Blogs from Russia, Europe - page 15

Hello from St. Petersburg. We have now made an overnight ferry trip on the Princess Anastasia (the Princess was a member of the Czar's family the Communists murdered almost exactly 100 years ago). Our first impression of the ship was favorable compared to the Viking we have previously sailed and will two more times. Newer paint, carpet and other décor. However, when we were confronted with the ship's systems and meals we quickly altered our view. The buffets do not approach Viking. Can't drink the water-must buy bottled water from them. Furthermore, at the buffet where potable water is available a sign is posted not to fill water bottles. Really? Nonetheless they delivered us to St. Petersburg. Now for customs. Upon leaving Helsinki we were thoroughly assessed by a Russian official. Fully two occasions of seriously ... read more

14th/15th July St Petersburg Day One Russias most European city is the Jewel in the Baltic Crown and was Peter the Greats ‘Window on the West’. The European influence is that Helsinki and Tallinn are only a few hours away but it can take up to 9hours to reach Moscow. Needless to say the first day had the delays of passing through passport control and it seems better that you arrange tours through the Cruise because of visa restrictions. Day One Peterhof palace and Fountain gardens Day Two Catherine Palace and gardens Pictures paint a thousand words and I’ve whittled the photos down to some 30+ for the two days.... read more

SOLIVETSKY ISLANDS These are six islands located in the White Sea just 150 km from the Arctic Circle. The islands have long been used as a place of retreat and a place of exile. The Solivetsky Monastery was seated in the 15 th century. It is located on Solivaetsky Island. It was originally built as a monastery but has always had prisoners. The wall are built of hug boulders 6 meters thick and 11 meters tall. The main buildings are connected by covered walkways. The Uspensky Cathedral was built in 1551-1557, the Preobrazhensky Cathedral (1556-1564) and the Annunciation Church (1596-1601) Chu4ch of St. Nicholas 1834. There were also sleeping rooms for the songs, a kitchen and a refectory and a water mill on the premises. Many people still visit Solovetsky. There are two ferries that run ... read more

We are now home and our cruise has finished. As you will see from the info below we didn’t really have a lot of time to write of our experiences. Too many jam packed days and yet still more to see in Moscow. Russia has been fantastic and very different from my trip in 1978. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the introduction of private enterprises there have been many changes. It is becoming very westernized which means more cars, traffic jams, but there are now shops, plentiful foods and smiling people. It is very easy to get around, particularly as most signs and stores have English signs. The children learn English at school, but as with many countries, older people while they may have an understanding they do not speak it. They do ... read more

We weren’t sure what to expect of the sprawling Russian capital when we first go there. It was a beautiful city— that much was obvious. However, the word that immediately came to mind was “intense”. The megacity has a rather frenzied energy to it, which certainly gave it a lot of character. And let’s not forget how much rich history it has to offer! Here are some of the sites that we were able to visit when we were there. We hope this will help you with your own itinerary when you visit Moscow! Kremlin The Kremlin is probably the most important historical structures in the entire country, which is doubly impressive when you consider the sheer size of Russia. There were so many marvelous things to see inside that we only wish we had more ... read more