The Land of Soul-Stirring Magnificence; St Petersburg.

Quietly sitting and reading in the corner of my hostel bunk bed in Florence, my roommate approached me. She was from Shanghai, spoke fluent Spanish and had just started conversing in English. She looked at my bag, it was the FCBarcelona 2016 season maroon colored edition, and looked at me eagerly. She said "You like football?"A giant smile lit up my face, and I nodded embarrassingly in all directions possible in an attempt to say yes. She insisted me to look into her phone screen, and said "here, apply here. Its to volunteer for the FIFA WC in 2018." I was unaware that anyone could volunteer, and was one of the many people who would stare at the kids who got selected for football game ceremonies with extreme envy. I always believed they were the chosen ones, the ones representing organisations or had personal contacts within the industry. (Nepotism, gah!) I sat for an hour with her phone, trying to construct the most efficient answer to the question "Why should you be the one picked to volunteer for the FIFA WC 2018 in Russia". When you're in dire need to say something smart in a particularly urgent situation, your brain is wired to either think of ridiculous songs, or say things like "Because why not? Or I love the sport so much, you must take me!"

Fortunately, she was kind enough to leave her phone with me for a little while longer. There's an infectious energy that passes on to your audience when you are passionate about something in particular, no matter which medium you choose to express it with. I therefore, chose to go with being true to myself, shared my journey so far with the sport, and the inexhaustible love I have for football.

A couple months later, in 2017, I was shortlisted for the interview. And before I knew it, on 22nd February, 2018, my birthday morning, I was checking my email and there it was! "Уважаемый волонтер!Мы рады сообщить, что Вы успешно прошли отбор для участия в Чемпионате мира по футболу FIFA 2018 в РоссииTM!" Oh wait. "Dear volunteer, We are delighted to inform that you have successfully passed the selection process for volunteers at the 2018 FIFA World CupTM!"

I graduated in May 2018, and I was off to prepare for this phenomenal (or should I say pheno'manal'?) event in June and July 2018.

---

A certain raw, unadulterated spirit was deep-rooted among the Russians, the many that I met, the many I made eye contact with, the many I overheard conversations of. The vibe was carefree, not apathetic. It was real, not sugar-coated. And if you stayed long enough, especially during this festive time, the inclusivity and warmth would sweep you off your feet. St Petersburg, the former imperial capital offers you a buffet of cultural experiences, starting from the renowned ballet and opera hosting theaters, to museums displaying both orthodox and contemporary Russian art, to palaces which were former homes to Russian emperors. Violinists playing classics, local vendors selling Matryoshkas (the traditional wooden Russian dolls), the inviting smell of Pirozhki (local pie; with options of several different fillings), and a cheery smile from faces with mesmerizing blue eyes are only a few of the numerous reasons you must visit SPB.

Here's a list of my top to-do's in St Petersburg:

• If you are as much an enthusiast of vintage cars as I am, St Petersburg is a treasure chest of iconic cars created in communist Russia. You'll very often see the Laza Riva, the GAZ M21 and Moskvitch 407 casually rolling past you probing you to check your bank balance and sigh in disappointment. Here are my top 5 breathtaking wheels I dedicated a day to capture!

• Keep an empty day to walk around the streets of St Petersburg to listen to some pleasing music, pick up alluring hand painted post-cards, appreciate and buy work of local artists. Who knows, you may get as lucky as me and spot a little Pug who will play some tunes on the strings of your heart.

• To experience grandiose, you must head to Peterhof and Catherine's Palace, Pushkin. Catherine palace's baroque style, loud decor and edgy colors are certain to leave you in awe. Prepare to be enchanted as you are given a tour of the extravagant ballroom, the renowned Amber room lined with amber all over, the desirous chandeliers, the Agate room with its lush collection of artifacts. The palace is approximately 45 minutes to an hour away from the center of St Petersburg and is easily accessible by taxi or train. Depending on the days, the entry charges vary from 500 RUB to 800 RUB. Peterhof, on the other hand, can be reached via hydrofoils (most recommended!), mini-buses, rail or car. Located 30 kms from the city center, this ravishing property is an exhibition of some of the most captivating garden estates, fountain systems, and some stunning chambers. (Note: Each part of the palace has a separate entry fee.)

• St Petersburg, is very correctly called the Venice of the North. It is home to some breathtaking rivers and canals, which are also integral to trading, tourism and other activities. Neva River, Fontanka River, Moika River, Griboedov Canal, Kryukov Canal, Swan & Winter Canals, Bolshaya Neva and Malaya Neva Rivers are among the most scenic of many waterways in and around St Petersburg. Do not forget to take the River boat cruise if you visit during the white nights (i.e. the months of June & July) and watch the bridges open as you stare in wonder.

• You will have to extend your stay if you begin to check off all these historically intriguing places in St Petersburg. -The Hermitage - St Isaac's View - Russian Museum - Peter and Paul Fortress - Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood - Street Art Museum

• I've had my most fine dining experiences in St Petersburg! The Ginza Project restaurants include several of the best options for whichever cuisine you seek to treat yourself with. This one may be slightly heavy on the pockets, but 'Tsar' was a place where I splurged on just hot tea and honey cake a couple times while enjoying traditional Russian dance performances. Look up The Ginza Project online and indulge in some delicious dining experiences. (Note: Russian cuisine is heavy on meat, and if you eat anything that moves, you must try: Beef Stroganoff, Borscht, Solyanka, Shashlyk and Pirozhki i.e. the local pie.)

• What's a trip to Russia without tasting some of their best Vodka! From the boundless forests, to the imperial cities, to its alpine regions, Russia is the birth place of some of the finest vodka in the World. With a geographical advantage, the brands use waters from the local springs, and thus probe one to use "this alcohol went down like water" with every sip. Here are my top 5 brand recommendations: - Beluga - Mamont - Russian Standard - Baikal - Stolichnaya

I've always been a firm believer in the saying that "what you seek is seeking you". The desire of a little girl who wanted to be on the other side as she gazed at the TV screen watching football for the past 8 years couldn't remain unanswered. The curiosity of a woman behind what it takes to organize a leading sport event couldn't remain unaddressed. I urge you, to seek your passion, your innate desires that put life in your breath, without being imprisoned by reason and logic.

Happy Travels! Manal Bole