Hello post from new intern Tom at Liden & Denz

Здравствуйте из северной столицы России! I’m Tom, one of the new interns at Liden & Denz. The U.K. is the place I call home, but I have the great fortune to be spending the following month in Saint Petersburg. One of my favourite cities in the entire world!

It now seems like a fair while ago, but I first had the chance to study Russian at university. When this opportunity first arose, it was simply a no-brainer, i.e., I knew that it was a once in a life time chance to discovery something completely new. My time as an undergraduate student also led to me spending a semester in Saint Petersburg which helped me cultivate my passion for Russian, Russian culture and Russian history.

So, four years down the line after having embarked on my undergraduate studies, I am now a graduate who is eager to spend more time in Russia. I hope that another month here will help me to keep improving on my knowledge of this deeply rich culture and fascinating language.

My first stay in Saint Petersburg inspired me greatly. The moment I saw Дворцовая площадь (Palace Square) was awe-inspiring. In fact, experiencing it for a second time around is perhaps even more stunning than the first. Such grandiose sights in Saint Petersburg truly inspire me to keep pursuing Russian and discovering all the nuances and subtleties that it and its culture have to offer. Hence as of late September, I will be commencing postgraduate studies in Russian back at home in London.

Whilst Russian – amongst other foreign languages – is an important part of my life, I also take pleasure in travelling, reading, and music. Anywhere in Eastern Europe – including Russia of course – remains a genuinely exciting travel destination. Albert Camus, Christopher Hitchens, and Лев Толстой (Leo Tolstoy) are my three favourite writers. Finally, anything in the realm of blues/hard rock will keep my foot tapping away and delight my ears!

Despite not having as much time in Питер (Saint Petersburg) as I did last time, I am still very excited to keep exploring new things which I haven’t experienced nor seen before. So feel free to join me and keep up to date with what I discover during my stay here!