The Chronicle, Summer Term 2017

25 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