Tula is an ancient Russian city with a rich history and many interesting sights. One of such attractions is the Tula Kremlin, which was built in the 16th century.

The Tula Kremlin is one of the most beautiful and significant architectural monuments in Russia. It was built by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible and is a symbol of the courage and resilience of the Russian people.

Inside the Kremlin, there are many interesting museums, such as the Museum of Weapons, the Museum of Samovars, and the Museum of Gingerbread. Each of these museums has its own unique history and offers visitors the opportunity to learn a lot of new and interesting facts about the culture and history of Russia.

The Museum of Weapons is one of the world's largest museums dedicated to weapons. Here you can see various types of weapons, ranging from ancient swords to modern rifles. The museum also showcases various examples of military equipment used in various wars.

The Museum of Samovars is one of the most popular museums in Tula. Here you can see over 400 different types of samovars, ranging from small to giant ones. Each samovar has its own unique shape and design.

Finally, the Gingerbread Museum is another attraction in Tula that attracts many tourists. Here you can learn all about the traditions and history of making Tula gingerbread, and even try some.

I recently visited the Conduki in Tula and it was simply amazing! This place is very beautiful and unique. The nature here is just incredible, and the water in the lakes has an amazing blue color.

In conclusion, I want to say that Tula is a unique city that everyone should visit. The people in Tula cherish their traditions, and every tourist will be able to immerse themselves in the culture of the city thanks to the people who live there.

Varvara L., graduate of 2020

I really love traveling around the cities of Russia with my family. During the autumn holidays, my mom and dad and I visited the ancient city of Kaluga. Kaluga is the capital of the Kaluga region. It is located quite close to Moscow, we got there by car in a few hours. It was a lot of fun that I met my classmates there. Most of all in Kaluga, I was captivated by the Tsiolkovsky Cosmonautics Museum. There are guides who know and love the history of cosmonautics well. When I listened to their story, it seemed to me that I was witnessing these events myself. At the same time, we were shown a real simulator for training astronauts, spaceships, moon rovers, space suits and tubes of food.

I really liked this city, and I would really like to return there in the summer. 

Artem B., 7th class

I want to tell you about a city that will forever remain one of my favorite cities. This is the city of Kaluga. I visit this city every summer, winter and May holidays, as I have a cottage in the Kaluga region. I have loved this city since childhood. Despite the fact that it is small, it is very atmospheric and calm. There is a very beautiful architecture and many interesting historical sites both in the city and in the region. For me, it is a place with some of the most pleasant and happy memories. I strongly advise everyone to visit this city at any time of the year. But I especially advise you to visit Kaluga in the summer and take a walk around the evening city, because there are very beautiful sunsets.       Anastasia S., 10th class

Russia is the largest country in the world. The length of its territory from north to south exceeds 4,000 km, and from west to east — about 10,000 km. Thus, its area is 17,125,191 km2. It is slightly smaller than the continent of South America. There are about 1,118 cities in this entire area. And each of them is like a precious stone in a beautiful casket. And now I will tell you about one of these gems, this time it will be the great city of Kazan.

So, Kazan is a city in the Russian Federation, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, a large port on the left bank of the Volga River, at the confluence of the Kazanka River. One of the largest economic, political, scientific, cultural and sports centers in Russia. The city even has the registered status of "the third capital of Russia". At the moment, approximately 1,314,685 people live in this city.

Kazan is considered one of the oldest cities in Russia, which has hosted a wide variety of nations on its territory. Perhaps there is no other city in the country in which the cultures of different eras and religions would be so organically combined. In terms of popularity among tourists, the capital of Tatarstan is in fourth place in the country: about 3.5 million people visit the city per year to see firsthand such Kazan sights as the Kazan Kremlin, the Syuyumbike Tower, the Kul Sharif Mosque, the Annunciation Cathedral and many others. This is how we see the city today, but how did it manage to become like this? To do this, I suggest plunging into his vivid past.

The official date of the foundation of Kazan is considered to be 1005. The city originated on the Volga River, at the intersection of trade routes between East and West. Yes, yes. The modern Volga region was once the land belonging to Volga Bulgaria, a historical state in the Kama basin. A fortress was built in the northern part of this state. It had a relatively small garrison, whose main task was to protect an important section of the Great Volga Route. It was along this route that trade caravans from Kievan Rus, the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East passed. The fortress itself was named "Kazan".

By the way, there are many versions of the origin of the city's name. To begin with, here are two legends for you: Kazan means "cauldron" in Tatar. According to one legend, people decided to establish a new settlement, and in order to choose a good place for it, they turned to a sorcerer. He said that the city should be built where a cauldron dug into the ground would boil without fire. The cauldron boiled without fire on the shore of Kaban Lake.

