Rushing in Russia

My first journey into Russia’s St. Petersburg was impressive and wet, and therefore cut short. When I go to a new place I try to leave expectations behind so my mind has more room to expand. St. Petersburg is a perfect example of why this is important. The charm and friendly nature of the city was quite evident even in pouring rain and chilly winds.

Full of gardens, museums, palaces, canals, parks, cathedrals, governmental offices, shops, and restaurants St. Petersburg has so much to offer. My jaunt into to the city to grasp its layout too me from the Neva river embankment that is adorned my magnificent palaces to Cathedral with onion domes that are just jaw dropping spectacular. I realized as I walked through the pedestrian full streets that this is a city where you want eyes on all four sides of your head and perhaps even two sets of eyes on each side. This way you can enjoy the full 360 degrees and if one set blinks you know you won’t miss a thing.

I would be standing in marvel at the Strogonov palace or the St. Petersburg Chief of police mansion and not realize the gorgeous simplicity of the Kotomin House or Dutch Church just behind me. I could be looking sky ward at the golden dome of St. Isaacs and miss the magnificent Astoria Hotel in unassuming St. Isaacs Square. I was following my guide books walking tour around Nevsky Prospekt and missed the turn after the charming Finnish Church, but then turned the corner and ran smack dab into the Church of the Savior’s Spilled Blood. My intention was to walk around and get a feel for the town and better know what to explore the couple times we return and that mission was fully accomplished.

The Hermitage’s treasures, the innards of the Church of the Savior’s Spilled Blood, the dome of St. Isaacs, the ballet or opera in Mariinsky Theater, a canal cruise, various palace tours, and the Russian Museum, are just a few items on my list. St. Petersburg will surely take time to enjoy. When all is said and done, and the vodka is enjoyed, I will have come to know this once feared country with an affection of firsthand experience—which is far better than any view from an Alaskan front porch will ever provide. (take that Governor Pallin)