It appears that I am finally in Russia. Even if I hadn’t recently endured an almost 24 hour flight practically around the world, I would know that I am no longer in familiar territory. Already, it is colder than I think my hometown has ever been, and I believe that it has rained every day since I arrived. Not to mention the fact that everyone here speaks Russian and stares uninhibitedly as any participant of our program walks past, as if they were the tourists instead of us. Maybe it will be different now that I am out of the hotel? I am finally out of orientation (where I learned how to fend off “sketchy Russian dudes”), moved into my host family’s house (where I am currently sitting in a cozy, heated room), and waiting for my first foray into St. Petersburg (the Hermitage). Needless to say, I am a teensy bit excited.
Having just moved into my host family’s house, I, perhaps embarrassingly, have no idea what to do, especially since I seem to have woken hours before them, thank you jet lag. So, to prepare myself for the rest of the semester, I have been entering all the future events offered to me by my program into my calendar. This process is slightly overwhelming. First there are the mandatory events, such as today’s excursion to the Hermitage and the later trips to Novgorod, Kiev, and Moscow. Then, there are the sign up events, like the Russian and Georgian cooking classes, the Dostoevsky walking tour, and many, many others. Finally, there are the school related events such as volunteering at the Hermitage, playing for a university sports team, or meeting Russian conversation partners. I have to keep reminding myself that this is not actually a vacation, and that I have to start my classes on Monday.
However, even when I do start classes, they will quite possibly be in the most wonderful pastel colored building in the city, the Smolny Cathedral. The truth is that St. Petersburg itself is the main attraction; it is a living museum. Whether I will be in class, traveling with my group, or simply exploring on my own, it will be impossible to avoid the deep green gardens, the multicolored churches, or the historically significant landmarks that blanket St. Petersburg. Living in the city center, I will have the opportunity to simply walk out the front door and step into this fascinating new world, until it starts snowing. Then, I guess I will have to take the (easily accessible) metro instead.
2 Comments to "Living in a Museum"
Hi Margaret,
Your description of St. Pete is great. I love that city and all the colorful buildings. I hope that they have solved the ameba problem in the drinking water. Be careful!!
I will be in Vilnius and free on October 5th, 6th, and 7th, if you can figure out how to get them. I know there is plane and train connections. I could arrange for you to meet a young man who is lecturer on social policy at a Vilnius University and also the assistant deputy of the Ministry of Transportation. You can stay with us at an old remodeled monastery in Old Towne. It may be too early for you to be flitting off, but wanted you to know you are welcome to visit.
Hugs,
Jack
Thanks Jack!I would LOVE to come; however, I will not have my passport back until November! I will not be able to travel inside or outside of Russia until then. Maybe I can go visit sometime late November or December… It is too bad that you will not be there! Best, Margaret