This is my first entry outside the UK, and I have to apologise for it taking so long to make, having left Heathrow on Thursday 17th January. (I got out just before the plane crash) It has been so hard to find an Internet cafe in St Petersburg that I had to wait till Moscow before I could make an entry.
I arrived at St Petersburg airport at 4pm Russia time and it was already getting dark. The Russians may look intimidating but I had no problems getting, in so they must be ok. The airport it's self is very basic but the military presence is your main welcome to Russia and they have to given you the niceties of Duty Frees upon arrival so stock up before. You then can risk the expensive Taxi's or go via bus the number13 bus will take you to the nearer metro and if you say metro to any Russia they will understand look out for Blue signs with a big M (Small m really). I then got the metro to Sadovoy. All metros are 14 roubles so you can just give them the money if you can work out the metro system. The
easiest way is to count the stops as you will seldom recognise the name on the map to one pronounced. They will give you a token so ensure you use this and don't mistake it for a Russia coin. The metro is very quick clean and regular so I would recommend using this method of transport as do the Russians. If you are here for a couple of days try to get a travel card or multi pass much cheaper still (14roubles is about 50p any stop).
St Petersburg wasn't as cold as I first thought but you will notice the change in temperature from your well heated room to the cold so be warned take an extra layer even if you feel warm at first. Gloves and hats are a must for this time of year.
Being on your own has it perks and to have so much freedom is great and so liberating. The language barrier really in inhibits how you do things but not what you do. I would recommend the Hermitage it is amazing and the works of art in there compete with the Louvre (Louvre wins in my opinion however the Hermitage is a more
inspiring building).
I then left St Petersburg on Monday 21st for Moscow and was joined by the rest of the vodka train (tour name) group. There are now four of us in total. It is nice to be with people again and to be able to share. They have come in a group and it is always hard to fit in with a group if you are on your own but they have been really open and welcoming which is great.
The St Petersburg train to Moscow was amazing it is so well kept and I would recommend an over night journey to anyone. Please note the drinks and food in the cabin is free not as we thought for extra. So take advantage. The train ride is smooth if the train announcements are nothing but abrupt. Sit back and relax or if overnight lay back and relax (what a great experience) (the train looked like the Hogwarts express if that helps).
Moscow is amazing and once again cold but I wouldn't want to see it any other way. The snow really shows what Russia is about. Carrying on and striving to succeed not matter what. The Kremlin looks amazing
and very intimidating. We will be going in tomorrow as was shut on Thursday (not sure if always the case). The city has so many sights and they all seem like no expense has been sparred when building them. Lenin's tomb was very unusual there was a lot of hype from the locals but I was not impressed until you think about what the man has achieved and represents and still does to this day. It sends a shiver down you spine and is reverberated through your body and the Russian guards stand over you watching your every move. We have had a honcho for Moscow and St Petersburg who is like a tour guide e but different I would really recommend using this scheme or option. They possess so much knowledge and really make you get the best from your experience.
Trans Siberian Train next should be amazing but not looking forward to 3 days straight on train will be topping up on nibbles for journey.
Russia's Flag
Map of Russia