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Published: September 15th 2007
Metro Tour Hostel
Room for four, but had it to our selvesPassing over the border was an daunting experience, no "Fric" and "Frac" to banter with this time.
Not one person spoke english. Everyone was watchful of each other, I've never seen such a shady bunch of characters in one place.....
It was 1am when we were tossed a piece of paper to fill in, then frog marched into the cold with our luggage through to immigation.
We were made to feel that we had commited a crime and we hoped upon hope that we'd filled out the paperwork correctly.
One hour later we were back on the coach after being processed, X-rayed, searched and stamped.
We were the lucky ones, we'd passed a 2 mile queue of trucks, some waiting as long as 4 days to be processed.
Having read so much about St Petersburg we were expecting to see some amazing sites.
But on our arrival after our 13 hour bus journey, we didn't expect to feel so over powered by the sheer dominance of the buildings.
It wasn't the size of the buildings (we've seen loads of bigger buildings) it was the power of these formidable buildings and authority
Griboyedova Canal
Just one of the many canals in St Petersburg. behind them that came to the forefront. Worse still when seen at dawn when the streets are empty.
Eventually found the "Metro", you have to have your wits about you. So get you thinking heads on before you use them, What it says on the map is not how they spell it!!!!
Nothing like the original word.
SO BE WARNED NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. Three hours later............
We found our Hostel, yes it took us forever to figure out what should have been a 30 minute journey.
With our new map in hand, with all the different spellings, we ventured out for the sites feeling very confident.
(Fingers crossed, we find our way back). Our day started well........
Some sly hand had opened my daypack.
Checked nothing was missing and carried on with the sight seeing along "Nevskiy Prospekt".
An hour later "Skim" turned round to see a guy with his hand beneath a newspaper stretching to reach inside my daypack again. On checking he'd already opened it and was reaching in for the spoils of his
Our Savior on the Blood Cathedral
Awesome, seen loads of pictures but looks so much better up close. deed....
We enjoyed our day, as much as you could whilst watching each others backs.
We eventually made it back to the Metro. Whilst boarding I was prevented from fully entering the carriaige by 2 guys who appeared drunk and were blocking the door way, other passengers were pushing from behind - I was trapped.
THEY WERE PICK POCKETS I managed to grab the guys hand as he went for my wallet and held on tight, but he managed to pull away without my wallet and leave with his mates as the carriage door closed.....
Lesson of the day:-
The only game you can play on this Metro is "cat & mouse" and your the mouse trying to avoid the pick pockets.....
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Jane
non-member comment
Eeek! don't trust the foreigners!!
Good grief! Pickpockets everywhere, and aren't they GOOD?? Thank goodness you weren't done over: 3 attempts, wasn't it?? Have you considered [frowns over glasses at you] stuffing yer valuables in a less-accessible orifice, or at least under 17 layers of liberty bodices??? Signed Worried of Hereford.