According to the the second legend, the name arose due to Lake Kaban, in which there lived a terrible monster the dragon Zilant, the king of all snakes. By the way, he is the symbol of Kazan, etc.

With the inclusion of Volga Bulgaria into the administrative system of the Golden Horde (in 1236), the role of Kazan as a border fortress was lost, and trade routes changed. The defensive role of the stone fortress fell, and Kazan acquired great independence during that period.At this time, the city was noticeably transformed. White stone walls began to surround it. There was a handicraft settlement outside the fortress. At that time, pottery, leather craft, and the manufacture of weapons were rapidly developing here. But after some time, torn apart by civil strife, the Golden Horde eventually lost its former power, breaking up into a number of separate states. In 1438, Khan Ulu-Muhammad, who was one of the numerous descendants of Genghis Khan, captured Kazan with his troops. The state founded on this territory was named the Kazan Khanate. The Horde became the ruling elite in it. Kazan is surrounded by a powerful stone wall, behind which mosques, the khan's courtyard and even the khan's tomb are located. The city was rebuilt and even developed, becoming an important economic center of the new power. Khan's Kazan was a large commercial and handicraft medieval city with a high level of development of culture and education, in which representatives of various peoples and religions peacefully coexisted.

But the era of "wandering through the states" did not end there for Kazan. On October 2, 1552, Kazan was captured by Ivan the Terrible. After a seven-week siege by 150 thousand troops, Kazan was stormed. A new history of the city of Kazan begins, now in the Moscow Kingdom, and later in the Russian Empire and the USSR. By order of Ivan IV, the construction of the white stone Kremlin begins here. The ruler of Muscovy initiates a whole resettlement: artisanal craftsmen, merchants, commoners, as well as nobles who fell into disgrace to the tsar were transferred here from other Russian settlements. During this period, the boundaries of the Kremlin walls, which have been preserved to this day, were finally determined. The city is becoming one of the largest cities in Russia and is one of the most fortified fortresses of the Russian state, protecting its eastern borders. Administrative and military power over the vast conquered region was concentrated in the city. Significant armed forces were assembled here, which allowed to keep the local population under control.

This is how Kazan became part of Russia. After that, quite a few interesting events happened. For example: in 1708, Kazan became the capital of the huge Kazan province; in 1774, the city was stormed by troops led by the fugitive Don Cossack Yemelyan Pugachev; in 1805, the Kazan Imperial University was inaugurated; in 1918, Kazan temporarily became the epicenter of events on the Eastern Front; with the collapse of the USSR, the rise of the national movement began in the republic, which ended the creation of the Republic of Tatarstan in 1990 as part of the Russian Federation, of which Kazan becomes the capital, etc.

Well, unfortunately, it's time to put an end to the story. I sincerely hope that you enjoyed this magnificent city and you will definitely visit it. In the meantime, goodbye and see you again, dear friends!        Bogdan N., 6th class

 Khabarovsk is a city built on the Amur River. The boundless latitudes and the beauty of Russian nature are seem to be the first thing you remember talking about Khabarovsk! Moreover, the Amur River is the place where in the south of Khabarovsk are located incredible lotus lakes. They are famous for the fact that the rarest aquatic plant, the Komarov lot, grows and is protected here.

Another natural attraction of the city is the Amur Cliff. It is one of the symbols of the city and a sacred historical place. The village of Khabarovsk is said to have been born here. Nowadays there is an observation deck on the cliff, which offers a magnificent view of the Amur panorama.

Khabarovsk is famous not only for it's wonderful nature, but also for it's incredible architectural sights. The "Amur Miracle" or Alekseevsky Bridge is a structure across the Amur River, considered a real engineering miracle and the largest structure on the Trans—Siberian Railway and throughout Russia. Many people, who have never even been to Khabarovsk, have probably seen it, because what is depicted on the 5000 rubles bill is exactly the Alekseevsky Bridge. And also, in the center of Khabarovsk, above the Amur River, on Komsomolskaya Square, stands the City-Khabarovsk Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God - a historical monument that is distinguished by it's unusual architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful architectural structures in Khabarovsk.

This is just a small part of what Khabarovsk can surprise and delight you with, so it's better to come to this amazing city to see everything with your own eyes!                                                                                Ann R., graduate of 2021

A Winter Wonderland Adventure in Murmansk:

Exploring the Arctic Wonders

I have always dreamed of visiting the Arctic Circle. So, I recently had the opportunity to embark on a truly awe-inspiring journey to Murmansk in winter. This unique Arctic region oozed with unparalleled beauty and offered experiences that will forever be etched in my memory.

