A World of Our Own

While Hollywood movies never failed in depicting Russia as that cold, warmongering nuclear power, 6 years of living and being among the people in this wonderful land has taught me the exact opposite. If only less than 20 years ago Russia had seemed, to outsiders, hostile and unwelcoming, then the avalanche of change this country has experienced in the past 2 decades has not been in vain.

"But why Russia?" People always ask me, awe written on their faces as they secretly wondered what a girl like me was doing in a place like THAT.

I always tell them, as I will tell you now, again. "St Petersburg is the warmest, loveliest place I have ever seen. From the gilded thrones in magnificent Hermitage to that friendly old lady who gave you directions on how to get there and ended up taking you there herself, Peter's city is indeed great, both in body and in mind."

As proud as Russians are of their cultural and historical heritage, they are surprisingly more welcoming and tolerant of foreign culture than Hollywood makes them out to be.

Last year we went for the Zolotaya Osen' (Golden Autumn) Song and Dance Festival at the
IMOP, and witnessed a dazzling display of cultural shows presented by students from all over the world. This year's Zolotaya Osen' was everything but disappointing.

As talent, like fireworks, set the concert hall ablaze, applause brought the world together under one roof that night the last autumn leaves fell in St Petersburg.

Mongolia - Mongolian Song

Russia - Dance

Africa (Namibia, Gambia and some others) - A Capella


China - Tibetan Dance

Mongolia - Khoomii with Instruments

Russia - Belly Dance

Morocco - Moroccan Rap

Germany - Accordion

Kazakhstan - Song in English, Russian and Kazakhstani

Russia - Hip-Hop

Russia - Song with Belly Dance

China - Dance

Russia - A Capella Choir

China - Peacock Dance

Mongolia - Morin Khuur (Horse-head Fiddle)

Russia - Dance

Russia - Rap

Malaysia and Russia - Fusion Dance

Myanmar - Acoustics and Vocal

Vietnam - Dance

Russia - Vocal and Acoustic

Africa (Namibia?) - Drums

China - Song

India - Song

Russia - Swedish Song

Malaysia and Russia - Traditional Indian Dance

Africa - Dance

Kyrgyzstan (?) - Ballroom Dance

Russia - Song

India and Russia - Russian Song

Russia - Folk Song with Guitar

Russia - Folk Song with Balalaika

Russia - Folk Song with Flute and Vargan

As someone so perfectly summed up the night that brought the world a bit closer...

"Prize? what are you talking about!? my best award's given to me by Allah, these are my friends: Jaya, Asha, Irfaan, Yogi, Akshaya, Bineetaa, Umma, Angel, Andre, Ashwin, Jolie, Jason, Mathew, Xiao Chiann and others, whom I appreciate and love!! This is the best prize one could ever get! I don't need any statuette on the shelf.. What for if it's only plastic? True friendship is much more dear and important to me!!!"

Daniya Sabirova, Facebook