Russia- Part 7 St. Petersburg

The last and final chapter in this memorable trip through Russia

 We sailed, into the sunset straight through the night towards St. Pettersburg...

 Day 10: We have arrived at our final destination, St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1713. Between 1732-1908, it ruled as Russia's imperial capitol. The layout of this marvelous city is such an interesting urban hub of islands encompassed by an intricate web of canals and rivers flowing in all directions through and around this city. In total, there are 342 bridges which connect all 42 islands together.

After spending the better part of my early morning at a local cafe, sipping espresso, talking with a wonderful friend I made on the ship it was time to explore! We spent the first day touring around the city, seeing and reveling in its many beautiful sights, monuments, architectural gems, gardens, cafes, and brightly colored buildings. The views of these cheerful looking buildings stretch along the embankment as far as the eye can see. Due to a height restriction on all structures built in St. Petersburg, no building can be taller than the Winter Palace.
 There is an overwhelming and lovely european feeling of romance within this remarkable city. It is filled with grandiose baroque and rococo palaces which pop out in the most vivid pastel color palate.

Here is one of the standout landmarks in St. Petersburg, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a rather morbid name, although fitting. This cathedral is a monument dedicated to Alexander II, built  on the very spot of his assassination.

After spending the day, no rather, after spending the past 10 days admiring the history and monuments around Russia, it was time to experience the vibrant nightlife in this city. Dancing shoes on, some vodka shots down, a cab ride called, and we were ready. The DJ was spinning a fun mix, we danced all night, clinked countless glasses of vodka, smoked from a hookah, and laughed all night. It is so easy to be in the mood to party when the sun doesn't go down until almost midnight and rises again less than 4 hours later. These white nights are so interesting, it was still fairly light out when we entered the club. At the end of the night, as we stumbled our sleepy bloodshot eyes out, the sun was just creeping over St. Petersburg's horizon. There was a feeling of magic in the air. It was hard to let a night like this end...

Some sleep was necessary, we still had some more sights to see and palaces to check out. 

Day 11: It was the first chilly, gray, rainy morning during our stay in Russia, it was extremely refreshing. Maybe the welcomed feeling I had for the rain clouds overhead had something to do with my cloudy head after late night dancing. Either way, all the colors in the city popped even more against this neutral gray and wet day.
We were headed to St. Catherine's palace. The grandiosity and magnitude of wealth on display in this marvelous place left me speechless. In its facade alone, there is approximately 100 kilo's of gold on display.

After a day strolling around a palace I just had to keep the fancy flowing. I put on my best, and headed out on a date by myself to the Russian ballet. The dancers performed Giselle, at the world famous Hermitage museum. Because I was solo, I easily squeezed right into the front row for this performance. I was so close to the orchestra, I swear the violinist almost poked me a few times as she was accompanying the dancers. Everything about this evening at the ballet was so lovely.  The story, music, costumes, and dance were breathtaking and moved me to tears.

Day 12: We spent the last and final day exploring Peterhof's palace and gardens. A place so wonderful, it is commonly refered to as the "Russian Versialles" Another over the top display and collection of art, furniture, and all things fine and lovely.

Every morning at 10am there is a water show set to music as the fountains turn on. The water feature in these fountains are gravity fed, and lead right out to the gulf of Finland. The splash and splendor created by this water display on this foggy morning, was sweet and spectacular. Once it was through we were able to enjoy the expansive garden, landscaped in a most aristocratic fashion to the highest standards. The air was fresh, the tulips were in full bloom, we couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sensation of drama and romance as we fantasized about what it may have been like to live such a life.  

