Thursday morning in Saint Petersburg

The overnight train to Saint Petersburg...
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Made it to St-Pete’s by stepping back a century or so. The train was a replica of the last Tsar’s (Nicholas II and Alexandra) era. The experience left us as sleepless as the flight from Ottawa to Moscow… Can’t call it jet lag but same effect. First class was shared with a busload of foreigners from the East while Brigitte and the girls enjoyed a 4-berth quarter. Cozy to say the least. Arrived at 8 am and immediately felt the cooler temperature, although it was very sunny. St Petersburg is at the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska. However, as it is located by the sea, the climate is moderate. It feels like a nice late Spring day in Ottawa. Connected with Sergei the tour guide and Sergei the driver (not the same person!). Off to Peterhof, the summer residence of Peter the Great, which was expanded substantially under Elizabeth I (who almost left Russia bankrupt) and its splendid gardens and fountains. What a treat that was. The place is right on the Finland Bay off the Baltic Sea and has ’’More fountains than Versailles”. Peter was described all day as someone who liked playing tricks and some fountains had secret valves that would suddenly wet someone or shower a whole group… some travel guide books use the word “childish’’… practical joker. The numerous school children on field trips had a grand time with the trick fountains, watching them laugh was really cute.

Quarters for the girls. The first class is almost the same minus the top berth.
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Then off to Catherine’s summer palace. Catherine the First (not the Great as most would think). Catherine I was Elizabeth’s mother and Elizabeth is the daughter of Peter the Great…Follow? Great little cottage in the countryside… Hotel-wise, well I have a rule: if I have to wear flip-flops and no hot water comes from the shower head, it’s camping. And generally, I don’t do camping. I broke my rule. There is no hot water coming out of the showerhead. Flip flops are NOT needed though. The accommodations are right by the Fontana canal and the view compensates. I understand, from Brigitte, that the hot water tank got emptied, which automatically turned off the pilot. Hot water should be available after breakfast… Off to eat and conquer the Hermitage.

Peterhof fountains. This is the main housing complex.
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Nathalie