3 Days in Russia – An Eye-Opening Experience

By Joke Kujenya

TRAVELING TO Russia had always been a youthful fantasy, but it didn’t become a reality until 2024.

Like many, the idea of going to Russia for the first time filled me with apprehension, thanks to the country’s intimidating portrayal in the media.

My family was supportive, but fear still gripped me as I thought, “What if they found out I was a journalist from Africa?”

Even few close friends were hesitant. One advised, “You better decline the offer.”

Another suggested, “Ask if they can send the money instead of going to that dreaded country.”

But curiosity took hold. Why was I so scared of Russia and President Vladimir Putin?

Sleepless nights filled with these questions couldn’t stop me, and I found myself flying to Russia for three days—from Wednesday, September 18, to Friday, September 20, 2024—to attend the Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum. And here comes the eye-opener.

Contrary to my fears, Russia greeted me warmly.

Yes, there were language barriers, but Russians were kind from the airport to the hotel. My anxiety began to melt away.

The first person I met was Alexey, who made me feel at home immediately.

After settling into my hotel room at 3:09 a.m., I rushed to bed, knowing that the forum would begin at 9:00am, and I had to be at the accreditation center by 8:00 a.m. to register.

Each of us had details loaded us via our emails before we set out to Russia anyways.

A Mix of Anticipation and Delays
My journey started with a significant fall as I landed on the sloppy front outside the Russian embassy in Abuja, where I hurt my right arm two weeks earlier.

Despite this, I set off for the airport on September 16, 2024, eager but apprehensive.

After a prompt check-in by 4.25pm for my 8:55pm Turkish Airlines flight, I suddenly got struck by how elegant Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) had become, complete with sleek shops and ambient lighting.

Just as I was marveling at the transformation, whispers began circulating that our flight might be delayed.

Eventually, the 8:55pm flight was pushed to 11:55pm, sparking passenger frustration.

But for me, upon entering the newly renovated airport, I was pleasantly surprised by the sleek, modern design.

It felt like I was in a completely different place—luxurious shops, elegant lighting, and stylish décor.

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.

But my excitement was short-lived as a young lady invited me to come in and relax in a private waiting area.

So, I peeped inside and beheld a higher level of sleek set-up.

She intoned that guests can savor complimentary refreshments from a well-stocked bar and gourmet snacks from a stylish buffet, provided they can afford the cost.

However, the private lounge’s offerings cannot be promoted further here.

So, after a quick glance, I realized it was far beyond my purse.

I continued to make my way to locate the main departure hall.

Navigating a sliding glass door called Gate E or so, I entered the long departure hall that still had that old-world feel.

I felt I’d missed my way and tried to walk back to where I was coming from.

Another passenger just said, “Just go on madam, that’s the deception of our government upgrading one side instead of just giving the whole departure hall a befitting facelift …”

As he walked ahead, I slowly walked on after him.

Then, I slumped into one of the iron seats, and soon that buzzes of our flight delay began circulating again.

This time around, the tension had become palpable.

Passengers around me began to grow restless.

Other exhausted passengers argued, some threw hot fists, while some others fell asleep, creating a mix of snoring and murmured complaints.

At around 10:00pm, Turkish Airline flight officials came around and pre-boarding began amidst a flurry of emotions.

As we tried to queue up for boarding, another set of heated arguments erupted among some travelers on who was to be in front and the other behind. I fed my eyes, nicely, smiling too, as their anger got hotter.

When we finally departed at midnight, I thought the worst was behind me.

Little did I realize that the delay would cause me to miss my connecting flight in Istanbul.

After a long 9-hour flight, I landed at Istanbul Airport in Turkey.

Then, as I tried to cross the transfer point, I got a decline and an official directed to the Turkish Airline desk.

Waiting on another long queue and practically exhausted, a desk official simply informed me that there were only two flights to Russia from Turkey daily.

Having missed the first flight, I had no other choice but to wait another 12.00 hours for the next available flight to St. Petersburg, Russia. Just imagine my exasperation.

An Unexpected Istanbul Layover
My stay at Istanbul Airport was filled with exhaustion and frustration, though I managed to take advantage of both their first 1.00hour, and later, the unlimited free Wi-Fi to pass the time.

In addition to endless window shopping, passengers faced the frustrating experience of a meager meal provided on a coupon for those enduring long waits between flights. It was better to have fasted.

