As my classmates all begin to leave this beautiful country, I am missing them but feeling so greatly to still have 2 weeks left in Russia! From here on out I can watch the games (and fanfest) from my Airbnb window, attend more matches, and take in more of the amazing culture Russia, and the world of soccer, both have to offer!
There were only 3 undergraduate students in our group, including myself. At first, I was pretty nervous about the wide variety of ages we traveled with, and the potential challenges this presented. But, as time went on and we all grew closer, I realized that our varying ages we’re part of the beauty of this trip! There was so much we could learn from our older classmates and instructors, personally and professionally, and I know our trip wouldn’t have been as worthwhile for me if we were actually all close in age!
Last night we all took the time to eat a delicious Chinese dinner together! Thankful that our students from China could help us order the best food, but even more thankful to spend time with everyone in this awesome group!
Loved visiting Peterhof today! Often nicknamed “Russian Versailles”, the grounds are a series of beautiful buildings and gardens from the reign of Peter the Great. A somewhat cloudy day was easily turned around by this lovely visit.
I am definitely a self proclaimed sushi fanatic and my face shows the clear excitement I felt after consuming a lovely amount of tuna sashimi. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything Russia’s culture has to offer, but always appreciate the international aspect big cities have to offer. No matter how far I am from home in Seattle (where there’s always a sushi restaurant just a few minutes away), I love that I can always find my favorite things!
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The majority of our class attended the Poland Senegal game, which was a little further out of Moscow, in a bit smaller stadium. On our walk there, we got caught in a torrential downpour. We still had a while before the game, so we sought shelter under a bridge. What the atmosphere lacked in weather, it definitely made up for in spirit and culture! We were all in awe of the passion and sheer joy exuding from the Senegal fans, linked above is a video showing their never ending cheers and songs!
Just across the street from the Peter and Paul fortress lies a beautiful mosque. The building of this mosque in the city center is symbolic and monumental. The brick laying ceremony was attended by many important political, religious, and social figures to ensure that the mosque continues to stand proudly for inclusion and religious diversity throughout Russia.
As we take the train from Moscow to St. Petersburg, the one word that comes to mind is “glowing”. From the beautiful architecture, to the friendly faces, to the passionate fans, Moscow is always glowing. In a literal sense, the sun “sets” early in the morning, and “rises” just a couple hours later.. but it never gets completely dark. Down town streets have halos of glowing lights that complete the glow of the city. In my opinion, the true glow of Moscow comes from the people in it. Everywhere we turn there are people cheering on their team, treating strangers like family. The thousands of fifa volunteers high-fiving as many as possible make everyone feel welcome. Football has increased Moscow’s already glowing culture of kindness and hospitality to a whole new level.