Всем привет, it’s me, again!

Hello everyone, it’s me again!

Maybe some of you will remember me from last year, but for those who don’t, I’ll reintroduce myself. My name is Bianca, and I come from the most beautiful country in the world (which is, of course, Italy, although Russia is a close second). I am currently in the final year of my master’s degree in International Cooperation. For my studies, foreign languages have always been a necessity, and Russian is no exception.

Although, to learn Russian you certainly have to be brave (or perhaps masochistic, I suppose it depends on your point of view). It is undoubtedly an uphill struggle, and whenever you feel like you are close to the finish line – “подарок!”, another insane grammar rule comes and slaps you straight in the face (don’t even get me started on the declension of numerals).

Russian may be a tough language to learn but trust me – the pay-off in being able to speak clearly and concisely (with only a couple of mistakes) is huge. And it’s an enormously useful skill to boot.

On top of all of that, there’s Russia itself. Oh, Russia… with its vibrant history and culture there really is nowhere else like it. In truth, it’s difficult to explain to those who haven’t been. It is a place of immensity and intensity, full of contrast, poised eternally between old and new. One only has to compare the vast palaces and aged streets of Saint-Petersburg with the glass towers of Moscow City to see it.

At its very core, Russia is an enigmatic land, which – like her language – can ofttimes seem impenetrable. However, it is impossible not to fall in love.

I spent 10 months last year in Saint-Petersburg, and it was an uplifting experience on many fronts. Not only did I have the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the Russian language, but through that I was also able to broaden my horizons and to begin to understand one of the richest cultures in the world.

And part of this wonderful experience would not have been possible had it not been for Liden & Denz, where I worked as an Italian teacher and translator. To me Liden & Denz was more than just a workplace or a school, it was a family. The warmth with which the staff and the teachers welcomed me made me feel at home. Which is exactly why I decided to come back this summer.

Unfortunately, as you can well imagine, things have not gone as planned. Right now I’m writing my “Hello Post” straight from the couch in my living room, in Genoa, Italy. And yet I didn’t give up. A few days ago I started taking my group lessons online and it felt just like the good old days. I really can’t describe the joy of seeing my old teachers, Lyuba and Zlata. The only thing I’m sorry for, is not have been able to be there to hug them. Apart from that, nothing has changed, well.. not really, my Russian got worse (apologies to my teachers, especially to you Tatiana).

It’s a weird situation, I know, but that does not mean that we can’t make the most out of the new opportunities COVID-19 is presenting us. And who knows, maybe by studying from home I will be more concentrated and my Russian will finally improve once and for all.

Obviously I still hope to be able to come back to Russia before the beginning of the school year (ah how I miss pelmeny!). But, until then, I will keep you updated from afar.

So, follow me for tips on language learning as well as on all the things to do in beautiful Russia for when we’ll be able to travel again!