3 breathtaking lighthouses in Russia

Enjoy Russian School blog is not only about the language, education and advice. It is about traveling and possible ways to explore Russia. There is a saying in Russian: ученье – свет, а неученье – тьма (knowledge is light and lack of knowledge is darkness). In this sense, lighthouse may be the symbol of education and self-realization. Do you know this feeling when you come to a new place and thing number one you should do is to check out the nearest lighthouse? Then you will like this post! Get ready to read about the most beautiful lighthouses in Russia and start backpacking for the amazing trip!

1

Tarkhankutski Lighthouse. 200-year-old lighthouse is a unique historical monument of architecture carefully preserved by the government.  Breaking through the wires is not recommended but even without this, you will definitely take some nice pictures. Sailors and locals call this place Storms Cape.

2

Egersjöld lighthouse. Founded in 1876, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Far East of Russia. It can be reached on foot. The trip there will take quite a long time, but it’s worth it because it is a chance to enjoy the view of the strait, the Russian island, the Vladivostok port and the sea. You can also get there by water transport, for example, on a mini-ferry.

3

Osinovetsky lighthouse, Lake Ladoga. It is one of the highest in Europe and the closest one to Enjoy Russian School. Many people call it the Ladoga lighthouse, named after the lake. On the shore of the lake, you can not only stay with a tent for the weekend but also spend a few days at one of the recreation centers. In the afternoon you will definitely want to visit local attractions and walk along the beach but wrap yourself up in a soft blanket first.

Why is autumn the best time to explore Russian lighthouses?

Simply because the forests by the water are amazingly beautiful. They make the landscapes more colorful, add some magic and create a story around each lighthouse. Want to combine studies and traveling?  Choose a course at Enjoy Russian school! Autumn starting dates – 3 September, 14 October.

THE HUNGER GAMES SCALE

Russian North Hunting Traditions’ Festival

Have you ever tried to set a fire without a single match somewhere in the forests of Russia? We bet you haven’t! As well as never ever had you worn ancient Karelian traditional hunters’ clothes or eaten salmon bonfire soup. But no regrets, especially for those who come to learn the Russian language at Enjoy Russian School in Karelia. In September 2018 the Karelian city of Sortavala (North-West of Russia) holds one of the most epic and historically significant celebrations – Hunting Traditions festival.

Russian hunting comic-con is a must for chefs, sportsmen and photographers

And of course for anyone who likes spectacular and colorful events. Why is it held in Karelia? Because Russian forests in the North-West are famous for extremely rich flora and fauna, breathtaking landscapes and unique spots ancient people had been exploring.

The one-day-long festival starts with the welcoming words about the significance of hunting traditions for Karelians. Guests will be able to amuse themselves on several stages:

1.  cooking competition where professionals and amateurs cook a hunting soup from the same set of products in accordance with their own recipe.
2.  hounds exhibition – experts will tell about the different breeds features and the way they are evaluated
3.  Photo-hunting competition – the participants are given a fragment  of a photo of an animal and look for the place of its living
4.  Shooting exhibition and competition.
5.  Re-enactors performance – guests of the Festival have a unique opportunity to see the life and culture of medieval Karelia and even take part in the battle.
6.  kids’ playgrounds, crafts workshops, and fire-shows will also make you fall in love with the atmosphere.

Participants say

“Hunting for Karelian people was always about unity with nature, a careful attitude to forests gifts. Today we were able to look into the past! The organizers showed us the way ancient hunters looked in the Middle Ages, how they prepared for the hunt, made weapons, sewed special clothes and lit the fire. Amazing atmosphere and a great performance!”

Want to forget about Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for a while? Come to Karelia this autumn! The Russian language group course starts on 3 of September. Sign up here!

ONE STATE, MANY COUNTRIES

5 reasons Russian trip might be equal to world cruise

Russia stretches over Europe and Asia. East-to-west distance is about 10 000 km. That is why its nature and climate so diverse from one region to another that taking a trip here may be equal to a world cruise. Here travelers and Russian language learners may find deep lakes and endless deserts, high mountains and naturally born caves, tranquil meadows and rapid rivers.  People from different countries say Russia has at least one feature similar to the place they come from. Here are 5 reasons depicting that Russia has it all.

1. Russian Iceland – Kamchatka

This is one of the most impressive places in the whole world. 20 huge geysers and thousands of hot springs make you believe you are in Iceland. Locals say it is similar to 20 roaring bears that ignore your presence. Everything around you is bubbling and smoking. Definitely worth visiting!

2. Russian Scotland – Komi Republic

The weathering pillars in Komi Republic is another great natural sight. That is hard to believe but 200 million years ago these 6 giant stones with the height up to 42 m were just ordinary mountains. It goes without saying that we see a masterpiece here with strong wind as the main artist.

