I can see Russia from my backyard!

I am not sure if you have looked at a map of Finland recently, but if you have, you may have noticed that Finland borders only three countries—Sweden, Norway and Russia.  Joensuu, the average-sized town where I reside, is considered a "border city" because of its proximity to Russia.  Indeed, Russia is only an hour east of Joensuu.  Folks, I can see Russia from my backyard!

Needless to say, a trip to Russia is an obvious must.  And so, when the student union began selling tickets this past week, I was one of the first in line to sign up.  In mid-October, I will be taking a four day trip to the elegant town of St. Petersburg.  Located directly south of Joensuu, a bus will be our main mode of transportation.  While I am there, I will have the opportunity to visit one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world, tour a local fortress and cathedral, and perhaps even take an evening boat trip down the city canals.  In the meantime, I need to fill out a Russian visa application and figure out where to get passport photos taken in Joensuu.