"keep your hearts open, just not your purses"

 this past saturday we met with our coordinator sveta for the first time.

she gets to take us all around st. petersburg during our time here, show us the different sites, teach us how to make russian dishes, etc.

she is basically in charge of entertaining us on the weekends whilst exposing us to russian culture.

and i'll tell you what, she is amazing.

she's just this energetic bundle of russian happiness.

she runs around to all the sites screaming "yes! happy! so great!" 

and she told us that even though russians seem stern, 

"keep your hearts open, just not your purses".

hence the title.

so here are some pictures from our first excursion!

she took us to palace square and some of the main sights and cathedrals in the heart of st. petersburg.

it was awesome to learn all about the culture and the rich history.

[marci: head teacher, super rad]

 

[the amazing sveta]

[courtney: also super rad, stg repppin]

so. i still really like this place.

more about the first day of teaching tomorrow.

but for now...

holla.