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Saint Petersburg Pages by Canadienne
| Page Views: 9,993 Last Visit to Saint Petersburg: May, 2003 | St. Petersburg in Spring by Canadienne - last update: Oct 23, 2003 |
| The Hermitage (Winter Palace) |
In May 2003, just prior to the 300th Anniversary Celebrations, we spent eight days and nights in St. Petersburg.
Peter the Great modelled the city after European capitals and it has long been referred to as Russia's "Window on the West." In some ways, the similarities can be disconcerting ~ the canals, palaces, churches and museums are reminiscent of other cities I've visited. . .but the city isn't entirely welcoming to tourists (outside of groups at least). It takes an extra effort on the part of a visitor ~ in language, in planning, in legwork to obtain the requisite papers ~ to make a visit a success. That said, we put in our effort and were richly rewarded for it.
May is an ideal time to visit ~ you get the benefit of the longer hours of sun without the heavier crowds. . .and you can share in the residents' happiness in welcoming great weather. |
The memories I will treasure most: *Church services ~ the choirs, the chanting and the mesmerizing aroma of incense are unforgettable
*Sunlit walks along Nevsky and its neighbouring streets at 11 pm ~ coming out of a Canadian winter, it was heavenly
*Riding through the network of canals ~ a renewed look at the city's rich architecture
*The Church on Spilled Blood ~ the interior and exterior decoration defy description. . .you'll simply have to see it for yourself
*The Russian Museum ~ a wonderfully arranged introduction to masterful artists whose work tells the history of the country |
An additional point is needed ~ to go this far from home and not include Moscow in your itinerary would be a big mistake. Check out my Moscow page for a look at the fascinating "other" capital of Russia. |
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Canadienne's Saint Petersburg Travel Tips
Comments for Canadienne about Saint Petersburg | | | | |
hunterV Sat Jan 27, 2007 13:17 UTC Great pages here at VT! Thanks! | 807Wheaton Fri May 19, 2006 13:25 UTC Thanks for a good overview of St. Petersburg. I'm thinking of a visit while on a Scandanavian cruise and need to get oriented.! Greetings from Augusta, Georgia ~ Marcia | Mariasjoy Tue Apr 25, 2006 20:09 UTC Thank you for your kind treatment of my city, I not realize Americans so intersted in Russia and the culture here. We are noyt the evil people some thought we were. | saccharinicity Sat Mar 4, 2006 01:22 UTC your st. petersburg pages are simply amazing. i am planning a trip to russia for the fall and your tips are so so helpful! thank you for wonderful pages :) |
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