When I tell people I’m going abroad, their first question nearly without fail is, “Why Russia?” I know they’re wondering why not somewhere a little… safer? Why not somewhere where they speak English? Why somewhere …
St. Petersburg
Breaking Down Stereotypes: Moscow Style
Have you ever heard the stereotype that Russians are cold? I don’t mean just “cold” physically. I’m referring to the stereotype that Russians are cold, cruel, and always frowning. Well, I heard this a LOT …
Sunshine and Justin Timberlake
SUN! The sun has finally decided to show itself to Saint Petersburg today, and my mood is now comparable to that of a child in Disneyland. This beautiful city has so many wonderful things going …
Sour Milk
About five days ago I watched as my host babushka poured a jug of milk into two mason jars. There they sat on the counter for five days. On the third day I asked her …
Support System
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to adequately describe my host babyshka. Marina is a paradoxical woman, and I feel like I’m learning something new and exciting about her every day. I also …
The Right to Make Mistakes.
My first few days in St. Petersburg have been an exhilarating roller coaster of ups and downs. I explored the city my first day with my resident director and fellow students. We learned how to …
Delays and Jetlag
My neck is in severe pain. It is the only thing I can think about. My mind has turned to mush, and I feel as if I have no concept of time. The past day …
Cheese Curds and Nerves
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the …
Introducing Kaylie
Hello. My name is Kaylie Duffy, and I am a born adventurer who can never sit still. Though I have never left the borders of the United States, I have jumped on every opportunity to …