Friday, May 8, 2015
Saint Petersburg, Russia - Day 1 (Day 7 at Sea)
We were up at 5 for breakfast and ready to disembark the ship at 6:30. It took an hour or so to pass through Russian customs, and when we made it to the other side, we were greeted by our SPB tour guides. Our guide was Maria Malakhova, a very knowledgeable scholar of history, culture and all things Saint Petersburg. It was clear she loved her city and was eager to show us all the precious jewels it had to offer.
We began our tour with a drive along the River Neva that flows through the heart of Saint Petersburg. We took a brief stop at one of the ancient Sphinxes that grace the city. They're over 3,500 years old.
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| One of two ancient Sphinxes in Saint Petersburg (3,500 yrs old), carved from pink granite |
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| It's a sign of good luck to touch the head |
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| Along the River Neva |
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| The Hermitage across the river |
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| Peter and Paul's Fortress |
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| Saint Petersburg selfie! |
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| Sea Lord at the Rostral Columns |
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| Banners were all over the city, celebrating Victory in Europe over the Nazis |
After taking photos of outside sculptures and visiting a souvenir shop, it was time to hit the Hermitage Museum. Because most museums in Saint Petersburg would be closed tomorrow, it promised to be very crowded. We waited in line for about 15 minutes, then slipped in before hours, a huge bonus when part of an organized tour. We took our coats and umbrellas downstairs before entering the exhibits. I'd been here before, 30 years ago this month, and it was wonderful to be back inside this magical palace.
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| Main Staircase |
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| What a stunning place! |
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| Ceiling |
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| Exquisite details all around |
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| Field Marshals' Hall |
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| Our guide, Maria |
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| Catherine the Great's great Peacock automaton |
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| Amazing tables |
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| Endless hallways |
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| Loggia |
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| Repentant Magdalene, Canova |
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| A room full of masterpieces |
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| Adoration of the Child, Fra Filippo Lippi |
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| Annunciation, Fra Filippo Lippi |
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| Leonardo Madonna and Child |
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| Leonardo Madonna and Child |
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| Madonna and Child, Raphael |
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| Madonna and Child, Raphael |
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| The Lute Player, Caravaggio |
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| Incredible malachite vases in the Malachite Room |
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| St. Bernard, El Greco |
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| Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, Canova |
We were at the Hermitage about 90 minutes, which of course was far too short, but we had so many other sights to see.
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| Retrieving our jackets and umbrellas |
The cloakroom was a madhouse, but somehow we managed to escape with everyone.
Our next stop before lunch was the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
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| All tiles inside. Amazing! |
After 30 minutes of photos inside the Church on Spilled Blood, it was time for lunch. We went to a delicious restaurant that served meat and berry pies. They were so good! I even had a Coke in cute little bottles.
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| The restaurant we had lunch |
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| Wonderful berry pie for dessert |
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| Our Group |
St. Isaac's Cathedral was next up. Wow. It's stunning inside.
Closing out our packed day was a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress. Tombs of the tzars are inside the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Our first day ended around 5. We were taken back to our ship and passed through security, which took about 30 minutes.
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| A banner hanging in port security |
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| The party starts tomorrow |
We had a great dinner in Concerto dining, then went to bed early. What an amazing first day in Saint Petersburg. Who knew that our second day would be even better!
Closing out our packed day was a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress. Tombs of the tzars are inside the Peter and Paul Cathedral. 
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