Life with Lydia

The Hermitage is probably the most famous museum in St. Petersburg.  This was the day I missed the group tour so I wandered around palace square :) The Hermitage and Palace Square attract many tourists Enjoyed watching this street performer! Went to the oldest cafe in SPB where they sell Russian's version of donuts. Met Kostya, my Russian conversation friend :) I love the canals that run through the city We had a "treasure hunt" day, but it was rainy and very cold So instead, we went and sat in a cafe :) Then we went to the huge mall - Galeria Yes it is huge! Shopping with Emily.  McDonalds and Burger King Russian fast food is twice as good as American because it is not so "fake" In a grocery store and at the metro. Fun times! I love the metro stations here. They often have paintings like this one.  The park I walk through every day to go to university. It's so beaut...

On September 6th, I arrived in St. Petersburg's, Russia to begin my study abroad there for the next four months. I took this picture in the airport, right after I landed.  All thirty-six American students stayed in a really nice hotel for the first few days.  And we had orientation to help us adjust and know what to expect for the next few months.  We took a bus tour the first Saturday. This is the famous St. Isaac Cathedral! It was all so surreal! All of us girls in front of St. Isaac's Cathedral! View from across the river First ride on the SPB metro!  We went to a karaoke bar one of our first evenings in Russia :) Finally, my Russian host mom came and took me to my new home :) Also met my host family's cat My host mom took me on a walk the first evening Shopping and bus stops First view of Smolny Cathedral University campus! Just two southern girls in Russia ;) First d...