Ever thought of visiting to Russia? Well, I’ll try and change your mind. Mary and I booked Trafalgar’s Wonders of St. Petersburg and Moscow in July and we can’t stop sharing our experience….
We flew from London to St. Petersburg arriving at 10:30pm to the “white nights” of this region – the sun was just setting!
Day 1 we were up early (the sun rose at 3:30am) keen to look around before our scheduled 6:30pm initial Tour meeting. The weather was perfect as we strolled around this beautiful city. Often called ‘Venice of the North’, the opulent royal Palaces, churches and buildings were un-ending and breath-taking.
Day 2 was sightseeing, and palace visits expertly described by our tour guide.
Day 3 we travelled to Pushkin and Peterhof, an hour’s bus trip away to visit the stunningly beautiful Catherine’s Summer Palace and the equally amazing Peter the Great’s summer residence, designed by Versailles. That evening, Mary and I saw the first of two ballet, Swan Lake.
Day 4 it was our trip on the high-speed train to Moscow – around 3.5 hours. It was a relaxing and comfortable trip, taking in the country along the way. Our bags were taken by bus, which was a 9-hour journey! That night we visited the amazing Moscow Metro and casually walked the Red Square – in the rain, the first we’d had.
Day 5 we returned to Red Square, and then visited St Basils Cathedral and the Kremlin.
Day 6 took us by bus out into the countryside to Sergiyeu Posad, a place of pilgrimage. That evening, instead of attending the farewell dinner, Mary and I went, via the Metro, to the Bolshoi Theatre to watch the world famous Bolshoi Ballet Company perform Raymonda.
So, what were the messages we took away from Russia?
- The magnificent palaces, cathedrals and buildings, especially in and around St. Petersburg.
- Although there is a very strict regime, it works when it comes to personal safety. We never felt uneasy the whole time we were there; unlike other places we’ve visited globally. Russians are not allowed to carry guns or knives for self-defence, if caught, it’s at least 2 years in jail.
- We did not see any beggars or vagrant people in the streets. We returned from the ballet on the Metro feeling totally at ease.
- School and university education is free. Children have a 3-month summer holiday break and those especially in the cities like Moscow, go and live with their grandparents in their ‘summer homes’ (a Dacha), while parents continue to work.
- The average Russian family, comprising of three to four people, live in a two-room apartment approximately 50 square meters in size.
- For Mary, the Bolshoi Ballet performance was like nothing she has ever witnessed.
Admittedly, we only saw a fraction of Russia, but it was thoroughly worth going to see for ourselves. It was a reminder of just how we form our opinions – mostly by television and the media. But you need to see it with your own eyes before judgment is confirmed.