I did not expect to find

by Nadezhda Usanova (Russia)

I didn't expect to find Russia

Hello my friend. I want to tell you about my unforgettable trip to St. Petersburg. About the city, built as the capital of the Russian state. Exalted, refined and truly beautiful, epithets, without which it is impossible to characterize the “Russian Venice”. I was 18 when I first went to this glorious city. On the practice of architectural and urban planning. There were 60 of us in total. 60 young girls and boys who want to see the architectural styles of Europe and how they took root in our country. I met with many buildings and structures. Egyptian Sphinxes, Admiralty, Winter Palace - forever left fond memories in my heart. I fell in love with Peter. With all his scuffs and bad weather. Sincerely fell in love. For his education, intelligence and beauty. But most of all I fell in love with the Hermitage. A true treasure for art lovers. I was only in two rooms. I spent six hours in an area with Egyptian artifacts. I was incredibly lucky. A traveling exhibition with exhibits dedicated to Queen Nefertiti arrived in Petersburg. I did not expect to find in this big city what interests me since childhood. I was happy. Yes, this is strange. But is happiness the lot of normal, standard people? Happiness is the lot of madmen. The great Peterhof was not so impressive as the halls with Egyptian artifacts. I felt at home. In his element. I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to leave. There was a part of my heart. But I left. I left. And I still remember with warmth my practice.