Friday, July 27, 2007

Report from Russia

Since we arrived in St Petersburg on Wednesday afternoon, we have not stopped exploring this wonderful city. Our apartment is right in the centre of the city on Nevsky Prospect so we are close to everything.

We have admired the huge bronze statue of Catherine the Great - with her statesmen and lovers at her feet, explored the baroque Stoganov Palace and there was no beef in sight and examined the gilt windvane on the top of the steeple on the Admiralty Building. This ship shaped vane is a symbol of St Petersburg.

Yesterday afternoon we visited St Peter and Paul Fortress built in 1703 by Peter the Great. In the centre is the stunning cathredral where nearly all the Tsars are interred - including the whole family of the last Tsar only placed here in 1998 after their remains were located. Several other museums were located in the fortress including the History of St Petersburg inside the very large former Commandent's house. Looking for one of the other museums, we accidentally wandered into the office of the Secret Police but were promptly removed. We also visited the Museum of Space Exploration which includes the descent capsule from the joint mission with Apollo in December 1974.

Jeanie rejoins us this afternoon flying up from Prague.

3 comments:

Miss Di said...

St Petersburg sounds great, really interesting. I can believe you wandered into the office of the Secret Police, I can't believe they let you go so easily - ASIO would lock you up uncharged for weeks I'm sure. Make sure you join any parades that go past too

theotherbear said...

So did you find out anything good at the secret police?
Were they planning a ball or anything?

gailandrob said...

The really officious secret police are women and yes they do have balls!