For most of history, Russia has often found itself at odds with the United States. For brief period during World War II, however, these nations found themselves to be unlikely allies in a fight for survival against Nazi Germany. It is in the spirit that Openendedsocialstudies.org founder Thomas Kenning traveled to Moscow to participate in the 73rd annual Victory Day celebration – one part Veteran’s Day, one part Fourth of July, one part Thanksgiving, this is a massive holiday for Russians.
Below are the Adventure Blog entries documenting that expedition from May 2018. Educational in their own right, his blog posts offer plenty of history, culture, and photos woven into a first person narrative, which attempts to present honestly and conversationally one traveler’s experience while conducting research abroad.
Consider reading these dispatches at face value, for enjoyment. Use them to plot a geographic course through Moscow, Russia or to plan a hypothetical student trip, or as a starting point to inspire an individual research project from questions that arise naturally while reading.
Happy travels and happy reading.
- May 6, 2018: On the Eve of Putin’s Fourth Term
- May 7, 2018: Stories
- May 8, 2018: New Perspectives in Art
- May 9, 2018: Victory Day, in which our hero inadvertently crosses Vladimir Putin
- May 11, 2018: Life and Death in Moscow, Russia
- May 12, 2018: What You Leave Behind
Find the lessons inspired by this expedition here – Victory Day in Russia.
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