On Thursday morning we boarded a train to Saint Petersburg, ending our mini tour of Scandinavia in Helsinki. The train journey passed quickly, and, as expected, included several passport and visa checks. Almost immediately upon arrival into Saint Petersburg, it dawned on us just what it meant to be in a land where the alphabet is unrecognisable from the one with which we’re accustomed. Navigating our way to a hostel via a Metro doesn’t usually warrant a celebration. But this was different!
After several long days, we were both in need of a rest, and even more in need of a washing machine. After eating, and browsing the shops in Galleria, we were relieved to confirm that Russia is far less expensive than Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. And because we’re well brought up individuals, we washed our clothes (just so you know, Kathleen, Mam, Gran).
On Friday we were back in tourist mode. We joined a free walking tour of the city, where our guide, Irene, described some of Russia and Saint Petersburg’s history. Stops included the beautiful Winter Palace and Hermitage, Alexander’s Column, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the lavish Church of the Saviour on Blood. The tour finished with our second walk of the day along the unbelievably long main street, Nevskiy Prospekt. We spent the afternoon at The Hermitage, which is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world, founded by Catherine the Great. It is spread over six huge buildings and it’s said that if you were to look at each item in The Hermitage for one minute, it would take you eight years to see everything! Firstly, we explored the grandeur of the Winter Palace’s elaborate décor, classical antiques and fine art from all around Europe. We later spent a couple of hours exploring the Gifts from the East and West and Art Nouveau exhibitions in the General Staff Building.
Saturday morning started with our first run in Russia. We ran from Nevskiy Prospekt Metro station, completed a lap of the Peter and Paul Fortress, which sits on an island in the Neva River, and then got the Metro back to the hostel. Having left our bags at the train station, ready for Saturday night’s journey to Moscow, we made our way to the Kunstkamera museum to check out its ‘curiosities’. The first museum in Russia, it was established by Peter the Great, who was fascinated by anatomical and human rarities. He displayed the collection publicly in an attempt to debunk the superstitious fear of monsters. Highlights included ‘two headed beast with brain hernia’ and a stuffed four legged chicken!
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Travel in Trainers 