From Beetroot Soup to Minus 40 weather: Ben's Russian Adventure

In this episode, Andrew sits down with intrepid traveler and language enthusiast Ben Jovic to hear about his 2012 study abroad year. Ben skipped the typical sunny Spanish beaches his classmates preferred for a Soviet-style apartment in Yaroslavl. Surviving -40 degree winters and an endless supply of his host's homemade beetroot soup, Ben talks about culture shock and daily life in Russia at the time. He also shares some unforgettable stories that he picked up along the way. It's a funny, fascinating look at jumping headfirst into an entirely different way of life.

Guest:

• British-born and currently living in the United States.
• An avid language learner. He has studied Russian, Spanish, French, and German.

Chapters:

1. 00:00:00 Introduction and the origins of Ben's travel bug.
2. 00:04:36 Ben's linguistic background and learning multiple languages.
3. 00:09:14 The decision to study abroad in Russia.
4. 00:14:58 Arriving in Yaroslavl and eating the babushka's beetroot soup.
5. 00:24:36 Moving to Saint Petersburg and adjusting to Russian life.
6. 00:28:44 A late-night adventure getting a ride home from strangers.
7. 00:32:09 Encounters with metro security and the resilient local snow shovelers.
8. 00:36:39 Reflecting on the adventure and touring Moscow.
9. 00:40:55 Recent trips to Asia and future plans to visit China.

Resources and Links:

• Yaroslavl, Russia, a city known for its Orthodox churches.
• Saint Petersburg, Russia, where Ben spent his second semester.
• Interrail Pass, which Ben used to travel Central Europe.
• Novodevichy Cemetery, located in Moscow.
• Lenin's Mausoleum, located in Red Square.

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