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Olga Krylova, a school teacher is 46 years old and says:
My country
My country is Russia. I live in Moscow, the capital of Russia, in the district of Tsaritsyno. It is in the south of Moscow. It is famous for its wonderful red and white palace and park ensemble designed by the Russian architect V. Bazhenov for Emperess Catherine II.
Things I like about living in this country:
People
Nations living in our country are given the most important thing - faith. It is great faith that brings us together. It's faith that creates a harmony with the "world of the spirit". It's faith that makes us patient and understanding, the qualities which help us live and survive in the most hard times.
Talented scientists, experts, famous philosophers, outstanding inventors, musicians, writers, artists make the greatest wealth and pride of Russia.
Beautiful nature
Our country is very large. If you imagine flying yourself over its territory in a plane you will see wonderful sights: blue lines of the rivers, blue mirrors of the lakes and seas, green patches of the meadows, plains and forests and mountains.
Customs and traditions
There are a lot of different customs and traditions in Russia. Some of them are very old, even ancient; others are new or renewed. Some of them are the same as in Europe and the USA; others are typical only of Russia. One of them is Shrovetide. It is a Russian traditional holiday. Shrovetide came from ancient times. The people are merry and happy. They say "farewell" to winter. They cook and eat pancakes (bliny), symbolizing the sun. The holiday lasts for one week. The last Sunday of the week is called "The Forgiving Sunday". Then the Great Lent begins and it lasts till Easter, 40 days.
Some natural features of this country:
Moscow hills
The Moskva-river
Forests around Moscow
Some things have changed since I was born
I was born in 1957, a bit more than 12 years after World War II was over. It was a difficult time, but the Soviet people tried to do their best to revive the country.
If we compare that time and nowadays, on the one hand, life has become easier; on the other hand - harder: you have a lot of opportunities, but sometimes you lose them because you don't have possibilities.
My city, Moscow, has become cleaner, more beautiful, more modern, but at the same time it has become more dangerous and more expensive. Present Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
But still, I think, Moscow is worth visiting. It is full of wonders and Russia's spirit.
If you came to visit me, I would show you interesting places.
The Moscow Kremlin and Tsaritsyno park ensemble
a) The Kremlin of Moscow is the symbol of the Russian state. Its towers, especially the Spasskaya Tower, are well known to the whole world. Moscow was founded centuries ago. And the Kremlin was built as a fortress to form the town. Many times during its history the Kremlin was burnt and destroyed. Now it is the most beautiful place in Moscow. The President's residence is in the Kremlin. The most famous Russian museums, such as the Diamond Fund (the Diamond Collection) and the Armoury Chamber (Oruzheynaya Palata), are in the Kremlin. The Kremlin is also famous for its cathedrals.
b) Tsaritsyno, an architectural and landscape ensemble in Moscow's southeast, a specimen of the neo-Gothic style. At first, in the 17th century, it belonged to the Streshnevs, a boyar family, and then, since the year of 1712, to the Kantemir princes. Later, in 18th century, Empress Catherine II acquired the estate for her country residence.
The complex includes the Large Palace and the Small Palace. The palaces linked by a gallery to a tracery archway of the gate, and the Grand Cavalry Stables form the architectural focus of the complex.
The Bread House is behind these palace structures. The ponds add to the charm; next to one of them, on a steep slope, stands the Opera House. Concerts are held there regularly. The site is embellished by the ornamental bridge over the road to Kolomenskoe, the Smaller Palace of Catherine the Great, and the fancy gate at the turn of the alley. Today a lot of people come to Tsaritsyno to see the magnificient buildings and to walk in the park.
Solovetsky Islands in the north of Russia, near the city of Archangelsk.
I was there when I was 18, but I still remember that journey. First, we flew to Arkhangelsk and then we went by ship. It was the most romantic journey in my life, except my trip to Japan.
Solovetsky Islands or, for short, Solovki, consist of 6 large and lots of small islands. The sea, surrounding the islands and hundreds of lakes, are full of fish. The forests are rich in mushrooms and berries. We came there on a hot June day. That was very unusual for Solovki, because normally there is ice in the sea in June.
We were impressed by the greatness of Solovetsky Monastery and by the beauty of nature. Nothing reminded me of the most severe and cruel prison that used to be there for a long, long time.
What I could do to make this country a better place for everyone
We should take the best from other civilizations, both Eastern and Western, and combine it with Russian customs and traditions, kindness and hospitality, skills and cleverness of Russian people.
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