We started our day around 11 am by meeting Nick outside of the hostel to go on an art and architecture tour of the city. During their time here, the other students have been learning about the different types of architecture that are present in the city. Earlier tours took them around to different buildings and they were given the task of figuring our which type of architecture the buildings represented. Today's tour tested their knowledge and completion of their task. It was interesting to see how many types of architecture are included in just a small section of the city. We saw examples of neo classical, baroque, art nevoueau, constructivist, and eclecticism architecture. Sometimes there were two completely different styles stuck right next to each other which showed the different in taste and attitude between generations and often nation leaders. Because I am not in the class that learns about the architecture, I found the tour interesting and enjoyed looking at all of the different buildings. Many of the buildings were places that student teachers had yet to see because we are in school when everyone else is on the tours.
After walking around for about four hours, the student teachers were given the opportunity to see two of the major churches in St. Petersburg. First we went to the Church on Spilled Blood (inside of Spilt Blood-picture above). Inside is absolutely beautiful and I could spend hours looking at all the mosaic murals that cover the walls and ceilings. Because of our tour today, I have a better understanding for the popularity of this church. A picture of one of the ceiling mosaics is to the right. We then took a short bus ride over to St. Isaac's Cathedral. I was captivated from the moment we turned the corner and saw the magnificent columns and bell towers. The beauty only continued once we stepped inside. The gold work is stunning and I have never seen such detail when it comes to murals and canvas paintings on the walls and ceilings of a church. Just look at the gold work in the picture from the cathedral.
While today was a long day filled with walking and architecture jargon, I enjoyed the opportunity to see the many beautiful sights that are present in this city. The weather was also a helping factor. The sun was shining and their was not a cloud in the sky. It was a little windy, but that helped to keep us cool throughout the day. I was also happy that we were able to go out on a tour during a beautiful day because we only get to see the sun through the windows when we are teaching and by time we get home it is usually cooling off. Speaking of student teaching, so much has been happening.
In a school this small, it is interesting when a teacher is absent. For example, this past week, I spent several days filling in for the Language Arts teacher. Of course, I was nervous because I had to lead the whole class, but the students here are very well behaved. In fact, the classes were able to run themselves and I was able to step back and observe all of the personalities that are present in such a small school. Other student teachers have also had to fill in for teachers who are absent or who are attending conferences. While it is a little more work than we were expecting, it is a great opportunity to gain experience. I can speak for all of the student teachers when I say that we are happy we made the decision to travel abroad to do our student teaching. It has offered us the chance to gain a different perspective on teaching. We look forward to continue our time in St. Petersburg and hopefully we will get to see even more of the splendor that the city has to offer.
-Trishe
After walking around for about four hours, the student teachers were given the opportunity to see two of the major churches in St. Petersburg. First we went to the Church on Spilled Blood (inside of Spilt Blood-picture above). Inside is absolutely beautiful and I could spend hours looking at all the mosaic murals that cover the walls and ceilings. Because of our tour today, I have a better understanding for the popularity of this church. A picture of one of the ceiling mosaics is to the right. We then took a short bus ride over to St. Isaac's Cathedral. I was captivated from the moment we turned the corner and saw the magnificent columns and bell towers. The beauty only continued once we stepped inside. The gold work is stunning and I have never seen such detail when it comes to murals and canvas paintings on the walls and ceilings of a church. Just look at the gold work in the picture from the cathedral.
While today was a long day filled with walking and architecture jargon, I enjoyed the opportunity to see the many beautiful sights that are present in this city. The weather was also a helping factor. The sun was shining and their was not a cloud in the sky. It was a little windy, but that helped to keep us cool throughout the day. I was also happy that we were able to go out on a tour during a beautiful day because we only get to see the sun through the windows when we are teaching and by time we get home it is usually cooling off. Speaking of student teaching, so much has been happening.
In a school this small, it is interesting when a teacher is absent. For example, this past week, I spent several days filling in for the Language Arts teacher. Of course, I was nervous because I had to lead the whole class, but the students here are very well behaved. In fact, the classes were able to run themselves and I was able to step back and observe all of the personalities that are present in such a small school. Other student teachers have also had to fill in for teachers who are absent or who are attending conferences. While it is a little more work than we were expecting, it is a great opportunity to gain experience. I can speak for all of the student teachers when I say that we are happy we made the decision to travel abroad to do our student teaching. It has offered us the chance to gain a different perspective on teaching. We look forward to continue our time in St. Petersburg and hopefully we will get to see even more of the splendor that the city has to offer.
-Trishe
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