Russia

I had mixed emotions about going to Russia while the war in Ukraine was ongoing. But in my view, traveling to a country is not an endorsement of its government. It’s an opportunity to better understand its people and culture. After a short flight from Armenia, I landed in Moscow and, to my relief, entered the country without any issues.

Moscow immediately exceeded every expectation I had. There's really no other city in the world like it. Walking through Red Square for the first time and seeing the colorful domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral felt surreal. The historic architecture was unlike anything I'd seen, and wandering the grand boulevards on long summer evenings only added to it.

From Moscow, I continued to St. Petersburg, where I was lucky enough to have friends waiting for me. A few months earlier in Naoero, I'd met a Russian couple, Klim and Anastasia, who happened to be from St. Petersburg. They generously offered to show me around, and over the next several days introduced me to many of the city's highlights. Compared to Moscow, St. Petersburg felt far more European, with elegant architecture, beautiful canals, and wide public squares. We wandered through the historic center, had lunch at a traditional restaurant, and Klim even took me on a day trip to Peterhof Palace, often called the "Russian Versailles.”

Before arriving, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect as an American. Russians are often portrayed as cold or unfriendly, and given the political tensions between our countries, I wondered how people would react. Instead, nearly everyone I met treated me with kindness and respect. Spending time with Klim, Anastasia, and so many welcoming locals reminded me that an entire people should never be judged by stereotypes, or by the actions of their government.