The treatments we, coupon clients received from the eateries to attend to us were unforgettably deriding.

Well, I didn’t eat their peasant meal. I just managed to catch some decent sleep in the rest zone, because navigating the airport was largely a solitary endeavour due to language barriers.

By 6:00pm, final boarding announcement were made asking us to head to Gate 16, and promptly at 8:25pm, we boarded the flight to St. Petersburg.

We arrived at Pulkovo Airport around 1:30am, only to be faced with language barriers that made navigating the airport challenging. I resorted to using signs to express myself.

Communication Barrier and Taxi Wars
At Pulkovo airport, I found my way to the Green Corridor and got cleared to enter Russian.

Outside the arrival hall, I struggled to communicate with taxi drivers who spoke little to no English.

With no other choice, I resorted to using translation apps and a bit of sign language.

Taxi drivers, as I quickly learned, are the same everywhere—ready to exploit anyone who seems lost or vulnerable.

The first driver quoted me 3,000 rubles (about ₦53,821), which I politely declined. Another offered 2,000 rubles (₦35,882), but I wasn’t having it.

Finally, with the help of a Russian who spoke decent English, I managed to negotiate a fare of 1,000 rubles (about ₦17,940) to my hotel.

I thanked my blessed stars, realizing that transport fares in Nigeria, despite our economic hurdles, were much more affordable.

I arrived at my hotel on Vladimir Street at 3:09 a.m., utterly exhausted but relieved.

Mandatory COVID-19 Test
Prior to leaving our countries, we had been informed that upon arriving at Pulkovo, each of us must do a mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Covid-19 test before we can be allowed to enter the Day 1 plenary session.

At first, I was terrified of undergoing the test, raising concerns abs explaining that I am hypersensitive and have severe allergies. I fear being exposed to any unknown substances that could enter my system.

But with some encouragement from my colleagues and Professor Jamiu Mustapha, I nervously braced myself for what I thought would be an uncomfortable procedure. It ended up being a quick swipe of swaps -one across my tongue, the other on the tips of my nose.

However, the test was quick and painless, and lasting less than two minutes, I was cleared for access to attend the plenary session, where President Vladimir Putin would give the opening address.

At The Forum
From all over the world, the forum was a whirlwind of activities. Women, for the next three days, had discussions and networked.

They gathered to share ideas, experiences, and solutions to pressing global challenges.

No doubt, the diversity and intellectual exchange were enriching, but perhaps what stood out most was how warmly each woman embraced one another as if they had known before, lost contact, and re-uniting afresh.

Instant Celebrity Status
As an African in Russia, I quickly became a focal point for attention. That wasn’t intended.

I had simply chosen to wear my traditional Nigerian attire, and it turned me into a mini celebrity at the forum.

Many of the women from different countries approached me to take pictures and compliment my outfit. I then began to pose for photo after photo with fellow delegates.

This instant celebrity status followed me throughout the event, giving me the opportunity to form connections with many inspiring women from across the globe.

Requests for pictures never stopped, and I cherished every moment, making many new friends along the way.

Gourmet Meals and Cultural Immersion
From lavish meals and warm Russian hospitality, every aspect of the forum was well-planned.

Breakfasts at my hotel were simple yet delicious, but it was the lavish lunches and dinners provided by the Russian government that left a lasting impression.

At the Day 1 lunch in the dining section of the historic Tavrichesky Palace, we were served a variety of delicacies, including fish platters, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Even though I usually worry about allergies, I found myself indulging in every dish offered, and none of the food triggered my allergies, to my relief.

If you know one thing about me, it’s that I’m not a foodie. I can easily go an entire day with just one meal.

But in Russia, everything changed. At the palace, we were treated like royalty.

After President Putin had declared the forum opened with his friendly mien, we were led to the exquisite dining hall for lunch.

Our Russian hosts spared no expense. Our meals were courtesy of the government, and refusing such kind gestures wasn’t an option. So, I opened my heart to the kindness of the country.

After the tea came the ‘Chef’s Special Pates’ of Cold Starters, which included a Cheese plate, Russian meat platter, Fish platter, or Antipasto platter.

They also offered Baked Vegetable Salad, Trout, pike, whitefish caviar, and other dishes that were unfamiliar to me.

I chose the Fish platter, and within seconds, it was placed in front of me.

With thanks to GOD Almighty, my plate was empty in no time.