3. Russian Switzerland – Altai

Altai Republic is located in the South-Central Siberia. The Altai Mountains cover the large part of the Republic and become a place with the most spectacular views.

4. Russian Arab Emirates – Chara Sands in Zabaykalsky region

Have you ever seen a  desert hidden in between taiga forests? Come to Zabaykalsky region. Standing in the middle of famous Chara Sands you may see mountains tops and mountain lakes and feel like in Arab Emirates desert.

5. Russian Finland – Karelia

The closest region if you head to Russia from Europe. The republic  is located right  next to Finland and has a common  border with the European Union. The land of lakes, stones and rivers attracts thousands of tourists each year.  This is a homeland for Enjoy Russian language school. So if you want to learn Russian and enjoy the unique nature you better choose Petrozavodsk in Karelia.

To visit 5 countries in a one trip come to Enjoy Russian school and make Karelia your first stop! Choose a course here!

5 FACTS PROVING RUSSIAN WINTER IS FOR FEARLESS!

Have reached the lowest point of Mariana Trench? Climbed Everest and took a trip inside in the crater of Icelandic volcano? Unless you’ve been to Russia, It doesn’t really count!After reading this you will probably want to experience Russian winter!

Join “Enjoy Russian” language school and challenge yourself!  

Зиму мы перезимовали, осталось перезимовать весну –  We’ve overwintered  the winter, now we have to overwinter the spring!

1. The weather is cruel. Yes, Russian weather always holds the top positions. The Russian village Oimyakon is known as the Cold Pole of the Earthwhere the temperature might hit -71C! And the locals still live their own lives without any problems. As for Karelia, we can’t be proud of that low temperature but still be ready to 25 degrees below. By the way Russians believe that if people fall in love in wintertime that kind of relations is the strongest and is going to last forever. Because usually people put so many layers of clothes that it’s really hard to see a person behind, not to mention falling in love.
2. Ice swimming is pretty popular. Despite the cruelty of Russian winter people in Russia tend to swim a lot! And we talk about ice swimming of course, not just the swimming pool. On January 19 Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate religious holiday when they can wash away the sins by bathing into the ice water. According to the statistics approximately 5 000 of Petrozavodsk citizens swim in 20 specially equipped spots all over the city.  Even little kids are long to be a part of this Russian Walrus club.
3. 90C in Banya. Some people do not wait for a certain date to enjoy ice cold water. They swim on regular bases after each Banya session. The average temperature may exceed 90C. Sometimes they even spend the whole day in Banya massaging themselves with bunches of dried branches and leaves from bearch or oak, drinking green tea and jumping into the snow.  Banya is believed to be a good option for getting rid of toxins and gaining energy.
4. Ice fishing is not for everyone. What could be more romantic than sitting for 5-6 hours in a row in the freezing cold? Russian fishermen are often called the craziest people in the world. To become a professional in all types of fishing techniques takes time and patience. Some say it’s rather a lifestyle than just a hobby.
5. Holiday season is pretty long. Only the strongest can keep celebrating on and on for 9 days:) The New Years’ Eve and then Christmas. And some family gathering in between. From the Russians point of view the festive season is the good option to prepare yourself to the year of hard work and to make a list of New Year resolutions.

And know you should answer a simple question: are you ready for this? If yes, then come to Enjoy Russian language school in February to take our 4-week course and present yourself unique and priceless memories!

 

Some say it looks like Iceland

Karelia is a unique place. Even if you live here for a long time you never stop admiring its nature and beauty. You fall in love with it immediately. Let’s travel with us to the North of Karelia and take a look at mysterious landscapes.

Stones

You’ve probably heard about trolls in Norway – the mysterious creatures living in the forests and hiding from the sun. Karelian people believe their ancestors way of life also had something to do with magic stones. So called idol stones are located all over the Republic and only some people know how to find them. These rocks are believed to cure severe diseases and give prosperity as well as to protect from bad creatures. They played a significant role in ritual life.

Water. Ladoga lake

Karelia is known as a land of lakes and rivers. Just imagine – we have more than 60 000 lakes. And water is the main place for legends to come out. There is our own Loch Ness monster living in Karelian Ladoga lake probably brother or sister to Scottish one. “Long neck and massive silver body”. The description from locals attracts not only tourists but also groups of scientists ready to come here and study the lake in depth.

And the White Sea. Our final destination for today. We leave you here in tranquility and peace. Just take a look at the pictures and forget about everything for a while.

Some say Karelia looks like Iceland. Other people think it reminds of Finland. One thing is undeniable – you should come here to see the difference. Choose one of our courses and explore mysterious Karelia with Enjoy Russian School!

