Discover Russia
Peoples Friendship Fountain (1951-54) at All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh), Moscow
Exactly 3 years ago, I was embarking on a two-week school trip to... Russia! I was pretty stoked about it, as for the first time in my life, I had planned absolutely nothing about our itinerary. Everything was taken care of by my wonderful teachers. This trip consisted in an immersion in Russia's business and cultural environments where my classmates and I would learn as much as we could about this country.
To this day, Russia remains the country that has marked me the most. I remember being there, and feeling completely overwhelmed with these new environment, food, people, lifestyle, monuments, and more. If you want to visit Russia, the first thing you'll want to do is get a visa. Then, be prepared to feel a bit disorientated. At first, you might think people are a bit cold and short. You will rarely see people smiling on the streets, and I'm afraid if you're lost, it might be difficult to ask people around for directions. You need to be resourceful, and learn how to communicate efficiently, because once you do, you will discover how amazing people are!
Red Square, Moscow
You should have seen my face when I saw St. Basil's Cathedral for the very first time. I was in awe in front of such beauty. I keep telling that Russian orthodox churches look like unreal giant birthday cakes (hope that's not offensive!) The architecture at the Red Square is simply surreal, and I think everyone in the group didn't really know what to say. You MUST go there!
Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Moscow
Like most places of worship, it wasn't possible to take pictures of the inside, but as you can imagine, this cathedral was breathtaking.
Izmailovsky Market, Moscow
The ideal place to go shopping for souvenirs. As always, the architecture of the market is pretty impressive, but you'll also find tons of locals products at a cheap price. There's always room for negotiation so don't be scared to bargain. Russian matryoshka, real fur hats and clothes, Fabergé eggs, and local food are some of the things you'll find there!
Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
Probably the most beautiful museum i've seen after Le Louvre in Paris. What's so special about this place is that not only do they have amazing art, but the building itself is astonishing. The peacock clock in one of the many gold rooms left me speechless.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg
This church had the same effect on me as St. Basil's church in Moscow. St. Petersburg has a more friendly, cultural and European atmosphere, and I really enjoyed wandering in the streets of this city.
I could keep going on and on. I've got so many unforgettable memories from this trip:
Taking the night train to St. Petersburg (Google it, it's quite an experience);
Meeting with successful Russian and International business professionals (Canadian Embassy, Kaspersky Labs, Volkswagen, Airbus, etc.);
Experiencing the unique Russian nightlife during St. Petersburg's White Nights;
Watching a Russian opera;
And more.
