (дьякон), иподиакон (иподьякон).
