Russia: St. Petersburg quick tour

St. Petersburg was the highlight of our Baltic cruise. Perhaps for the architecture and art. Perhaps for the mystery of post-communism and efforts to rebuild. Perhaps for the glittering echos of the Czar, Peter the Great.

The day began sunny.

Canals are lovely.

We were entertained for lunch in a grand hall by traditional Russian music.

Buildings are so ornate.

By mid-afternoon the rain started pouring. It limited what we saw and slowed our tour due to heavier than usual traffic jams.

Opportunity was given to shop. Amber, Vodka and hand carved dolls were popular.

We returned late to our ship because of the rain.

On board Russian singers and dancers treated us.

We pulled out of the harbor after midnight. Because it is close to the Arctic Circle, in June it hints of daylight almost around the clock.

Russia: St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage is a world class museum on par with the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. It houses masterpieces from centuries and civilizations around the world. And it is an old palace of amazing structure and treasures.

This bird to the right is a clock. There is a lot of molded gold in this museum and beautiful intricate handcrafted objects. Also noteworthy are the magnificant ballrooms, archways and grand staircases.

Even the walls are works of art.

The Return of the Prodigal, by Rembrandt

http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/index.html

http://www.bridges-across.org/ba/nouwen.htm An excerpt from the book on the Return of the Prodigal, by the Theologian Henri Nouwen. This book touched my husband, Bob, and inspired him to want to see this painting for himself. This was a major factor in our taking a Baltic cruise going to St. Petersburg and taking a tour going to the Hermitage.

It was a bit of challenge taking photos here for two reasons. One is that we were not allowed to use flash. Of course. To protect these precious paintings. (It irked me that many did anyway!!!). And then all the cruise ships seemed to have their tours all arrive at the same time so it was quite crowded at the same attractions. Still... it was worth going and I think some photos turned out well in spite of the hindrinces.

Russia: St Petersburg: St Peter and St. Paul Fortress

St. Petersburg is named for Peter the Great, a Czar of Russia who moved from Moscow to begin this port city on the Baltic Sea. He is buried in the tomb above, with his wife, Catherine.
This fortress was begun in the early 1700s when Peter the Great was just establishing the town.
The St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral is mostly used now as a museum.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_and_Paul_Cathedral