From Russia with Love.

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Saint Petersburg

St Petersburg is one of the most attractive and friendliest cities I have visited. Created originally as the capital of Russia when it won land from Finland, it was the home for their Royal Tsar's for over 300 years and has many beautiful buildings, churches and palaces. It now has the countries admiralty, a top university (where president Putin studied) and the worlds greatest art collection is housed at the Hermitage Museum within the Winter Palace.

The city is easy to navigate around following a series of canals with buildings not exceeding five stories high. Cultural highlights during my visit included the Opera Otello at the Mariinsky Theatre, Swan Lake at the Hermitage Theatre and a Russian Folk Evening at Nikolaevshy Palace (a must for any visitor).

Culinary delights included Rabbit Pie at the Pie Shop, Borscht Soup, Red Caviar, Champagne and of course more Vodka.

After being invited to join in the dancing at the Russian Folk evening, our night in St Petersburg was completed by dancing the night away a Club Revolution on Halloween night to live Rock ‘n’ Roll and Country music, followed by Trance and European Disco with our Russian Buddy Olga.

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Photos

The Winter Palace
Hermitage Museum

Winter Palace.
Tzar's Reception Gold Hall

Leonado da Vinci
The Hermitage Museum houses the world's greatest art collection to include Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Monet, Gauguin, Rembrandt, Picasso, Goya and Matisse to name a few.

The Last Romavov Empress
Alexandra Tzarina of Russia

Russian Army
All young men between 18 and 20 are drafted into national service. You can only stay in the Army through to 27.

Vodka On The Overnight Train To St Petersburg
New friends Dimitri from St Petersburg and Michelle from New Zealand on the overnight sleeper train from Moscow.