I thought I'd provide everyone with a small update on the goings-on in Питер.
It's been hot. And humid. I know I don't have much room to complain since it's scorching on the East coast, but with no air conditioning, and very few fan-like devices in buildings...let's just say the heat takes its toll. From what I've read on the weather channel, I think today was supposed to be the last day in the 80s. For the next week or so it says we're supposed to have temperatures in the mid to low 70s with plenty of rain (in true St. Petersburg form). Oh, weather channel website, please don't be lying to me!
Last Wednesday, our group went to the Nabokov estate which is around an hour outside the city. (For those of you who are unaware of Nabokov - he is the author of Lolita). Ironically enough, the weekend before, my tutor and I meandered over to the apartment in which Nabokov was born and raised. He lived here until he was about 18 when his family was forced to leave the country during the October Revolution (his father was a member of the Provisional Government). Nabokov never returned to Russia - he inherited this estate right before his family fled Russia so he never truly got to own & enjoy it. Sad. The house was beautiful. We took a tour of it and I was particularly impressed when we got to go up to the very top and look out at the landscape. There was Russia, as far as the eye could see. As the Russians would most likely tell you, Moscow and St. Petersburg aren't really Russia. The real Russia is outside the cities, and that's what it felt like I was seeing. I wish I had an opportunity to see more of that, but that makes a return trip even more appealing. (Yes, I'm already planning my return for some vague date in the future).
Then, this weekend, my tutor and I took a journey (it felt like one in the heat) to the Pavlovsk park & palace. It was gorgeous. After living in the center of the city for a month (which I love, don't get me wrong), seeing trees and smelling fresh air was a much welcome experience. I just adore those Russian birches! And the water...it was so peaceful. We walked around for a bit, took a tour of the palace, visited the museum of costumes (outfits of the tsars and empresses, very cool), and then went into a small exhibit of artistic photographs of the park. In the middle of the room where these photographs were being held, there was a group of Russian women doing crafts. We were invited to sit down and make a flower from essentially wire, tissue paper, and glue. I normally consider myself pretty atrocious at all things artistic (even small things), but this was great fun! My tutor and I both made one - hers red, mine purple. I've come to understand that it's the small experiences here in Russia that will ultimately be the most memorable.
After we rode the bus back, we walked to the Metro, and on the way we ran into another Lenin statue! It is now a running joke amongst my American peers just how much I love Lenin. It's true. And I have made it a (lofty) personal goal to photograph as many things relating to Lenin as possible. These are the things that are important to me, haha! Some people love art, literature, and the finer things in life. I love Lenin. (Did I mention I purchased a pin with his face on it at the Political History Museum? If not, shame on me.) Next stop in pursuing my goal...Smolny!
Tomorrow, we're going to the Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery - the location of a mass grave during the Siege of Leningrad. About 500,000 thousand people were "buried" here. It is going to be a sobering experience. Sometimes, walking around the city, I forget that wars have been fought here. I forget how much history is here under my feet. It's good to be reminded.
Monday and Wednesday of next week, I'm going to see two different ballets! How lucky am I?
Well, that's all the news I have for today...this weekend I plan on museum hopping and maybe going to the Yusopov Palace where Rasputin's murder was attempted...in several ways. If you're curious, google it.
Пока!
Оливия
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| Lenin Statue, part 2! |
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| Entrance to Pavlovsk! |
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| Pavlovsk Palace |
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| Statue of Paul I - Pavlovsk was created by him and his wife lived here after his death. |
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| View of a church from the top of the Nabokov estate |
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| Another view from the top |
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