Why wouldn’t it be? The compere’s voices were captivating as they described each meal, with demonstrations on the screen showing us the sources of our respective meals.

Following that was the Choice of Hot Starters, featuring Veal tongue and Baked eggplant. “I jump am pass.”

Instead, I focused on the Choice of Main Course, which offered Black Steak, Salmon, Duck Medallions, and Risotto. I settled for the “big man’s” food of Salmon fish, which was accompanied by a splash of nicely seasoned vegetable stew. Oh mine, it went down my throat in a jiffy, despite being sizzling hot.

We thought we were done when another round of tea, drinks, and water was served. But no, we still had to deal with dessert.

The dessert choices were “Chef’s Special Lotus Pudds,” which included Pineapple Lasagna. For beverages, we had Cranberry Juice and Sea buckthorn juice, followed by another serving of tea and coffee.

And then, lunch was over. Despite eating all of this, my stomach felt light, as if I hadn’t eaten anything all day.

Yet, the lunch fun was over, and we had to return to the next session for the day.

After about two hours, we were ushered back into our respective shuttle buses, which took us to the venue for the gala night.

There, we enjoyed diverse stunning ballet performances for two hours into the night.

I was ushered to the VIP section, and I saw the youthful dancers, moving gracefully in sync with the orchestra, captured the essence of Russian culture.

For me, that was a surreal experience, one that made me appreciate the deep connection Russia has to its past, present, and future.

Shortly after, it was time for another bout of dinner, which many of us gladly declined because we hadn’t recovered from lunch.

If Wednesday’s lunch was filling, Thursday’s dinner was even more so. We ate so much and felt so content that we couldn’t stop talking about the experience.

While the dinner was ongoing, the stage was alive with entertaining songs, and scores of guests danced their hearts out for the sheer joy of it all.

Like an interwoven garment, the events of the three days in Russia were so captivating that it’s difficult to recount them all at once.

In conclusion, I realized there had been misconceptions about Russia that could take forever to correct.

However, no one country is extremely perfect. But, based on this three-day visit, I look forward to returning for another wonderful experience.

An array of delicacies, from green tea to Chef’s Special Pates of cold starters, caviar, and fish platters were then set before us.

It was a feast fit for kings, and I enjoyed the hospitality.

For the next three days, I dined on gourmet meals, salmon fish, attended sessions, and experienced Russian culture firsthand.

Exploring Russia’s Historic Hermitage Theatre
With our Fourth Eurasian Women Forum tags around our necks, we gained automatic access to several historical sites in Russia during our stay from Wednesday, September 18th to Friday, 20th, 2024.

With a few hours available before our closing plenary session at 3:00pm, our pleasant and adventurous Miss Thailand, Prof. Nimnual Piewthongngam, with her sonorous and persuasive voice, encouraged us to visit the Hermitage Theatre.

“Oh, you’re going to love it. I’ve been there many times, yet I can’t get enough of it. The most fascinating part is that President Vladimir Putin has invested heavily in modernizing the structure, which has recently transformed from its centuries-old imperial form into a modern edifice…,” she had quipped.

Swayed by her words, we—Miss Ghana, Miss Nigeria, Miss Nepal, Miss Tanzania, and later, the dashingly pretty Miss Gambia—couldn’t resist visiting this mesmerizing site, where we would spend the next two hours.

According to Wikipedia, the Hermitage Theatre is one of five Hermitage buildings lining the Palace Embankment of the stunning Neva River.

It is also said that the theatre replaced the Imperial Theatre, which operated from 1764 until 1783. Now part of the city’s palace complex, the Hermitage boasts a 280-seat hall that overlooks the Fortress Embankment and adjoins the main palace building with an arch that crosses through the Winter Grove.

We wandered through the palace’s unique halls, each distinct in form and volume, marveling at its naturally fine acoustics and historical preservations, honouring heroes of both the past and present, all displayed with undeniable dignity.

We absorbed the artistic preservation of biblical events, interpreted by artists who believed they knew how these events unfolded, alongside a diverse array of historical artifacts that left us wide-eyed with amazement.

The colour combinations of deep wine, red, and sparkling gold in nearly every hall left us spellbound by the sheer beauty.

We ascended and descended staircases as if we were on automated escalators.

Visitors from all walks of life bumped into one another as tour guides narrated what they had been taught—often unverified facts passed down from tutors who were likely long gone.

