Excursion to Novgorod the Great
The late summer, warmed up September not only in St. Petersburg, but also Novgorod, where the students, faculty and stuff went on an excursion.
Great weather and spirit accompanied the excursion all the way from St. Petersburg to Novgorod. Travelling along the old Russian highway from St. Petersburg to Moscow, they were introduced to the history of the area and important peoples that lived there or had described the beautiful Russian landscape in their masterpieces.
Novgorod the Great itself surprised them with a peaceful atmosphere and clear air above the Volkhov River. During the trip, they visited Novgorod's Kremlin, famous for its legend of Sadko. During the tour of Sophia's Cathedral, the guide spoke of the legend attributed to this orthodox cathedral and its history. It had conquests by enemies in ancient times, bombings during WWII, and was visited by many historical persons like Ivan the Terrible. 
Following the nourishing excursion around the Kremlin, the group travelled to St. Yuriy's monastery. It is impressive for its grandiosity, architectural beauty, and location on one of the most beautiful shores of the Northwestern part of Russia on the Ilmen' Lake, from which the great Volkhov River originates.
While touring the monastery, its inhabitants treated them with delicious foods. After the virtual tour of the territory of the monastery, they went further to observe the architectural history of Russia in the wooden village of Vitoslavitsiy.
The end of the excursion was at Yaroslavskiy Court, the historical center of international trade of Russia in Novgorod.
Filled with pleasant impressions and knowledge of Russian history, the group left one of the oldest Russian cities which was turning 1150 years old in one week.
All those that went thanked the Lord for great weather and organizers of the excursion for a relaxing day.