Day One of the Educational Expedition to Saint Petersburg

July 9, 2023. The Day of Responsibility

Our trip to St. Petersburg is a unique opportunity to get to know one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in Russia.

When we landed at Pulkovo Airport, we received a very warm welcome, and then we went on a guided tour! Today we were able to enjoy the beauty of the city’s architecture and landmarks, and we also developed important skills in responsibility and teamwork.

During the trip, we visited the Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, Palace Square, and other amazing places in our northern capital!

We immersed ourselves in the city’s history and learned something new about its cultural heritage. Today we also learned about the lives and works of great Russian writers such as Alexander Pushkin and Fyodor Dostoevsky, and visited places associated with their creative legacy.

However, beyond the tourist aspect, our trip is also aimed at developing responsibility and teamwork skills. In the coming days, we will organize our own schedules, plan routes, and coordinate our actions as a team. This will help us develop leadership qualities, learn to work in a group, and take responsibility for our actions!

Thus, the trip to Saint Petersburg is not only an opportunity to discover and enjoy the beauty and history of the city, but also to develop important skills in responsibility and teamwork. This educational expedition will help us expand our knowledge and abilities, as well as appreciate Russia’s cultural heritage!

Today’s diary was managed by Sonya.

Day Two

July 10, 2023 — Diary by Sonya and Daniil

This day was very eventful. In the morning, we went on a walking tour of the town of Zelenogorsk. We visited the monument to Lenin, which only one of us could recognize — and there were 13 of us, including the guys from Tolyatti.

At the entrance to the park leading to Zolotoy Plyazh (Golden Beach), we were greeted by “Vitsin” — and we even reenacted a scene from the movie Kidnapping, Caucasian Style! They also quoted Shakespeare to us: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”

Then we visited the memorial to fallen Finnish soldiers who defended and died for our Motherland. On the “Bench of Reconciliation,” we all managed to fit — which means we won’t ever quarrel again! Awesome!

At Golden Beach, even though the weather wasn’t very warm and the sun only broke through occasionally, our mood was wonderful! If you could see that sea — the Gulf of Finland — you’d understand why we felt so good. The rest of the time was free, and after two full days, it was great to have a little rest.

In the evening, we had a lesson with an African-American teacher originally from Ghana, who had lived in America since the age of four. It was very educational — he told us about his life and taught us new English words. The lesson was truly interesting.

I loved everything about it — though it’s a pity I didn’t understand every phrase! Later, as usual, we held our daily reflection session, and Sonya and Daniil had to write up the diary for Day Two. Honestly, I found it quite difficult because I had already forgotten most of the day, so I had to ask the others for help with what they remembered. But I learned my lesson — I need to take better notes during the day, it makes reflection much easier!

Day Three — The Town of Vyborg

First, we went to the railway station, waited a bit, and then took the high-speed train “Lastochka” (Swallow) — the ride took about 40 minutes to the town of Vyborg. When we arrived, a tour guide met us, and we had a wonderful excursion. We learned a lot about the history of this historic town — for example, about the German fortress/castle, and the oldest residential building still standing.

It feels as if the entire town is just one big museum — as if people don’t actually live there, but just come to visit and look at the old buildings. We also saw a bakery where they sold pretzels, along with souvenirs — and two cats, one black and one ginger, two cheerful little felines. At the end, before leaving, we stopped by the market, where you could find just about everything. Then we rode back to Zelenogorsk — about an hour and a half — and I was pretty tired.

Day Three (second version) — Our Third Day of Traveling Around Saint Petersburg

Today we had a very exciting and eventful day! We visited the delightful town of Vyborg in the Leningrad Oblast. This trip was a truly interesting educational experience for us.

The town of Vyborg is known for its cozy and charming atmosphere, which creates a feeling of peace and comfort. Historical buildings, narrow streets, and beautiful embankments give it a special charm.

The main landmark of this town is Vyborg Castle — one of the most famous historical sites in the region. Vyborg Castle was built in 1293 and is one of the oldest stone castles in Russia. It has a rich history and has witnessed many events. Nowadays, the castle has been restored and is open to visitors. Today we were able to learn about its history, architecture, and the role it played in the town’s past.

Another interesting landmark is the Clock Tower. It was built in 1802 and originally served as a chapel. Today, it houses the restaurant “Round Tower,” where we had lunch in this unusual setting.

In addition to these sights, we also visited the historic center of Vyborg. Overall, the town of Vyborg offers visitors a unique chance to enjoy the beauty of its historical heritage.

Today was also a planning day. I believe that an important part of planning is discussing the itinerary and goals with the participants. That morning, we shared our interests and suggestions.

This day was truly wonderful! I learned many interesting facts about Vyborg and visited some of the most beautiful places in this town.

Day Five — Peterhof

Today we visited Peterhof!

In Peterhof, we saw the famous fountains — such as Samson, the Chessboard Hill, the Lion Cascade, and the Fountain Alley. Each one was unique and impressive in its beauty and grandeur.

We enjoyed the atmosphere of the park and learned more about Russian history and culture. The entire park was full of people who had come to admire the fountains and all the other sights of Peterhof.

It was a wonderful day, and we recommend that everyone visit this unique palace-and-park ensemble!