At one point, an image of a woman breastfeeding a baby was introduced as the “Godmother” (meaning Mary breastfeeding Baby Jesus), only for a fellow tourist to dismiss this and claim it was actually an artist’s impression of Madonna breastfeeding her child.

We saw ancient thrones, ladies’ dressing tables, doors with ornate knobs, and archaic wooden coffins carved with men’s faces and their distinctive beards.

These relics held our attention for what seemed like ages, making us lose track of time as the day slipped away.

There were countless other sights and halls, too many to list in one account.

After about two hours, our legs grew tired, and we reluctantly bid the Hermitage farewell.

Even then, we spent an additional forty-five minutes snapping photos outside and walking around its massive construction site, where giant building tractors stood, before finally departing.

Journey to Russia

LET ME now start from the beginning. As the year 2024 rolls by, there was no sign of a trip to Russia. But out of the blue, the opportunity opened up.

Since the start of this year, I have been engaging with educational opportunities initiated by a Moscow-based Nigerian scholar, Professor Jamiu Mustapha, of the Department of Philology at RUDN University in Russia.

We held two training sessions at the Mass Communications Department of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Yaba, in January and August 2024, focusing on various topics to boost professional and career development.

Like most participants, I took the lessons learned and began applying them to my professional work.

Out of nowhere came the suggestion: “Hello ma, apply for this event. We never know…” With that push, I applied.

About two months later, on July 23, I received a response from Aleksandra Milorado via Telegram: “Good afternoon!

I am glad to inform you that you have been selected to take part in the Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum. Congratulations!

We remind you that the Forum will be held from 18 to 20 September 2024 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Travel expenses and accommodation will be covered by the organisers and the World Youth Festival Directorate.

Soon, the organisers of the Forum will contact you and send a formal invitation, as well as further information about the event. Please inform us when you receive their message.

In case of any questions regarding the selection results and your participation, please contact me…”

And that was it. Preparations began in earnest, with contacts from other Forum team members, including a follow-up letter that read: “Dear participant of the Eurasian Women’s Forum!

The organisers of the Forum might have already contacted you and sent a formal invitation, as well as further information about the event. Please note that they could accidentally misinform you.

Travel expenses and accommodation will be covered by the organisers and the World Youth Festival Directorate. You do not need to pay for that on your own.

To start the process of booking flights for you, please fill in the following Google form…”

Thereafter, another official of the Forum, Ms. Shura Guzhelya, worked with me to further guide me through the travel process.

Return Trip to Abuja By Road
This didn’t come easily. Oh mine! The cost of transportation to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory by road isn’t laughable, given the current fuel crisis in the country.

Before applying for the visa, I had to renew my E-Passport, which was a story on its own that took me out of Lagos.

Weeks later, it was time to head to Abuja for the visa. I landed on the night of a particular Monday in August and went to the embassy early the next day, Tuesday.

My first shock was seeing scores of Nigerians—youths and adults—waiting at the embassy to apply for or collect their visas.

The interactions with fellow Nigerians of various ages on the educational and scholarship benefits offered by the Russian government were mind-blowing.

Along the way, while trying to print a mandatory QRCode document to support the visa application, I slipped on the pathway in front of the Russian embassy.

Appreciating Nigerians
If not for the other Nigerian applicants, my head would have landed on a split slab on the sloppy path.

I can’t count how many of them rushed to lift me up, with one particular guy using his hand to guard my head from hitting the slab.

After an entire day of waiting and getting other documents ready, the embassy officials asked me to return the next morning, Wednesday, by 8:00 a.m. for my Russian visa.

I did, arriving promptly at 8:00 a.m. I was ushered in as early as they deemed appropriate. After clearing my papers, I was directed to ‘Window 5,’ which I termed the “Grace Window,” to be interviewed by a Consular Official.

After a long wait, she simply told me to pick up my visa by 12:00 noon. Hours later, I did.

But the road trip back to Lagos left its toll on my bones and joints I pray never to have a repeat of such.

The Takeaway
Fears about Russia were unfounded. The people were kind, the country was welcoming, and my experience was unforgettable.

Despite the initial apprehensions, those three days in Russia became an eye-opener.

I returned to Nigeria with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the power of travel.

Sharing this moment with fellow women from across the world, the delegates was the highlight of the trip, reminding me that culture transcends language and politics.

…And would I love to go back to Russia someday soon? You bet!

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