The PTPI Mission in Action

This morning we began by traveling to the American Cultural Center to hear a presentation by a United States Foreign Service Officer currently working in the Economics Department of the American Embassy in Moscow. The officer spoke to us of her experiences in the Foreign Service and talked to us extensively about the G-8 Summit which recently concluded in St. Petersburg.

After our briefing and lunch, we journeyed to the Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital. It was in better condition than I had expected, though it still was not near as sterile or modern as most hospitals in the USA. When we arrived, we were brought into a large conference room and asked to take a seat amongst approximately 100 of the patients who were at the hospital for treatment. The Chief Physician welcomed our delegation (via a translator) to the hospital and Mary Jean Eisenhower, President and CEO of PTPI, presented a donation on behalf of the delegation to the hospital. Once this was finished, all of the Russian patients in the room came and gave each of us a bag that included a shirt, hat and pen. Many of the delegates, including myself, gave the Russian patients the gifts that we had brought for them in return.

We were then split into 6 groups and taken on walking tours through various wards of the hospital to meet more patients. Each and every delegate was touched on some level by the patients we interacted with and the things we witnessed while on our tour. The patients and their families were so thankful to us for being there, and we each were moved by specific interactions we each had with certain patients.

After dinner at the Hard Rock Café, we had the opportunity to go to the Moscow Circus. It was amazing and the things that the people and animals were doing were incredible. There were monkeys, elephants, dogs, trapeze artists, ice skaters, clowns and acrobats of all kinds! Overall, everyone had a good time and we returned to the hotel exhausted after another great day. This trip is amazing, and though we are sad to leave Moscow tomorrow evening, we know that Novgorod and St. Petersburg hold great things for us!

-Written by Amanda Kincaid and Erin Lee

The Heart of Moscow

After the anticipation of two days, we finally were given the chance to spend a full day in Russia and experience its impressive architecture and unfamiliar culture. The experience up to today has been surreal, though today I think our American delegation began to grasp what this country is all about.

From our first night’s rest in the fantastic Renaissance Marriott Hotel, we went on our three buses with our respective groups and started our day. First, we visited the Moscow Kremlin and Armory with our Russian tour guides. The architecture and craftsmanship here is elaborately detailed and skillful unlike anywhere else in the world. We now understand the magnificence of Russian buildings and various artworks have gained international recognition as we were truly awed by the Kremlin and the treasures held in the Armory today. We went on to eat our lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant inside the Kremlin and our delegation got the chance to taste a foreign cuisine.

Next, we proceeded to the Red Square which was established in the 15th Century and presently serves as a popular meeting place for festivals and public gatherings. Standing in the center of Red Square we were left in awe by the sights of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Tomb. They also had a mall foreign to any of those seen in the states, with the exception of all the American stores. It was during the excursion of our group through the mall that we truly realized how prevalent our country is in other cultures, though we see relatively nothing of many other cultures in the U.S. We continued on ward through our tightly scheduled day and found ourselves in the roadside shops of Sparrow Hills with the unique opportunity to view gothic skyscrapers of Moscow’s State University beyond the Moscow River. From bargaining with the Russian shop owners to getting ripped off, I think everyone enjoyed the adventure nonetheless.

Soon, we were boarding a boat for our arranged dinner cruise on the very river we had gazed at all day. It was during this boat voyage through the amazing sights and scenery of Russia’s awe-inspiring capital that we met with People to People International members from the Moscow Chapter and enjoyed again the Russian delicacies of mixed vegetables and interestingly shaped meat. It was a great ending to our first day in Moscow.

From our experiences today we have gained a glimpse at a very foreign yet enticing Russian culture, while also building friendships with Russians and fellow Americans alike that are bound to linger far beyond this journey. We can only predict a portion of what will happen next by glancing at our schedule, but the deeper connections we shall have and personal growth we feel will always surprise and inspire us. This, I think is the true purpose of People to People International.

-Written by Ryan MacDowell with assistance by Ali Hruschka

We are Here!

Some of us smiled and some of us yawned, but deep down no matter how any of us felt, there was a tiny bit of excitement, an excitement noticeable to all as we stepped on that outrageous Russian airline, Aeroflot. It greeted us all with blue and orange leather seats, later found to be uncomfortable. Through that small, yet harsh 10 hour plane ride, sleeping occurred, friendships were made and "The Pacifier" in Russian was enjoyed by none. But in the end, it was not that bad because we arrived in Moscow safe and sound. Cranky and tired, all 80 of us stood on line for immigration, and then stood on line for immigration some more.

One after another, our access to an exciting journey in Russia was accepted; and on the other end of customs, Tatiana, one of our Moscow City Guides, awaited us. We followed Tatiana's voice (she told us she is too short to be followed by sight) outside of the airport doors and saw Moscow for the first time. As we boarded the buses for the hotel, Tatiana's voice rang out "Welcome to Moscow, we are in Moscow!"

Today's post provided by Kevin Williams and Ayn Wisler

Stay tuned as we begin our Russian Experience!!!

GYFHC Delegates Arrive in Moscow!

A tired, but excited group of 76 delegates and 6 leaders have arrived in Moscow, checked into the Rennaissance Hotel and now have time to rest and relax before tonight's briefing!

A special representative from KMP Tours will visit the hotel and brief everyone on what to expect during the coming days. Stay tuned and watch for more details as their journey continues!

Getting Ready for the Big Day

Just a quick note to let you all know that all GYFHC delegates have arrived safely in NYC! We had a great day and wonderful evening getting to know one another. Tomorrow we head to the airport after spending the morning going over a few last details. We'll be back in touch when we land in RUSSIA!

Dear GYFHC Delegates,

Well, your Delegation Leaders (minus Barb who will be joining us on Sunday) have arrived in New York City! We spent this evening preparing for your arrival tomorrow, and all cannot wait to meet you!

Safe travels to each of you as you journey to the Big Apple!!

In Anticipation,

Your 2006 GYFHC Delegation Leaders

Kay, Steve, Barb (represented by the gold lion), Brandon, Katherine and Sarah

Message from Mary Eisenhower

Dear GYFHC Participants --

I can't believe we will be in Russia in just over a week! I am confident this will be an amazing program and am looking forward to spending time with each and everyone of you.

2006 marks the 50th Anniversary of PTPI's founding by my grandfather. It is especially important that we are returning to Russia since that was the location of our first citizen exchange program.

Our adventure in diplomacy, understanding, humanitarianism and friendship is just beginning.

Your partner in peace,

Mary Jean

The countdown begins!

10 days and counting till we meet in New York! This will be a fantastic opportunity and experience. We hope you will encourage your friends and familiy to stay tuned to our blog and follow along on our journey throughout Russia. See you soon!