As most of you know, we are now back in the USA. We are sad that our time in Europe has come to an end. But, all good things must come to an end, right? The transition, so far, has gone fairly well. Today, we finally have Internet!!! Time to get caught up on this blog of mine.
St. Petersburg, Russia...WOW! This stop was our reason for booking the cruise. It's the jewel of the week for sure. And, the best part...we got to spend two days here!
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| Off the ship and ready to go! |
Our two families booked a two day private tour. It was more cost effective, and we were able to see so much more than the cruise line could offer us. As Americans, it is necessary to have a VISA when touring Russia, so an organized tour with a guide is required. At the port, you must go through passport control to enter Russia and again to return to the ship. Bonus...we have Russian stamps in our passports. Pretty cool!
Our first stop on the tour was Peterhof Palace which is often referred to as the Russian Versailles.
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| The Grand Cascade before the fountains were turned on. |
Touring the lower gardens.
We returned just in time for the fountains to begin.
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| I just LOVE it when I find a good spot, and then someone comes and stands right in front of me 30 seconds before the show starts. SERIOUSLY??? This has infuriated me for the last four years. I've just started saying something. The lady on the right...yes she hears me saying how rude this is. Yes...I am fairly certain she can understand English. Ugh! |
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The beautiful fountains!
Notice how the crowds have increased, and I found a new place to stand. |
Peterhof during WWII
There are "magic fountains" on the grounds. You never know when they will turn on. You just have to take your chances running across.
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| Thomas was so disappointed the fountains did not get him. Funny how they always got the ladies wearing white pants. ;) See the guy behind the white bench. He's responsible, but the kids never figure it out. |
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| Peterhof is on the Gulf of Finland. |
More gardens!
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| Hmmm.....not sure I know who to share it with?? ;) |
A closer look at the fountains.
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| Unfortunately, the clouds rolled in. |
Next up...zipping across the Gulf of Finland in a hydrofoil.
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| Our ship is the one facing us! |
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| A 2018 World Cup stadium! You can say you saw it here first! :) |
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| There it is...The Hermitage! It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. It was founded by Catherine the Great and opened to the public in 1852. There are over 3 million works of art inside. We did not see them all. Ha! |
Scenes from the Hermitage Museum
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| Belgian tapestries |
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| Sledding anyone? |
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| This is a wine cooler! Very few are left because they were melted down during war times. |
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| This image cracks me up. I feel like we travel together a lot. LOL! |
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| Michelangelo's Crouching Boy |
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I had to throw elbows to get this shot!
Litta Madonna - da Vinci |
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The Return of the Prodigal Son - Rembrandt 1662-1669
This was a WOW moment! |
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| Palace Square and the Alexander Column |
We had a very quick stop at St. Isaac's Cathedral. This is the fourth largest dome cathedral in the world. We have visited the top four, but the fifth largest is Brussels. Unfortunately, we never made it inside that one. Geesh!
Later that evening, the girls went back into the city to enjoy Swan Lake! So much fun!!!
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Our tour was able to ask the ballerinas questions at the end of the performance. It was very up close and personal if you know what I mean. ;)
That concludes Day 1 in St. Petersburg, Russia! Check back for more!
Until next time,
Wendy |
