"War is not a paragraph from a book, but real people and stories": participants of "Routes of Victory" shared their impressions

Yelena Godunova from Novosibirsk won a trip in the draw for the new tourist programme "Routes of Victory." She was joined on the journey by her daughter Liliya Lukyanovich and grandson Nikita. The family shared their impressions of the two-day trip to Moscow and its surrounding areas.

"Our journey became a real immersion into the history, culture and spirit of Russia. We began at the National Centre RUSSIA – it's like stepping into a modern encyclopaedia of the country. Then we visited Vorobyovy Gory and took the cable car. The view of the city from above is mesmerising and unforgettable. A special place in the programme was dedicated to the Kremlin, the Alexander Garden and Zaryadye Park, where we were especially impressed by the virtual 5D flight. A major highlight was the visit to the Victory Museum and the exposition 'The Battle for Moscow. The First Victory.' The combination of advanced technology and historically accurate scenery creates a powerful sense of presence," said Liliya Lukyanovich.

She also was impressed by the "Museum of Music," which features an exposition showing how art helped people maintain morale, find unity and draw inspiration during the Great Patriotic War. She emphasised that the "Routes of Victory" programme was rich, well-structured and deeply meaningful.

"First of all, this project helps people feel part of a great country. Secondly, it allows us to connect with the memory of our heroes. Thirdly, it offers the chance to visit authentic locations where the parade of 7 November 1941 took place – the very place from which troops departed directly to the front. We also saw the grand Main Cathedral of the Armed Forces, which reflects the history of the Russian military and glorifies it. Other locations, including the exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA, will not leave anyone indifferent," said Yelena Godunova.

She noted that she has been studying and researching the history of the Great Patriotic War, its heroes and human stories for the past 20 years. Yelena even has her own teaching materials.

"In such a short time, we saw so many interesting things. I really enjoyed visiting the National Centre RUSSIA – it’s very modern and beautiful, with many interactive zones and screens. I even sent a greeting from space to my dad. The cable car was high, but everything was clearly visible and not scary at all. The other places on our route were just as exciting. This trip was really special and important. I realised that war is not a paragraph from a book, but real people and stories. Thank you to everyone who organised this trip," shared Nikita Lukyanovich.

"Routes of Victory" is a joint project by the National Centre RUSSIA and the National Exhibition Centre "BelExpo." It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the heroic history of two brotherly nations and learn about the events that changed the course of history forever. The two-day educational journey is dedicated to the feats of our ancestors during the Great Patriotic War.