Russia is definitely a place I never thought I’d get the chance to visit. I used to work for a travel agency, preparing Russian visas and trip itineraries every day, and the whole process is a bit complicated, time-consuming, and tends to get pretty pricey, so I just didn’t think it was something I’d ever be able to afford. That’s why when my boss told me I’d be joining her for 10 days in Russia last August, I was beyond thrilled!
We took a group of 30 Polish women from a church group in Chicago and explored Suzdal, Moscow, Vladimir, St. Petersburg, and everywhere in between. We traveled by bus, boat, car, and train, finding hidden gems in unique parts of the country and getting to know Russia a little better each day.
I know I’ll never get through editing and organizing all of my photos, so I’m just going to post them, little by little, totally out of order as I get around to it. 🙂 Sorry, there’s just no other way!
The famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral! Not going to lie, I was a bit teary-eyed the first time I saw it in person.
Inside the GUM department store.
The Cathedral of the Annunciation.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Dinner at Hotel Metropol.
Bogolyubsky monastery in Vladimir.
I’ll post more photos from Russia soon! Happy Thursday, and thanks for reading. 🙂
JaseyJade says
Russia is beautiful! I love the pictures you took!!
Jade x
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Jade!
Jess says
oooo so beautiful!! Russia would be such an amazing place to visit. Can’t wait to see more pics 🙂
amandaaude@gmail.com says
🙂 I’ll try to post the rest soon… Soon for me is anywhere between now and July… Haha.
Kathryn says
Such absolutely gorgeous photos! (I love the one that the cat photo bombed too … hahaha.) Russia is a place that I’ve always wanted to go but as you said, it can be pretty involved, confusing, and pricey. I’m also intimidated by the language thing slightly and feel like I wouldn’t know where to start if traveling there by myself. Did you find there was a big language barrier?
x Kathryn
Through the Thicket
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks, Kathryn!
The kitty was so precious! So many stray cats found their way to me on that trip. It’s like they knew I loved them! 🙂
Yes, there was a language barrier for sure. My boss told me I wouldn’t have any issues in Moscow or Saint Petersburg but I definitely did. Even ordering at Starbucks in Moscow was a bit of a struggle, but they seemed to understand me the best there. Everyone was really friendly, though. They always tried so hard to understand me, haha. I said, “Spasibo” constantly, which means, “Thank you,” though it’s pronounced, “Spah-see-bah.”
That’s what I felt about Russia, too. If you wanted to stray away from the traditional sort of trip, there are tons of really cool train tours, too. You can travel through Russia and China on a high speed train. There’s also a way to travel to Russia without a visa. If you’re there for under 72 hours, you just need a passport. 🙂 If you ever want to plan a trip, get in touch with me!
craig aude says
Beautiful, baby. My daughter the world traveler.
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks, dad. 🙂
Claire says
Such great photos, they make me want to get on a plane and explore Russia as soon as possible! The buildings look unreal! Amazing interiors and exteriors – hopefully one day I’ll see it for myself!
amandaaude@gmail.com says
The architecture there is unreal. Everything is a piece of art. 🙂
Kiki says
What an amazing opportunity. I’ve never been to Russia, but what I find so beautiful about it is it’s different architecture styling. These photos are gorgeous. Can’t wait to see more of your adventure unfold. (:
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Yeah, totally! The buildings are all so beautiful there.
Melanie says
These pictures are so pretty! I would love to visit someday!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks, Melanie!
Rosie says
The details in these pictures are extraordinary. I’ve always dreamed of maybe one day going to Russia as well. Hope you enjoyed your time there!
Amanda says
Thanks, Rosie! I did and I didn’t, haha. Maybe someday I’ll revisit this post and blog about the side of Russia I experienced and hated! But overall, it was a trip full of beautiful sights that’s for sure.
mustafa says
photos are so fascinating and the bolshoi theatre looks so magnificent
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks! 🙂
Sarah says
How incredibly lucky you are to go on this trip for WORK!! Ahh! Love your photos – I just did a puzzle of St Basilica’s Cathedral with my patients at work so this was pretty cool to see you in front of it haha!
Goblinette says
Rusia looks colorful. I love the blue roof on the monstery in Vladimir.
Cynthia says
What a chance of a lifetime to go on that trip! Really enjoyed your photos, too. I would love to visit Russia but I feel like in today’s political climate I’d probably get all the way there and get turned away at the border or something. One day!
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Agreed! I feel fortunate to have visited when I did.
dorothyadele says
I never realized that Russia was so colorful. My favorite photo is the reflection in the water.
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks, Dorothy! Yes, it really was colorful!
Camila @ Adventitious Violet says
Your photos are amazing! I can only imagine all these buildings are even more impressive in person because even in photos they seem bigger than nature!
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks, Camila!! Yes, the buildings were so beautiful – I was blown away!