FIFA from the eyes of a novice

Belonging to the land of people who consider cricket as their "religion", I ended up on the land of football maniacs. Yes, its 2018 and football World Cup has fasten the heartbeats of FIFA countries. Considering the fact that on a pure coincidence, I happen to be in Russia, which is the host country this year.

I decided to take a walk around the center just to see how things are rolling and then I find this,

Fans and locals gathered around the center, to celebrate the spirit of FIFA

Team supporters from Argentina, Iran, Australia, Morocco, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Russia of course, formed a pompous environment. the zeal and energy was something that I experienced for the first time. in short, I just fell in love with the people and atmosphere.

Fans posing for the win

Russia has loosen up the visa restrictions this year which has resulted in increased tourism during football world Cup. Country's capital and major cities where matches are to be held are expecting over 1 million fans this season. And In  my opinion 1 million is just a small number. Many tourists from non-football playing countries are also taking the benefit of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Fans all over are drenched in the spirit of football. For once even I started believing that football is the religion above all. (Just kidding)

Such devotion

A number of news channels, video bloggers, photographers and bloggers (like me) had arrived to the boiling pot to experience the taste and spirit of this "grand festival".

Australian Team fans in the middle of an interview

Although I am a novice at football, having knowledge next to the size of a pea I felt pumped up, so I can imagine what a football devoted person must have been feeling.

Team Morocco

Are you ready for the first match?


- Charu Madan

Female solo tripping to St. Petersburg

A city that is a perfect amalgamation of Imperial Architecture as well as modern structures, already sounds so much exciting. Situated on the Neva River, at the head of Gulf of Finland on the Baltic city, this beautiful city of Russia has so much to offer. Now its cultural capital, St. Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. Between 1713-1732, it was the capital of Imperial Russia.

After hearing so much about its beauty, I decided to take a small weekend tour. I booked an express train from Moscow to St. Petersburg which takes about 9-10 hours to reach its destination. My overnight journey was full of beautiful sceneries and jolly co-passengers. After reaching my destination I was awestruck at the fact that they weren't lying about the charm of the place. My 10 minutes taxi ride from Railway Station to the AirBnb,made me forget all my tiredness that happened due to long hours of travel. I was totally fresh and on my toes to start my expedition around this beautiful city.

Well, Honestly I am person of no-plans. So, I never really had decided what places I have to go on first. But being River Moyka near to my stay, I decided to take a walk around it.

A pleasant summer noon near Moyka River, St. Petersburg

Red Bridge

With Bright sun in the sky and mild breeze tickling the cheeks, it was a relaxing stroll. I must mention over here, tourists who wish to visit a place that feels like a city of Europe but is pocket friendly as well, must consider St. Petersburg as their Holiday destination. This urban city is well connected with a web of metro of which one token will cost you about 45 rubles. You can also rent a bicycle to take a tour around the old streets of the city which will cost you somewhere around 200 rubles for 24 hours. Hop on Hop off bus service is also available that tours around the city.

But if you wish to have a birds eye view, many tour operators provide a helicopter ride as well.

Now coming back to my stroll, while walking a little ahead I reached this marvelous structure named St. Isaac's Cathedral. Ordered under the rule of Tsar Alexander in 1786, it took 40 years and 10,00,000 Gold rubles to construct. It is one of the largest orthodox Bascillia in the world.

St. Isaac's Cathedral, St Petersburg Russia

Moving ahead, painted in bright blues and white,Winter Palace being the central attraction, never fails to impress the onlookers. It used to be the favourite resting place of Tsars of Imperial Russia.

Winter Palace, St. Petersburg

On the bank of river Neva, one of the largest in the city you can see Hermitage (the very first and oldest museum of St. Petersburg) It is beautifully Lit up at nights. Due to very less time in my hands, I couldn't go inside the building.

Hermitage Museum

The city is having a night life worth experiencing. One won't be exaggerating if they say that this city never sleeps. Well neither does the sky in summers.

Its 10 p.m in St. Petersburg, in the month of May

Lively streets, happy people and relaxing atmosphere. What else one needs to spend a memorable holiday?

That's me posing beside Girboyedov Canal, with Church of Saviour on Blood at the back.

I have already shared more pictures and stories on my instagram. Go to @ecstatic_being for more.

- Charu Madan