After a dreadfully long day in classes, my Russian Literature professor decided to give us a break by taking us around Dostoevsky's Saint Petersburg. In doing this, we saw multiple sites, from a location marking where Gogol placed the Major from the Nose, and to where Raskolnikov lived in Crime and Punishment, as well as a few other locations!
I of course, was quite happy that the tour ended right on Sennaya Ploschad', which meant a quick walk back home. Alas, things did not end quite well. In my teary-eyed state from the wind, I ended up stepping in dog poop. That was not fun at all. I got most of it off, and the wet, puddle filled streets of Saint-Petersburg only helped to fix my small problem.
October 14th, 2016
A very amazing thing has occured! I have finished reading War and Peace by Tolstoy! What a marvelous day! There is nothing that could have made me happier than that today, other than starting the BBC adaptation of the novel, which is just superb. I also ended up trying out a small cafe across the street, where I got a mocha, spanish dried steak sandwich, and a white russian, because who doesn't need to drink before they are legally allowed to in the states? Go the rest of the world!
October 15th, 2016
Another boring day. I spent my morning working on homework up until 2 PM, in which I went out to go get lunch. I ended up hitting the cafe, which is called Gusto-Gusto, and got an espresso to go, and then afterwards, went down the street to go get some steak and mac and cheese at Chuck's Meathouse. I don't know why they gave me coleslaw, but I was starving, so I ate it anyways. I'm continuing to watch War and Peace, and I must say, I've become quite a fan, especially since I can now brag that I've been to most of the locations in Saint-Petersburg. (See other blog posts above for pictures).
October 16th, 2016
What is better than going out to the hills around the city, and taking in some of the nature? One of my friends had free time, so I went out with her and her dog out to a trail. I swore for a while that she was going to kill me, just because of how sketchy it seemed with all the graveyards we passed by.
All in all, it was great fun, but it was cut short, because she had to go back to work. Sadly, it worked in my favor, since it took me the remainder of my time to get home, eat something, iron my clothes, and get ready to go to the ballet.
We ended up going to see Swan Lake, one of the more famous Russian ballet's! Since the soundtrack is already on my studying music playlist, it wasn't anything new, but being able to see the dancers performing along with it was spectacular.
I got myself a pair of binoculars for the show (rented from the theater), in order to see up close how the different actors were dressed. It was great and all until the kid in front of me started moving like crazy and kept obstructing my view, as you will see in the videos.
Other than that slight annoyance, the ballet itself was amazing, and a little confusing until I looked up the synopsis online. Sometimes it's kinda hard to notice what's going on when you know... There's no talking in a ballet.
Also, I took a small tour of the theater (to where we were allowed), and got some pictures taken, along with my guest and friend Dasha! (She's just great!) But then again, what isn't to love about becoming cultured in a ballet?
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