Roaring Russia

1. What country and city did you travel to?
I travelled to St Petersburg in Russia


2. What time of the year did you travel?
October, Autumn.

3. Where did you stay?
Hostel Life. It is located on Nevsky Prospekt.
It was a brilliant Hostel! Clean, friendly, and ok location.

4. What was your favourite location?
The State Hermitage Museum. The museum is located in the former Tsar's Winter palace, this means that the rooms themselves are also spectacular to walk through. The museum has a variety of collections that range from Ancient to Modern. If you have the time, I would recommend at least a full afternoon to wonder around this beautiful building.

5. What was your favourite activity?
I loved going to see Swan Lake in St Petersburg. There was something about seeing such a famous ballet in the city that it was written that made it spectacular.

6. Name a song that framed your trip? Or reminds you of your trip?
While I was in Russia Swedish House Mafia's song 'Save the World Tonight' was every second song on the radio. Every time I hear it now I think of clubbing in the crazy town.

7. List the 5 words you need to know in that country?
After travelling through Scandinavia I had high expectation on how many people spoke English. I was surprised at how little English ws spoken in Russia. If you try and are patient, however, communication is not too bad!
Hello - Zdrastvooyte
Thank you - Spaseeba
Sorry - Eezveeneete
Goodbye - Da sveedaneeya
Do you speak English? - Vi gavareetye pa angleeskee?

8. Words of Warning
Females, be careful of walking around the streets alone at night!! One night 4 of us decided to try and find a train to catch back to the hostel. It was rather late and all the trains had finished for the night, so we got stuck on the side of the road with no one who could speak out language. The men around us seemed to get cabs immediately, but no one would accept us.

9. List 3 essential clothing items
St Petersburg in autumn can get quite cold, so remember to bring a warm jacket, a beanie and an Umbrella! We got stuck in the long line for the Hermitage museum and let's just saw newspapers DON'T work as well as umbrellas!






10. List 3 essential personal items
Camera, language translator and phone!

There are some spectacular photos to be taken along the Neva River and at the church scattered around the city. You will not get far without translating Russian, even the people in the hostel had very limited English. If you are travelling with friends, there is a lot of things to do in St Petersburg for different interests, so having a mobile phone will help everyone enjoy their own adventures.

11. Currency convertor
1AUD = 32 Russian Rubbles
St Petersburg is not a cheap city, so while that seems like a lot of money it might buy you a postcard!

12. Name one thing that is highly recommended by you -which is also great value for money
Without a doubt spend the money to go and see Swan Lake! It was about $150 AUD, but was one of the experiences that I remember the best! Most ballet’s will also sell Wine and Canapés, so remember to take some cash with you!

13. Traditional food that you recommend to try
Borscht! I new very little about this blood red soup when I arrived, but am still craving it to this day! It warms you to the bone when there is snow on the ground outside and you have spend the day sightseeing!

14. Something to push your boundaries
I would recommend that everyone tried Vodka shot pub crawl! There are several that are run for tourists in St Petersburg. During this adventure I met more locals, watched local rock bands, and tried more Russian vodka then I thought possible. Lets just leave it with, I am kind of glad I don’t remember a lot of that night…






This was written by Beks.

Love, The Travel Buggers.