Back in the U.S.S.R.

Although "back" doesn't quite cut it, since I have never been here before (and no I haven't been singing The Beatles song all day, well maybe...) but I have finally arrived in the Russian Federation!

This summer, for the upcoming six weeks to be precise, I will be studying Russian language and culture in St. Petersburg. After an endlessly long and delayed flight, via Moscow of course, I have landed in my new and temporary home.

Myself and along with my group of fellow American students, will have the opportunity to study at St. Petersburg State University. Our study center is located on the Smolny Campus which, by the looks of it, is absolutely gorgeous (as seen in the photo below which I wish was taken by myself but unfortunately is a product of Google). 

Hey American U! Why can't our quad look like this?

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to study abroad again, especially in such a beautiful place like St. Petersburg. During the summers, the city of St. Petersburg comes even more alive due to its White Nights. There are festivals all throughout the city to celebrate the time where there is little or no darkness in St. Petersburg. The New York Times even reported on St. Petersburg's White Nights by saying, "After seven months of winter, come 80 nights when the sun barely sets and celebrations grip the city." 

I look forward to the white nights and all of the experiences this marvelous city has to offer!