Planning a study abroad event is not easy. But considering how many students (and praktikantki) had expressed a desire to go to the Bolshoi Theater, I was happy to use my knowledge of student tickets to oblige! So here’s a rough guide to planning such an event.
1. The first step was getting the idea, talking to people, gauging interest.
2. The second step was to choose a date. Thank you Lera for help with that!
3. The third part was spreading the word. I sent an email to our students, and Diane helped contact our prantikanty. Thank you Diane!
4. I asked for help with signing up for student tickets. The first part begins with getting on the list at the Bolshoi, which is admittedly a fairly sketchy process of talking to the random youth with a folded piece of paper. Thank you to everyone who helped sign us up!
And here we are in line for tickets!
5. Check that everyone knows when to come for tickets. I felt confident that we double-checked with everyone but Olga.
6. Complication. Something has to wrong. Sahree tried calling me a few times and I called back; neither of us could connect to the other through the Metro. But no problem- we got everyone together, in line, and ready on time to go so we all got our tickets. Great job, everyone!
7. Go to the show! Enjoy!
8. Take silly pictures afterward.
Look! The ruble bill and the real thing! So similar I can almost feel the rush of those powerful horses!
It was a little hectic to try coordinating such a group of people when we all had our own plans for the day. I hoped that everyone could come, then that they knew when to come, and finally that everyone would make it. It also proves that one can’t do it alone- my words of gratitude should show that planning only works when everyone works together to make it happen.