Russia! Did I ever imagine going there? Honestly No. Given the current political climate and growing up in the Cold War plus Russia is COLD in the winter, it’s kind of a miracle that I ended up there. My parents generously gave Ian and I (plus our son, Soma and brother Rob) tickets to join them on The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express train from Saint Petersburg up to Norway and ending back in Moscow.
The elaborate and somewhat somber history of Russia is best left to the people who inhabit it’s vast lands, and the history experts. I only wish to share some of the incredible beauty that was my pleasure to witness.
Saint Petersburg is known for it’s canals, museums and beautiful architecture. We had the incredible opportunity to have first access to see The Hermitage Museum before the crowds arrived! Truly amazing and rare experience, we even saw the famous Peacock Clock go through its paces (only kings, presidents and the fortunate few have witnessed this amazing feat in person).
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was built on the exact place that Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. Remembered as one of Russia’s greatest tsars, he emancipated the peasant serfs in 1861.
Another beautiful church we visited was Saint Isaac’s Cathedral.
The borscht was delicious, the temperature frigid, the Russian dolls gorgeous in shop windows as snowflakes fell. The sky was dark except for a couple hours each day. We boarded the train and headed north to Norway!
Beautiful photos, would never think of going there in winter but looks pretty especially the ice hotel.