5am, can't sleep. Too hot, too cold, too paranoid about passport, etc. We're stopped somewhere in the middle of nowhere, trains whizzing past.
The group has only been together two days and one evening, but we already have a good bond. Five English, two Australians, three Kiwis, a Swiss couple and a Dutch girl.
My above complaint about the Apple hostel was rather pleasantly proven incorrect later that same evening. A Russian girl in the hostel, Jenia, took myself, an English couple - Andy & Laura - and Adrian, a Swiss, out and about, and showed us the sights of the town. She's not a SPB native, but did her best.
The next day (4th), we went out to the Peterhof, a huge garden on the coast about 20miles outside the city. It was v. busy, due to it being a Sunday, and the fabulous weather. The grand cascade of fountains was was of the original reasons I wanted to visit SPB, and it not disappoint. The four of us spent hours wandering the gardens, and then went out to watch the bridges open that night. Bit anti-climactic really.
Decided to give A&L some space on Monday (5th), so Adrian and I set off to get him a train ticket. Russian bureaucracy at its best. A wander through some random areas on our way to climbing St Isaac's Cathedral, before returning to meet the VT group.
Myself & Adrian have been teaching Jenia to play Switch, so that was a good way to get some introductions going. Nazeem was our first guide, a curly-haried Siberian of ~24. He was warm and pleasant, a perfect first honcho.
We had dinner in a local café - borscht & chicken kiev for me, then on to a local pub, Fiddler. Some late night card games, and some learning of fun Russian phrases from Jenia - "How are you?", "I haven't given birth yet".
The 6th was another beautiful day, so we set out for the Peterhof. I was reluctant at first to repeat myself, but it seemed important to socialise with everyone, and Naz could add to my enjoyment of the park. A picnic on the Finnish Gulf was also very appealing! It was definitely worth a second visit. Dinner at a Georgian restaurant that night, where Andrew had the misfortune of having his camera stolen from his closed bag. Professional work, and rather dispiriting. He bought a new one today though, and is hoping he can make a claim on his insurance. Ireland and Russia drew nil all in football also.
Earlier today (yesterday), Naz took us around town. Weather was misty, but we heard the midday gun at the Peter & Paul fortress (which had scared the hell out of me last Saturday!). The group then went on to the Hermitage, but I took a time out to get some shots of the marriage locks. I know also I'll return here, and the Hermitage will still be here. Dinner at a traditional Russian restaurant, slightly up-market. Golubsky (cabbage rolls) & venison, and I had rabbit pie for lunch. Then it was back to the hostel to grab our bags and get the train.
Said goodbye to Jenia and Roman, and Oksana earlier in the day. Adrian is already in Moscow, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again. Andy & Laura are also on the train somewhere. Missed Irina, but I invited Naz to come to Ireland some day.
Was in bed by 1.30, knew sleep wasn't coming by 2.30. Train stopped at a station from 4-4.25. Moscow by 9, with breakfast tea at 8am. Full day ahead, so will try sleep again. Would love to watch the sun rise, but no sign yet. Dos vedanya!
Standing here, watching Russia roll by as everyone sleeps, I feel a great sense of private attachment. All I can see are black outlines, but out there is the vastness of the Bear nation.
Forgot to note that Adrian caught his train last night. I waited with him in the hostel, and we were treated to a broth of mostly potato and onion - shee (sp?). A most welcome meal after the disappointment of the ovdukh at dinner - a cold soup, containing scallions, sour cream, and egg. Never again.
PS Dom's diary for the days:
http://domcheeseman.blogspot.ie/2011/09/day-96-st-petersburg.html
http://domcheeseman.blogspot.ie/2011/09/day-97-st-petersburg.html
http://domcheeseman.blogspot.ie/2011/09/day-98-st-petersburg.html
The group has only been together two days and one evening, but we already have a good bond. Five English, two Australians, three Kiwis, a Swiss couple and a Dutch girl.
***
My above complaint about the Apple hostel was rather pleasantly proven incorrect later that same evening. A Russian girl in the hostel, Jenia, took myself, an English couple - Andy & Laura - and Adrian, a Swiss, out and about, and showed us the sights of the town. She's not a SPB native, but did her best.
The next day (4th), we went out to the Peterhof, a huge garden on the coast about 20miles outside the city. It was v. busy, due to it being a Sunday, and the fabulous weather. The grand cascade of fountains was was of the original reasons I wanted to visit SPB, and it not disappoint. The four of us spent hours wandering the gardens, and then went out to watch the bridges open that night. Bit anti-climactic really.
 |
| Andy, me and Adrian |
Decided to give A&L some space on Monday (5th), so Adrian and I set off to get him a train ticket. Russian bureaucracy at its best. A wander through some random areas on our way to climbing St Isaac's Cathedral, before returning to meet the VT group.
Myself & Adrian have been teaching Jenia to play Switch, so that was a good way to get some introductions going. Nazeem was our first guide, a curly-haried Siberian of ~24. He was warm and pleasant, a perfect first honcho.
We had dinner in a local café - borscht & chicken kiev for me, then on to a local pub, Fiddler. Some late night card games, and some learning of fun Russian phrases from Jenia - "How are you?", "I haven't given birth yet".
The 6th was another beautiful day, so we set out for the Peterhof. I was reluctant at first to repeat myself, but it seemed important to socialise with everyone, and Naz could add to my enjoyment of the park. A picnic on the Finnish Gulf was also very appealing! It was definitely worth a second visit. Dinner at a Georgian restaurant that night, where Andrew had the misfortune of having his camera stolen from his closed bag. Professional work, and rather dispiriting. He bought a new one today though, and is hoping he can make a claim on his insurance. Ireland and Russia drew nil all in football also.
 |
| Dom, with Nicci, Scott and Seb |
 |
| Seb, Jake and Dom |
Earlier today (yesterday), Naz took us around town. Weather was misty, but we heard the midday gun at the Peter & Paul fortress (which had scared the hell out of me last Saturday!). The group then went on to the Hermitage, but I took a time out to get some shots of the marriage locks. I know also I'll return here, and the Hermitage will still be here. Dinner at a traditional Russian restaurant, slightly up-market. Golubsky (cabbage rolls) & venison, and I had rabbit pie for lunch. Then it was back to the hostel to grab our bags and get the train.
Said goodbye to Jenia and Roman, and Oksana earlier in the day. Adrian is already in Moscow, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again. Andy & Laura are also on the train somewhere. Missed Irina, but I invited Naz to come to Ireland some day.
Was in bed by 1.30, knew sleep wasn't coming by 2.30. Train stopped at a station from 4-4.25. Moscow by 9, with breakfast tea at 8am. Full day ahead, so will try sleep again. Would love to watch the sun rise, but no sign yet. Dos vedanya!
 |
| Me, Seb, Nicci and Brigitte |
***
Standing here, watching Russia roll by as everyone sleeps, I feel a great sense of private attachment. All I can see are black outlines, but out there is the vastness of the Bear nation.
Forgot to note that Adrian caught his train last night. I waited with him in the hostel, and we were treated to a broth of mostly potato and onion - shee (sp?). A most welcome meal after the disappointment of the ovdukh at dinner - a cold soup, containing scallions, sour cream, and egg. Never again.
***
PS Dom's diary for the days:
http://domcheeseman.blogspot.ie/2011/09/day-96-st-petersburg.html
http://domcheeseman.blogspot.ie/2011/09/day-97-st-petersburg.html
http://domcheeseman.blogspot.ie/2011/09/day-98-st-petersburg.html
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