Peter's Walking Tour
In the morning, our group got to meet the 'original' Peter of Peter's Walks. His city walks focus on other parts of St. Petersburg rather than those most visited by tourists, so on our walk, he took shortcuts through courtyards and back alleys--very interesting!
On a more serious side, Peter spent time telling us about the history of his city and country, including his own personal stories of growing up in Soviet Russia.
On a more serious side, Peter spent time telling us about the history of his city and country, including his own personal stories of growing up in Soviet Russia.
We learned that this fabulous building, now a famous multi-level bookstore, was originally the headquarters of the Singer Sewing Machine company! Our walk with Peter took us over a few of the city's ornate pedestrian bridges.
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We visited Kazan Cathedral, another restoration success. During Communist times, this was turned into the Museum of Atheism! We've learned that so many beautiful buildings have taken years to restore since the Soviet era and I felt fortunate to be able to see this building 'as it was' originally.
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While waiting to enter the cathedral, we watched these young soldiers practicing their official kicks, quick turns, and flag-folding. They were in high spirits! |
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I wasn't kidding about going down back alleys! Peter showed us another type of St. Petersburg's artistic expression. He explained that some of this graffiti had political undertones.
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Peter talked to us of 'contemporary' Russia. Listening to him, I realized that this country is continuing to evolve since its Soviet days. After returning home and later watching Russian protests in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities, I was reminded of his thoughtful insight.
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St. Isaac's Cathedral
Peter left us when we reach St. Isaac's Cathedral, where we were able to explore on our own.
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Etelka!! Here she is demonstrating the enormity of the cathedral's granite columns!
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The interior of the cathedral - Lavish decoration on a grand scale.
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There's a beautiful painting inside the dome centered by a silver dove. It's not easy to capture in a photo...
however, our tour buddy Sue had figured it out!
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Just for the record, there are 262 steps up to the terrace surrounding the dome. When we eventually got there, the views were superb!
Here's the Neva River with The Hermitage off to the right.
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A great overview of St. Isaac's Square in front of the cathedral.
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Farewell cruise and dinner
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Alas, our tour couldn't last forever! How quickly the time went. For our last evening, Etelka had big plans - aperitifs and celebratory champagne (she's dressed in a beautiful Hungarian costume!) at our hotel, then a canal cruise, and finally, one last traditional Russian dinner together.
We got on board our boat just around the corner from our hotel, then set off down the canal, with just a sprinkling of rain.
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The canal boats are long and low so that they can pass under bridges, a whole other way to view the city.
Here's a view on the right of The Hermitage, as seen from the Neva River.
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Here I am with my buddies Sue and Janet.
Etelka and Dawn
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Look at this main dish, full of chicken, potatoes, and beautiful fresh vegetables!
A few farewell photos were taken after dinner. It wasn't easy because our group was amazingly camera shy! I'd think I was taking a photo of someone, only to find out they'd 'slipped away' before I snapped the shutter!
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