I spent fall 2004 living and studying in Vladimir, an ancient center of Russia and Orthodoxy founded in 1108. The city of about 380,000 is three hours east of Moscow and is part of the "Golden Ring" region, which is known for its distinct church architecture.

Vladimir is within 30 minutes of Suzdal and Bogolyubovo, also famous for ancient Orthodox churches. Although I was in this area most of the time, I also travelled across European Russia, getting to Moscow, St Petersburg, Yaroslavl' and the Black Sea coast.