When I returned from Russia, everyone was especially curious about the trip and wanted to hear about my impressions of the place. Russia, I guess, is a little mysterious. I didn’t think I’d had any expectations before I visited, but I found myself describing it as a place that really surprised me. I think it’s the contradictions. It’s filled with physical beauty- Baroque architecture and pastoral landscapes- and drab, concrete Soviet leftovers. It often feels familiar, like somewhere else in Europe you’ve seen before, but then you realize you can’t read any of the signs and haven’t heard English in days. Above all, it just feels uniquely Russian, and I could sense a solidarity in the people I met, a deep pride in their country, its strengths and its flaws. With things between Russia and the US as complicated as ever, travel is one of the best connectors I can think of. If you’re curious, consider booking a ticket and head on over to the latest guide for all of my favorite things that Moscow and St. Petersburg have to offer!