The highlight of my expedition was undoubtedly the visit to the legendary atomic icebreaker, Lenin. As I stepped on board this floating marvel, an overwhelming sense of pride enveloped me. This ship stands as a testament to Russia's unmatched engineering prowess, symbolizing the nation's commitment to scientific exploration and advancement. Walking through the corridors and chambers of the icebreaker, I couldn't help but marvel at the courage and dedication of the crew who braved the Arctic's icy depths. Witnessing this impressive vessel was not just a display of technology, but a connection to Russia's rich maritime heritage, filling me with a profound appreciation for my country.

No trip to Murmansk would be complete without a glimpse of the ethereal Aurora Borealis. The sheer spectacle of nature's light show left me breathless. As the night sky danced in vibrant hues of green and purple, I felt an indescribable sense of wonder and awe. It was a reminder of the immense beauty and power that exists in the natural world, awakening a deep spiritual connection within me. Standing amidst nature's greatest display, I was compelled to reflect on the insignificance of human existence in the grand scheme of the universe, but also on our ability to appreciate and preserve such wonders.

Another captivating experience was venturing out into the Barents Sea on a fishing boat to witness the majestic whales. As these gentle giants emerged from the depths, a sense of humility washed over me. The untamed wilderness surrounding me made me realize the importance of harmony between man and nature. Observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was a humbling encounter that reaffirmed my responsibility to protect our fragile marine ecosystems.

Throughout my journey, an overwhelming pride for my country swelled within my heart. Murmansk, with its unique blend of natural and man-made treasures, showcased Russia's rich history, resilience, and innovation. It strengthened my belief in the boundless potential that lies within our nation, both in terms of scientific achievements and our capacity to appreciate and protect our environment.

My visit to Murmansk in winter was an experience like no other, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. From exploring the atomic icebreaker Lenin to witnessing the ethereal Aurora and encountering majestic whales, I came away with a renewed sense of wonder, pride, and an unwavering commitment to safeguard our natural heritage.

Valerii A., Senior teacher

My family and I love travelling. Over the past few years we have visited many cities in  Russia. One of the most memorable trips was to the beautiful city of Kislovodsk.

I think a part of my heart has stayed there. It is an incredibly beautiful city that never ceases to offer surprises. Kislovodsk has a varied topography, which is very impressive. The city itself is small, the houses are very neat and low, the nature is amazing, coniferous forests, mountains, waterfalls. You can drive to Elbrus! The view from the top of this majestic mountain is breathtaking!

There are also many places in Kislovodsk where you can buy souvenirs and other useful things and the Caucasian cuisine will definitely surprise you! I love going to Kislovodsk on spring holidays, the air is fresh, the flowers and leaves on the trees are blossoming!

You should definitely visit Kislovodsk, because you must see such a miracle in your life.                                                                                                          Anastasia B., 10th class

Ulyanovsk, known until 1924 as Simbirsk, is located on the Volga River 705 kilometers east of Moscow. Ulyanovsk has been the only Russian UNESCO City of Literature since 2015.

Simbirsk was founded in 1648 by the boyar Bogdan Khitrovo. The fort of "Simbirsk" was strategically placed on a hill on the Western bank of the Volga River. The fort was meant to protect the eastern frontier of the Tsardom of Russia from the nomadic tribes.

Nowadays Ulyanovsk is known as the birthplace of Vladimir Lenin (Ulyanov). The largest museum dedicated to the leader’s life is the Lenin Memorial. The historical center of the city houses 17 museums that are part of Lenin’s Homeland State Historical and Memorial Museum-Reserve.

Ulyanovsk is also famous for its writers such as Ivan Goncharov, Nikolay Yazykov and Nikolay Karamzin, who wrote the History of Russia and introduced the letter «Ё».  Here also lived and worked such well-known  painters as Arkady Plastov and Nikas Safronov.

Ulyanovsk is also famous for its Civil Aviation Museum, Paleontological Museum, the Museum Estate of Merited USSR’s Artist Arkady Plastov, as well as Goncharov Sights.

Machine-building is the main industrial sector in the Ulyanovsk Region (over 50% of the manufacturing sector). This is mostly aircraft, automotive and transport manufacturing, as well power engineering. Aviastar-SP is the largest aviation plant that specialises in production of IL-76 heavy cargo planes and fuel tankers as well as Tu-204 aircraft and provides service maintenance for the An-124 Ruslan. 

I love Ulyanovsk for its beautiful nature! It is a quiet nice green city with a lot of parks situated on both banks of the Volga River!          Olga F., teacher of English