Tim's Travelogue


 


Hello (or Privet, as they say in Russia!),

I am indeed back . . . after a nice vacation and a really wonderful week in Russia during which, yes, I did keep up with you on a daily basis.  It was extra nice since all other media over there is in Russian! [Ed: So this explains the Russian Domains in my SiteMeter. Duh.]

St. Petersburg is a beautiful city . . . a little rough around the edges from all the years of neglect and abuse, but still beautiful.  Definitely one of the world’s great cities.  I would put it right up with Paris, in fact, and for anyone who knows my love of Paris, that is really saying something.

Here are a few shots . . . the weather was not the best, but even with the clouds I think the beauty comes through.

Spas has got to be one of the world’s most beautiful churches.  Built on the site where one of the Czar’s was attacked (he later died as a result), the building was used to house potatoes during Soviet times!



The Hermitage was equally impressive inside and out.  It is a truly remarkable building in its own right.  The fact that it happens to house one of the world’s great art collections is almost a bonus.




Catherine’s Palace was a “summer” residence outside the city.  It is home to the fabled “amber room” . . . a room decorated entirely in amber (walls and everything).  The original was stolen by the Nazi’s in WWII.  It was recently recreated from pictures and re-opened to the public.




And the river view is a shot of St. Petersburg’s first official construction, the Fortress of Peter and Paul.  The city is built mostly on water so bridges and canals are prominent.



Hope you and your readers enjoy the little trip.  I loved it and am anxious to return.

Tim

Posted: Monday - August 30, 2004 at 10:11 AM         | |


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