On the 28th of July my feet touched the Russian land for the first time. I have lived in Moscow for 5 weeks, studying Russian and working as an Editorial Assistant at Liden & Denz. Now it’s time to get on a plane and go back to Italy, with a suitcase full of clothes and souvenirs, even though the biggest memories are in my mind and my heart…and in the countless pictures that I have taken with my mobile phone! Before coming here I could not imagine that this experience would have been so memorable. I will have so many things to tell my friends and family at home, and this goodbye post will help me recap and take stock of the situation.
The main reason why I wanted to come to Russia is because I have been studying Russian at university for four years and I still had problems with fluency, I felt like I was not good enough and, instead of trying, I just avoided speaking. Then, one day, I took courage and booked a flight to Moscow trying to combine business with pleasure: I wanted to visit this wonderful capital city and break down those mental walls that prevented me from speaking Russian. What I can say now is that this first goal has been achieved successfully! Living in Russia and talking to locals everyday was the best thing for me to do, now I am more comfortable and entertained when speaking this language…I feel that all my efforts are worth it! Of course, I’m still making mistakes, but I don’t see them as a limit anymore, actually they are a starting point to improve my language skills! I have also started watching Russian TV shows and listening to Russian music to make the most of this experience, because the listening task was also a sore point for me.
I have tried to ask myself which was my favourite experience here in Russia, but I don’t think I can choose one, because every day was full of new interesting things to do and see! First of all, I’ve met a lot of cool Russian people: at school, the staff and teachers were always ready to have a word and help you; in the house where I lived my flatmates were welcoming and attentive even when I had a bad fever; and once in a pub a waiter was so kind that he offered my friend and me a shot of vodka and drank with us! Second of all, Moscow is an amazing city, full of colours and magic and at night it is even more beautiful with all its romantic lights! Here I visited wonderful places, from the Red Square and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to Gorky Park and Zaryadye Park! I also had time to go to Saint Petersburg for a weekend, and there I had so much fun, visiting Peterhof, attending the opening of city bridges and taking a ride on a marshrutka (a typically Russian means of transport) for the first time.
After visiting the two most important cities in Russia, I also went to Sergiev Posad, a small town in the famous “Золотое Кольцо” (Golden Ring), whose landmark is the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, the greatest Russian monastery. These trips inspired me to come back soon to Russia and visit other places, for example the Volga area and other small regions that are connected by the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Apart from saying goodbye to the place that has been my home for a month this summer, the only thing I can do is suggesting other students like me to come to Russia, visit its cities, fall in love with the landscapes, the marvellous buildings and all the other good things that this country has to offer. I am looking forward to coming back and do new unforgettable experiences! До свидания!