St. Petersburg is renowned not just for its architectural beauty and historical depth but also for its peaceful natural setting, especially in summer. For a group of 22 Bangladeshi students studying at different universities across the city, one perfect July weekend offered a chance to leave the classrooms behind for some time and return to nature, friendship, and cultural identity.

Photo courtesy of the author

The plan: more than a picnic

The idea started as a discussion among a group of students from several universities in St. Petersburg, including ITMO, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, and others. The casual suggestion "Let's go somewhere outside the city" quickly evolved into a solid plan. Despite the fact that we studied at different universities, we had something in common — our roots, and above all, the shared nostalgia for community.

Over the next few days, we had everything ready — accepting contributions from all members, listing essentials, purchasing groceries, marinating meat for BBQ, packing sports gear, and managing logistics. It was no more an outing; it was a team effort now, and everybody had a role to play to turn it into reality.

The journey: from Finlandsky Railway Station to forest trails

On the morning of the trip, we gathered at Finlyandsky Railway Station at 8:00 AM, with provisions in our bags and expectation in our hearts. Some of us were half asleep, but excitement soon replaced drowsiness. We caught the 8:40 AM train to Komarovo, a town famous for its pinewoods, dachas, and proximity to picturesque lakes. The round ticket was only 220 rubles per person, making it an affordable outing for budget-conscious students. The train journey took only 30 minutes, and we reached Komarovo Station. We were to take taxis from there to Lake Shchuchye, but there were none available. Rather than be disappointed, we decided to accept the surprise. We began our 3.5 km walk on foot through winding trails, muddy tracks, and sunny forest clearings. The walk, which took around 50 minutes, turned out to be one of the day's highlights. Laughter, song, spontaneous jokes, and photo sessions made the distance disappear.

The destination: Lake Shchuchye

When we arrived at the lake, the landscape right away made it worthwhile. Shchuchye Lake, its calm waters reflecting the blue sky and surrounding trees, offered peace, freshness, and freedom. We found a clearing near the lakeshore, with forest all around us, and quickly turned it into our headquarters.

We split up into groups — some started the BBQ grill going, some set up the food area, and some made a beeline for the water to get a dip in. We played cricket, football, and cards, barbecued chicken, kebabs, and snacked on our favorite Bengali foods. Bengali songs reverberated through the forest, punctuated by gusts of laughter and the odd splash when someone cannonballed into the lake. We spent the afternoon lounging in the grass, swapping stories of life in Russia. Some of us strolled off on surrounding trails or sat by the water in silence. It was a day of freedom, community, and joy.

Reflections on culture, community, and life in Russia

Living in a different country like Russia has its own set of challenges — language issues, freezing cold, and study pressure. But it is moments like these which serve to remind one of the power of shared culture and friendship. Although physically far from Bangladesh, we could recreate a little bit of home through food, music, and friends.

This picnic was more than just a social event — it was a reflection of who we are. It was a reminder that even in a city where we are surrounded by unfamiliar streets and unfamiliar words, we are not alone. Our cultural heritage accompanies us, and when we come together, it burns all the more radiantly. It was also a small but meaningful moment of cultural exchange. A few curious locals passed by and asked us about our games and food. We explained our traditions to them and invited them to try our grilled dishes. They shared their favorite picnic spots with us and recommended new places to go. This friendly exchange showed that despite nationality or language barriers, nature and food can always bring people together.

For most of us, this outing was a well-deserved respite from the rigors of student life. With lectures, part-time work, and paperwork in between, it's not difficult to forget to take things slow. Taking a day out to be in nature taught us to seek balance — not necessarily academically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Coming back with more than pictures

When the sun began to set at around 19:00, we packed our things, cleaned up the area, and began to walk back to the station. We were tired but satisfied. Our clothes reeked of the smoky taste of barbecued food, our phones were full of pictures, and our hearts were full of wonderful memories.

On the train back to the city, we shared snacks and stories from the day. Some dozed off, and others were already planning the next outing.

In the end, it wasn't a picnic by itself — it was a party: for friendship, identity, and the pleasure of slowing down. In a city of high-speed student life, this day gave us space to breathe, to bond, and to belong.