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Erica's travels through Eastern Europe and Russia
St. Petersburg, Russia - After a hard period of culture shock, I think I've reached Stage 2. Understanding. This was initiated by a few things, including a boat trip, bridge rising, sushi eating, live theatre, and a beer factory visit, as well as a deeper appreciation for hot water and clean hair!
I'll start with the cleanliness issue first. So we haven't had hot water for about 2 weeks now, and I can tell you it's really made me appreciate water heaters. Rumor has it, our student's "hotel" will have the hot water turned on today, but I've tried turning it on and vapors come out. I'm weary. The first time I encountered a water heater and a sink for washing my hair, I was extatic!
What's made me more encouraged about St. Petersburg? Firstly, a boat trip featuring a sparkling wine that navigated through the main canals of St. Petersburg and under the numerous bridges. Passing by the centuries-old architecture, I felt a deeper amour for St. Pete. We later went to see a bridge open with a fireworks celebration, and I was interviewed by Russian TV, where I hope my minorly interesting comment will make international success.
There are many good sushi restaurants and parks, both of which I *adore* and thoroughly recognize as essential for tourist development.
Also, I saw the Nutcracker and La Trivata at one of the famous opera houses of St. Pete. Both were spectactular exhibitions of Russian arts and culture, and the theatre was gorgeous, as well. At La Trivata, we got balcony seats which overlooked the symphony, and it was so worth it. The first sounds I heard from the violins nearly put me to tears.
And -- a tour of Baltika Brewery, one of the largest in Russia. Walking through the hot-and-cold (mostly hot -- this is Russia, you know, A/C costs money, and money doesn't grow on trees), nearly 4 mile long tour made you so thirsty you thought you'd drink all the beer they offer you at the sampling. But alas, I could only drink about 1 pint of the 4-12% beers (heavy!). Basically, we were taken through the process of chilling and boiling, then creating, packaging, and supplying and organizing the beer for transport.
I'll be leaving for the Scandinavian countries (and looking forward to Ramen noodles and NO vodka *cries* on 18 June, just after the G8 summitt and the Russian Business Conference Exam) on 18 June, and flying from Oslo, Norway 24 July. I'll be in Cork on 25 July, then traveling in Ireland and coming back to Chicago 1 August. Honestly, I'm pretty excited about seeing Chicago again.
Alright, I'll miss St. Pete, and it's cheap vodka, deep culture and cold and hungover showers... wait nevermind that last statement.
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