'Wow!' is the first word that came to mind when we saw this church. We learned that after the Bolsheviks used the church as a warehouse, it took 27 years to restore.  It finally reopened in 1997.  This structure epitomized my image of 'romantic' Russia, and  I returned here several times to just gaze (and, of course, to take more photos!)

   After checking in to our hotel, the Pushka Inn, which was wonderfully situated, we spent our first night dining together.  Etelka led us through little alleys and shortcuts (just like the locals!) to a cozy basement restaurant where we had our first Russian dinner, Beef Stroganoff, complete with vodka shooters and a musical duo singing Russian folk songs! 

   Later that night, we walked home under clear skies.  Our hotel was only a few minutes from The Hermitage and the Palace Plaza, so Dawn and I walked over to see the night view of the lighted buildings.  The plaza was almost empty and we were able to simply stand, look around, and be awed by where we were.