Last week I introduced to you my university through the sounds I hear there every day. This week will be an introduction to my new “home” through the sounds of the city.
Kazan is a city in Southwest Russia, on the banks of the Volga and Kazanka rivers. The capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, a semi-autonomous region. It’s known for the centuries-old Kazan Kremlin, a fortified citadel containing museums and sacred sites. Kremlin landmarks include the tiered Tower of Soyembika, the blue-and-gold domed Annunciation cathedral.
In April 2009, the Russian Patent Office granted Kazan the right to brand itself the “Third Capital” of Russia. In 2009 it was chosen as the “sport capital of Russia” and it still is referred to as such. It is one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
I have found that Kazan is also a student city. Students from cities around, near and far, come to Kazan to study. If I take a guess, I would say that 60% of the population is aged between 18-38. It definitely is a lively city. Even on a Monday at 22:00, you will find people shopping. And I don’t mean movie theaters that always stay open till late or some supermarket. I’m talking about shopping as in, clothing, shoes, make-up, personal care, perfumes and jewelry kinda shopping. And that’s during the week…on a Monday! You can then just imagine the weekends!
Transport is also a very convenient thing. Don’t have a car? No problem! You don’t have to feel like you are stuck or can’t go out because where you want to go is far. If walking is not an option because it’s too far, not because it would be unsafe, because it is very safe. (Everyone walks everywhere) Then there are many busses, railway busses, a metro and taxi’s like Uber to choose from.
And here is where I can introduce to you some of the beautiful and interesting sounds I hear in the city. So that you can get an idea of how interesting, beautiful, unique and safe this city is.
My expedition to the top of the Epiphany Cathedral, The Belfry. It took us 6 min to get all the way to the top! The higher you go the steeper the steps get and I can honestly say it could give you a nice pre-workout, workout! It’s all worth the view and …sounds!
Haha, yes you can clearly see that I did not expect the bell to start ringing as I was taking the video, and right into my ear! Take a look!!! 😀
Then there is the Metro! Not only is it the quickest way to get to the center, (on foot, which I do very often, it can take about 15/20 min, depending you pace…and this is if there is no snow!) it also has some lovely entertainment … for free! We all get so busy sometimes, we don’t take time to notice the beautiful sounds that could brighten up our days, right around us. When you get accustomed to these sounds you start to become deaf to them. I almost did! Walking through the metro I often hear an accordion player that I almost missed these 2 violin players the other day. I love seeing artist sharing their art in public. Makes me feel like I’m not only in an artistic university but also an artistic city.
This I would say is like in most of the other European cities I’ve visited as well. Not only will you find something interesting in the Metro but also outside in the center. A performer entertaining the locals with some of their favorite songs. (sorry the clip is so short)
Having friends also being artist in the music industry, you get to support them while they perform and do what they love. A group of us friends went out to support one of our friends playing their music.
He is the bass guitar player.
You can see why I say this is an artistic city to me. If that doesn’t convince you…Does this?
Not a sound but a mural done by someone = an Artist!
Artists everywhere!!!
Here is some more photos of my new city.
It started snowing last night and hasn’t stopped since!
I have also found a Christian Church! It’s small, but my soul feels at home!!!
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Talk to you all later!
To Live is To Dance!
xoxo
