I love Russia, I love it here so much. In my life today is one of the best. Woke up early, free of jet lag and took off on our own personal walking tour of St. Petersburg. Found a lovely coffee chain and had some great Americanos. Then at 11am we joined in on a bike tour for about 3 hours. This tour took us all over the city, highlighting the major as well as not so well known spots in the area - and working our asses off as well! At the end of the day we visited the Hermitage, the biggest museum in Russia and one of the biggest in the world. Great day, am completely beat though. I feel great, I feel like I have my heart back, like I am me again. ... read more

Phew, have had a quick nap. That whole waking up at 4am in Nevada on a Friday and ending up in a Russian grocery store Saturday night is rough on a woman! Wow = memories of traveling in the Peace Corps have just flooded my mind since I got here. In addition to being cool points of reference, they also help me to fee like a more capable traveler; maybe I did learn something afterall. St. Petersburg is amazing so far. As expected the frenetic tempo, the chaos, is something this rule follower loves. People drive like crap, walk where they want, see you standing there waiting for you to move and don't give a #@$, and people have also been incredibly kind; pointing out our way when needed, telling us how to pay the bus ... read more

So I have followed Amber's lead and packed several times and narrowed my pack to just under 17 lbs. I didn't take a picture but trust me I will be styling while trekking. Just watch here and see. I am so wound up I don't know what to do next. Eric is the best, supportive and protective at the same time, I am going to miss him and Casey, but I will have so much to tell them when I get home. I have followed the packing list for Rick Steves backpack to the letter and can't wait to see how the new Hush Puppies work on the cobble stones of St. Petersburg!... read more