It's a Russian Beach Party!

I am 100% not kidding when I say that I went to an all night Russian beach party on the Gulf of Finland in the Arctic Circle last night. Once again, everyone got caught with their bridges up (except for me, I live on this island!) and partying till dawn ensued. Actually it was a very interesting mix of people: lots of Americans, lots of Russians, a few Brits, a few Canadians, and one entertaining German. The lingua franca was Russian, of course, but after most people caught the last metro out it devolved into an Americans-in-Russia-party. It’s something of an instant bonding experience to be in a foreign country without being fluent in the language. We had people who had been in St. Petersburg for anywhere from a year to just a few weeks. People brought tons of grilling food and someone brought an over-fire grill; there was SO much food (and booze)! When we hit about 1am (when it actually gets dark here till 4am) we made a huge bonfire on the beach, which served very well at keeping us warm. The sunset was absolutely stunning over the Gulf (with a nuclear power plant serving as a backdrop, ha!). 

Nuclear Power Plant Sunset

Lindsay, Me, and Nuke Plant

Joe and Sonya make sashlyk

Lindsay and Corbin

The boys making FIREEEE

It may not be a beach like we’re used to back home but it was so nice to have my toes in the sand, a beer in my hand, and to sit in front of a beach bonfire with good friends. We all miss the beach so much since we don’t get to spend the summer in the states! We also had fire roasted sashlyk, and now I understand why everyone in Russia and the Caucasus makes such a big deal about them. They’re beyond amazing! Hats off to our Kavkazian friend Sonya for an amazing dinner on the beach!

Last night was well deserved after a very intense day of 5 hours of grammar class in order to make up for having Monday off. Today is a chill day, catching up on sleep and blogging, doing homework, etc. Tonight we’re going to a ballet at the famous Marinsky Theater at Teatralnaya Ploshad. Tomorrow we’re going to Pushkin to see Catherine’s Palace.

I think we’re all a bit worn down right now but on Monday it’s back to sight-seeing! Only three weeks left to crash St. Petes! I’m going to go get ready for the Marinsky now (it’s fancy dress), but love to all at home! I’m going to try to set up Skype dates soon with you all but I need to figure out when I’ll have internet.

Hugs and Kisses to all!