A Glimpse into our Europe Trip
Adventures First Stop: Prague, Czech Republic. Meandering around
the medieval cobble pathways of this beautiful city, we found ourselves
absorbed in the unique culture of this post-Soviet country. From castles to Communist Museums, we were
diligent in our goal of “experiencing” Prague. However, towards the end of our
stay, it was determined that the most valuable way of spending our time would
be eating Czech food (aka potatoes and meat) and lounging about the laid-back
city. Prague provided us with endless picturesque places to over look the
entire city and relax. On a side note, nothing makes you feel more
self-conscious about being an American like walking into a Mickey D’s—Can’t a
girl just want some cheap ice cream?
Next Stop: Dresden, Germany. Dresden is a small town in
south-east Germany. The fog was heavy around the city but for some
unexplainable reason, it made the city feel homey and romantic. In an effort to
be classy and well-educated, we bought tickets to “Cosi Fan Tutte” an opera by
Mozart. Despite my best efforts to be sophisticated and refined….three hours of
Italian turned out to be too much for me to handle. No doubt that the music was
stunning and uplifting but I think my sophistication can only last for an hour
and a half. Maybe I can work up to it?
On to Berlin! There is so much to be said about Berlin.
Don’t fret, I will spare you. I would hate to turn this blog into an overly
detailed account of my trip! Berlin provided ample opportunities to learn about
the history of both the city as well as Germany. Drew and I went to more
museums than our brains could handle. We
are the dorkiest: we love to learn about history but to be where history took
place is even more powerful. I did, however, hate being such an American
tourist by not speaking any German. I apologize Deutschland, I apologize.
Finally, it was our time to cross over to the Russian
Federation. After months of preparation
and years of wishing, I was finally going to meet Mother Russia. Stress and
fear replaced my excitement. Foreign airports and delays can do that to a girl.
After hours pregnant of inconvenience, HEAVY bags, unplanned fasting, sore
muscles, delayed flights and taxis, we finally arrived. Welcoming us to Moscow
was a techno version of the theme song from Pirates of the Caribbean and
massive traffic jams. After arriving to our apartment and signing contracts--that
probably promised the University my first child since neither of us attempted
to read the long documents-- I couldn’t wait to get some sleep. My dreams were
quickly turned into nightmares with the Russian Cyrillic alphabet terrorizing
me. The next morning it took an hour or so and mental preparation (and extreme
hunger) before I finally mustered up the courage to leave my apartment and
commence the hunt for food. The adventure was only beginning.
Heart Don’t Fail Me Now, Courage Don’t Desert Me
As childish as it
seems, that has been my motto while being abroad. I am pushing myself way out
of my comfort zone almost every day. The few muttered Russian words I speak a
day seem like a real personal victory. Contrary to what you may expect, Moscow ain’t no Provo! Moscow is brimming
with gray skyscrapers, herds of people rushing to the metro, beautiful Russian
Orthodox churches gleaming in the sun, and traces of a communist past. Almost
everywhere you go, in this maze of concrete, you find something strikingly
beautiful. Luckily for me, I have three months here full of time to stop and
smell the roses. Unfortunately, Moscow smells like cigarettes. Moscow also
sounds like jackhammers, construction, and movement. Luckily, after brief
exploring of our surroundings, there are beautiful parks where I can turn for
the peace.
One thought that has
really struck me is how ignorant many of us, I am definitely included, are
guilty of being towards other cultures. Especially Russia and America. Russia
is painted as a freezing country full of Volka-loving-Russian-mafia. Russians
think Americans adore Micky D’s and never stop smiling. Is there truth to
stereotypes? Sometimes. Should
Americans know more about Russia than snow, Putin, and Tetris? Definitely.
My Mission (I have already chosen to accept it): Give my
readers—or reader, which is probably more accurate—more knowledge and insight
into this vast, diverse, country from my experiences here in Moscow.
Stay tuned for hot topics such as: Are track suits really a
thing?, Funny questions I have been asked, and Strange things I have seen.