After our morning at Peterhof's Morgane and I had a few hours to just walk around the city of St. Petersburg by ourselves. After eating over a weeks worth of Russian cuisine, we were dying for some pizza. That was our mission. How American of us, scouring this beautiful enchanting city, for a damn pizza pie, oh well.  Ultimately, it was so worth it, pizza and a cold beer never tasted so good.
Walking arm and arm with my travel companion, roaming afoot over countless bridges, along canals, always looking in so many directions to take the last sip of the cities sights in. We did not want this vacation to end. So what did we plan to do... not sleep of course. Once we boarded the ship for the very last time we made the most of it by dancing the night away with our many fellow tourist friends we had made along the way.
The shuttle came to pick us up at 3am. It was really hard to leave. I have fallen in love with so many parts, pieces, and people met in this country. Russia had utterly charmed me, and has the key to a very special place in my heart.

Russia- Part 6 Svirstroy

Day 8: We sailed through the night from Kizhi on to our next destination, Svirstroy. We wouldn't be touching land again until later in the afternoon.  We spent our down time doing what Russians do best, vodka tasting. Nostrovia!! 

Our vodka sampling was paired with caviar and traditional blinis. These round and golden pancakes are a symbol of the sun. Originally made on the last day of winter in celebration of the coming spring and summer seasons. Tradition has it that if a woman prepares many tasty blinis the spring and summer  harvest would be plenty and rich, full of health and success. They have since come to be a staple in the Russian diet.  

We all drank rather responsibly so we wouldn't be stumbling around the village of Svirstroy. After all, this area has a population of 1,000, no one wants to be the village idiot.  Once on land we poked into the cute little souvenir shops which are well known for their furs, and amber. I had been on the hunt the entire trip, and finally found the perfect piece of amber. It was a lovely amber ring for a great price. Not only are they well known for fur and amber, their economy is built on the local hydroelectric station. 

A very unique experience awaited us in this humble town of Svirstroy. We were being hosted by a local Russian family for tea, pastries, and perogies in their home. 

 Olga, our host, was just about as gracious as it gets. Not only did she prepare delicious treats for 18 guests, she also told us stories of the community, school and medical systems, occupations of the locals,  history of the town, and personal family stories of everyday life lived in Svirstroy. Her warm hospitality and stories shared were so wonderful in gaining new insight on the Russian culture.

From Olga's home, we went on to eat more food! This time our menu consisted of grilled shashlyk, Russia's very popular version of shish kebab. A tasty BBQ on a hot day with a cold beer, yes please!

 A day abundant in food, drinks, and good times, helps keep the belly full, laughter loud, and heart happy. 

NOSTROVIA!! 

Russia - Part 5 Kizhi

Day 7: The journey continued onward to Kizhi as we finally crossed from river way to the great Onega lake. The water was the darkest color blue and stretched across the entire horizon, speckled with the remaining ice from the long winter. 

As we crossed the expansive lake, I spent my time taking a matryoshka doll paining class. I have always thought these nesting dolls are adorable, so I jumped on the first chance to create one myself. I named mine Emily, mostly because my inner narcissist came out through the tip of the paint brush and painted it to resemble me slightly. One of the guests jokingly asked if she could buy it off of my, and a crew member pipes in "No one can take and Emily from Emily" 

As our matryoshka dolls dried it was time to step foot on yet another beautiful Russian region. I have to say Kizhi is, by far, my favorite... you will see why...

The churches on this island were built from round logs of pine, with not a single nail. As legend has it, the man who constructed it used only one axe for the entire structure, which he threw into the lake upon completion with the words "there was not and will be not another one to match it." The longevity and beauty of these churches are beyond impressive. The craftsmanship is impeccable, especially considering the time in which they were built. The smell of pine is still fresh and strong.  

The air in Kizhi is so crisp and clean, I have never seen a sky so blue. After our guided walking tour we were free to roam. Morgane and I immediately went back to the ship, laced up our running shoes and hit the soft green trails of this picturesque island. No music is necessary when you are surrounded by scenery this spectacular. 

The fresh air filled us with joy, we felt so free and energized so of course we decided to break out in a full on happy dance, do cartwheels in the field and attempted to skinny dip in the lake (sorry no photos of that brilliant idea).