MSIP Intern Reflects on a Trip of Beauty

Moscow Summer Intern Program (MSIP) student Tatevik Sargsyan took a moment to remember the stunning architecture and beautiful fountains she encountered during the group’s trip to St. Petersburg earlier this month.

From Russia with Love

Growing up in Armenia and having had my share of Russian history, I was excited to see Russia’s “Window to the West.” Since childhood I’ve been told that the city dazzles with rich culture, striking architecture, enormous museums, and of course, the Kirov ballet. The prospect of being able to share this amazing experience with my newly found Armenian friends made me anticipate it that much more. Our journey to St. Petersburg started in the morning and on a very interesting note: a downpour. However nothing could break our spirits. The trip to St. Petersburg traditionally made overnight on the “sleeping train,” was upgraded to a ride on the new high speed train Sapsan, with the maximum speed of 250km/h, which cut our journey to as little as four hours. Having arrived in the afternoon we were all a little bit tired. As we stepped out from the train station, we found ourselves immediately on the famous Nevsky Prospekt that cuts through the historical center of the city. The ride to the hotel was really short as it was situated in the courtyard of St. Catherine’s Armenian Church, one of the two Armenian churches positioned perfectly on Nevsky Prospekt. The façade of the church combines elements of both baroque architecture and traditional Armenian details. So as not to lose time, we decided to start our quest immediately. As we strolled down the streets, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful architecture: every building we passed was like a monument. The first stop was the famous Dom Knigi bookstore located in one of the most beautiful buildings in St. Petersburg. Directly opposite it was the monumental Kazansky Cathedral.

The city was founded by one of Russia's great emperors, Peter the Great. When he built this city on a swamp his subjects simply laughed at him but when it was declared the new capital, they were dissatisfied. Unlike Moscow’s red bricks, golden domes and strict demeanor, St. Petersburg’s network of canals and baroque architecture give the city a kind of a warm and somewhat Italian flavor. No doubt it is often called the Venice of the East. I was a little bit sad that we had missed the peak of the legendary White Nights (in June) – Beliye Nochi as the Russians call them. Still the first few days the sky stayed bright till 11 o’clock. The night was spent on a boat cruise through the heart of the midnight city and watching the spectacle of the Neva River bridges opening.

The following morning promised to be highly productive. We were able to visit Peterhof – the Russian Versailles, a reminder of the beauty that a man can create. I found myself in a kingdom of fountains. The view to the Baltic Sea was highly appreciated. The amazing pictures we took will always remind me of the magical hours spent there.

The other highlights of our trip were the enormous and impressive Palace Square with the Winter Palace, the old residence of Russian tsars--nowadays mostly known as the main building of Hermitage Museum; St Isaac's Cathedral – an architectural marvel; and the enthralling Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The pictures taken in the rain from the observation walkway at the base of the dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral were both chilling and breathtaking. Another stop was the first structure to be built in Peter the Great’s Petersburg: the Peter and Paul Fortress – an emblem of the current city. At noon we were hugely surprised to hear the daily loud cannon shot, which seems to be a tradition started in the 19th century.

A whole day spent at the state Hermitage Museum was not enough to see even one percent of the whole collection. Three million artifacts of world culture can be admired by anyone interested in history and art. Experts say that if you were to spend a minute at every exhibit it would still take seven years before you will have seen them all.

All of these incredible experiences wouldn’t have been the same without the most adventurous, fun-loving group of people I have ever known. During this internship program, I have found true friends, who have encouraged me to try new and interesting things, who share the same passions as me and who have showed me the importance of being an Armenian and of being proud of it every minute. I can’t wait for the next few weeks.