Our lovely town is preparing for new year 2017! 

http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3689_autumn_russian_courses/

Learn Russian in Russia, find new friends and get an unforgettable experience! Hurry up! Only 4 days left to apply for the full immersion Russian language program!

Beginners level (2 weeks): August 1-12
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian + homestay with breakfast)
!!!THE LAST GROUP COURSE FOR BEGINNERS YOU COULD JOIN IN 2016!!!

Elementary level (2 weeks): August 1-12
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian + homestay with breakfast)

Basic level (2 weeks): August 1-12
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian + homestay with breakfast)

1 Certificate level (2 weeks): August 1-12
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian + homestay with breakfast)

Deadline for applying: July 3

APPLY: http://www.enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Contact us via e-mail to know how to get a discount for organized groups!

Do you want to get Intensive Russian course in Russia, living with Russian family and sightseeing all at the same time? Apply for the full-immersion program in Petrozavodsk!

Beginners level (2 weeks): July 4-15
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)

Elementary level (2 weeks): July 4-15
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)

Elementary level (4 weeks): July 4-29
Price: 900EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)

Basic level (2 weeks): July 4-15
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)

Basic level (4 weeks): July 4-29
Price: 900EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)

1 Certificate level (2 weeks): July 4-15
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)

1 Certificate level (4 weeks): July 4-29
Price: 900EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)

Deadline for applying: May 31

APPLY: http://www.enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Contact us via e-mail to know how to get a discount for organized groups!

Inspiring Karelia!

We are really proud of our Northen nature! You will be surprised how close it is to you! You don't need to have a long trip to walk in the forest and pick berries, swim in the lake and inhale deeply fresh air!

Watch more http://enjoyrussian.com/galleries/gallery_18042/page_1.html

Do you know that Karelia is one of the most beautiful and picturesque region in Russia? It’s even called national park of Russia!

Nature in Karelia is stunning for a foreigner who arrives to this region. It can’t leave anyone indifferent. Almost everyone who comes here immediately falls in love with Karelia. Especially in summer temperature is suitable for traveling across the region, having a picnic, etc. Forest during this time is very green and it feels like it is breathing. There are a lot of lakes and the most famous of them is Ladoga and Onega. The fauna is also represented here in all its diversity!

If you are tired of everyday city bustle, come to Karelia in summer 2016, learn Russian and enjoy pristine environment!

http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/18874/

"Anyway I can not stop thinking of Russia!" - Zuzana (a volunteer in Summer camp) http://enjoyrussian.com/3664_our_students_say/17197/

Summer is coming! Would you like to spend it with benefits and pleasure? Join our friendly team, learn Russian and be a volunteer in Summer language camp for children and teenagers!

Read more http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/18785/

Tick-Tock! Last chance to apply for our programs in January/February!
Spend your time in Russia with pleasure!

Elementary level: January 18-29
Price: 450 EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian + homestay with breakfast)

Elementary level: February 1–12
Price: 450 EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian + homestay with breakfast)

Basic level: February 15–26
Price: 450 EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian + homestay with breakfast)

APPLY: http://www.enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Deadline for applying: December 15

«They were soooo kind and hospitable!!!» - Guglielmo (Italy)
One evening walking around the city our students got to know people from a wedding party just out of the place where was taking place the wedding party. Theywent on talking with them for about half an hour, until they decided to invite our students to a club calling the taxi for us, and we spent the whole night dancing with them.

Come and enjoy your stay in our school!

"I loved the lessons and the people and my beautiful walks by the lake" - Susanne (Germany)

Apply http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3689_autumn_russian_courses/

Are you ready for tasting all that dishes? We are!

Danish meet with potatoes, Italian PanaCotta, Italian pasta, German sweets, Russian "Olivje" salad, Finnish karjalanpiirakat... mmm!

Outdoor National Food Party in a good company! Thank you!

Apply  http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3689_autumn_russian_courses/

Improve your communication skills in Russian!

Level: basic
Dates: September 21 - October 2
Price: 450 EUR (including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: August 23

Do you know what "Golden Autumn" is? Come here and see!

Level: elementary
Dates: September 21 - October 2
Price: 450 EUR (including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: August 16

Are you still hesitating? 40 hours of Russian in mini-group + accommodation with breakfast for 450EUR!

Level: elementary
Dates: September 21 - October 2
Price: 450 EUR (including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: August 16

Learn Russian in a mini-group! Apply for the program until August 9!
Level: elementary 
Dates: September 7 - October 2
Price: 900 EUR (including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: August 9

Forest is all around!

"All the time while I was travelling by train to Petrozavodsk I can see only forest outside the window. It's strange :)" - siad Andrea (one of our new students).
But this is quite ordinarily for Karelia. Forest is all around!
Join us this autumn and find out what could surprise you!
http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3689_autumn_russian_courses/