Beautiful St. Petersburg

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I have been busy exploring St. Petersburg. It is such a beautiful city with so much rich history.
Yesterday I went to Peterhoff which is Peter the Great's palace about an hour train ride from St. Petersburg. It was really beautiful, but the fountains weren't (supposed to rival Versailles) operating yet, adn the gardens were only beginning to grow. The palace was really beautiful, and so was the view from the Bay of Finland.
Then the Canadian girls and I went to their old student residence because they wanted to say hello to someone and we were invited to a bbq on the beach, which turned into a party. The sunset on the Bay of Finland was really beautiful. There were some really nice Canadians, some drunk dancing Russians and some other students from all around the world. It turned into quite the party with guitar by the fire (which I insisted on, and built). It was a great time, but you can all rest assured...I didn't drink too much so I could remain coherent and safe, and everything was just fine. Don't want to end up like the guy I met in Mongolia who got drunk and was drugged and robbed in Moscow! Don't worry, I'm being plenty cautious/paranoid.
Today I went exploring alone...the one Canadian girl is quite bitchy (also, they are big girls and they walk like snails, which drives me crazy), and I just couldn't handle being with them any more. It was a beautiful day and I went on a boat tour through the canals of St. Petersburg, which was in English and very informative. Then I went up the collonade of the St. Isaac's Cathedral and got the bird's eye view of the city. After I made a walking tour of my own and check out some statues, etc. I enjoyed some ice cream on my walk. I have been eating an ice cream cone almost everyday because it seems to be the thing to do here...There are stands everywhere and almost everyone walking along has one. So when in Rome....
Also, it is startling to see how busy/popular McDonalds is here. There are stores and small stands everywhere and they are packed or have line ups.
Tomorrow is my last day and I will go exploring all day again before I have to catch my train at 1am back to Moscow.

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Photos

Peterhoff
St. Peters Palace

Comments

[markandshelbywhipp]

St. Petersburg sounds beautiful
Hi Erin, Great to hear from you. We await each time for a new blog. St. Petersburg sounds beautiful and full of history. I would like seeing the palace and cathedrals. It was nice that you got to have a bonfire and visit with students from all over the world. I am happy that you are cautious. Keep being smart like that Erin. I have started a book with all your blogs in it and have a copy for Grandma to read. Take care. We love you. Dad and Mom XXXXOOO

[Sean O'Leary]

awesome, totally want to go to St. Petersburg. I hear good things. HAHAH and so funny, u at least need one incoherent and unsafe adventure. but that will probably happen under crazy spontaneous circumstances. Glad to hear ur having a blast. luvs Sean

[Karen]

Hello Erin
Hi Erin I am so glad that you are being so cautious. It sounds so beautiful. You are so brave. I really look forward to your blogs they are so informative. I'm glad that their are some english speaking people. Take care and have a great time. Look forward to seeing you when you come home. Stay safe and we love you!!