Adventures, Adventures

I've been remiss at blogging, I know, and partially it's because I'm away from the Internet so much. Frankly, I rather enjoy being away from the computer and doing more things in the dorms or the city. The rest of my week in Moscow was wonderful. I stayed with a friend of the family, and she was absolutely fantastic. It's a truly different experience, living with a Russian. For one thing, I got to ask hundreds of questions and discover more about daily Russian life. Speaking Russian for a week straight was great, too -- I definitely learned some intricacies of the language that I hadn't taken notice of before.

The palace and park that Galya showed me. It's not even outside Moscow, which is pretty amazing in and of itself. 

Since I haven't written in a while, I'll try to sum up the past two weeks with a photo montage. I was quite ill shortly after returning to St. Petersburg, but my weeks have been quite eventful nonetheless:

The group went to Puskin's apartment and we've come to the conclusion that he was Batman. There's no other reason for that bat doodle.

Here's Glenn and Renee at the Smolny Institute. We were lucky enough to be able to go inside, and we even got to go up to the podium seen here! Our teacher remarked, "Let's not dream of revolution, please."

I finally went up to the top of St. Isaac's, and this is just one of the many beautiful panoramic views. Church on Spilled Blood is in the distance.

This is the performance hall where the entire group got to experience a Tchaikovsky Gala concert. The orchestra was wonderful -- all the pieces were fantastic. The 1812 Overture was played, and just when I was expecting a "typical" version of the piece, men (probably from the Navy) came up on stage with horns and they actually tolled the victory bell as the original composition requires. It really was a magical night.

The other activities that I've been involved in have been:

• the Kunstkamera - the first museum, founded by Peter the Great, with special exhibits from Frederik Ruysch. Ruysch was a Dutch anatomist and botanist who developed unique methods of preserving anatomical specimens. 
• Hermitage - I've made it my personal goal to go to every exhibit in the Hermitage while I'm here. It actually is possible! 

Additionally, my future library. My favorite room in the Hermitage thus far.

• Russian Museum - the folk art exhibits were particularly interesting in this one. There was traditional lace, icons, toys, dishware, etc. 
• I've been taking more and more long walks throughout the city. My favorite type of days are the ones where I start off with a "planned" event, such as a museum, and then go wandering from that point until I get exhausted. 

Moscow Chronicles, Day 1

It's spring break! I'm finding it unbelievable that the semester is half over. I'm trying to not think too much about the end, and instead savor all the time I have left in St. Petersburg.

However... I'm in Moscow! The entire AIFS group is on a weekend excursion to Moscow, and my spring break plans are to stay here for the rest of the week. I'm extremely happy that I get to explore Moscow more thoroughly than these short 2 days; however, I'm also a bit bummed that almost everyone is going to a warmer climate for break. The weather has actually been pleasant, though, so I can't complain too much.

I came here by train, which was my first experience on an overnight train. The compartments were quite tiny, with four people to each cabin. I got the top bunk, as well as some pretty nasty bruises. Nonetheless, I had a wonderful time, and am enjoying my Moscow experience so far.

The first day the group got a private bus tour, and we got out to explore places like Red Square, Novodevichy Cemetery, and Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.



State Historical Museum

Austin and I in front of Lenin's Mausoleum



Inside ГУМ, or GUM (pronounced 'goom') -- a large mall which functions mostly as a sightseeing attraction. It's quite lavish for a shopping mall. I hope to come back later and just sit, people watch, and drink coffee.





After seeing the Red Square, we walked over to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.



Boris Yeltsin's grave at Novodevichy Cemetery.

Just a picture of the gorgeous snow falling.

Later that night we went to the circus. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it immensely, but I was pleasantly surprised. There were plenty of acts with various animals, but my favorites were with the contortionists and trapeze artists.

I've had a lot of fun so far in Moscow, although I would agree with something that my friend Glenn said, "There's more to see in St. Petersburg, but more to do in Moscow." That might be too hasty of a judgment, but I'll definitely have more of a feel for the city by the end of the week. Adventures from today will be posted soon!