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ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
Russia was brilliant because we were able
to experience the country on so many levels,
all the way through from Peter the Great
to Putin. Russia is very proud of its heritage
and its historical experiences of hardship,
suffering and conquering adversity - I could
even see this in the people: the elderly still
hold the memories of the communist period
(living under Stalin) and behave differently to
Russian youths. Another thing that struck me
was that the country is massive in comparison
to England. St Petersburg to Moscow is
a four-hour journey on the bullet-train. I
can only begin to imagine what travel must
have been like in Russia without speeding
trains. Furthermore, Russia’s landmass
seems to completely represent its country,
I feel. This struck me especially because of
the Cold War and the space race against
America. Everything was very large from the
communist era such as Moscow University,
where it would apparently take 10 years to
visit every room for one minute.
Russia feels like a different world
compared to the UK. Everyone seems to
get along with their own business and I felt
like I was viewing Russia through a window.
The cathedrals are spectacular and Russians
always seem like a collective force working
together. Russia is a place that is certainly
worth visiting and this was a once-in-a-
lifetime opportunity for us.
Alexander was previously at Wetherby Prep.
St Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square by night
The Battleship
Aurora
in St Petersburg
Communist memorabilia in a local park in St Petersburg