We started our day in Russia watching the sun rise over the water.
It seemed appropriate that we also end our day on the water while watching the sun set.
Our day tour ended at 6pm when Irina dropped us off back at the ship with a warm hug. We still had 4 hours before we set sail. There was no way we were going to waste it aboard the ship, so after a quick hour to freshen up, we headed back out through passport control. This time we were met by Inna from TJ Travel (Sergei was our driver for both tours) for an evening tour including a vodka tasting and river cruise.
We boarded a little boat thinking that we would be joining other tourists, but it ended up just being me, Matthew and Inna. She provided us with some wonderful zakuski's (snacks) and a small bottle of vodka. After teaching us how to drink the vodka the Russian way (deep breath, drink it down in one shot and take a bite of a snack) we relaxed into an amazing boat tour of the city.
Matt collects bank notes and was thrilled to point out that the view we were passing was the same one on the notes in his pocket.
I still can not get over our day in St. Petersburg. It was fascinating and inspiring. I will never forget sitting at the back of that boat with Matthew, looking out over this amazing city and thinking "I'm in Russia. How did I ever get here?" and then "How will I get back?"
(A special thank you to Tatyana, Irina, Sergei, Inna and Olga with TJ Travel for coordinating our day in this amazing city and getting us safely back to the ship in plenty of time for sail away.)
Have you been to Russia? What was your experience?
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*Our day excursions with TJ Travel were complimentary for the purposes of review. We were so happy with their service that we booked our evening tour with them at the standard rate.
All photos, writing and opinions are 100% my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
*Our day excursions with TJ Travel were complimentary for the purposes of review. We were so happy with their service that we booked our evening tour with them at the standard rate.
All photos, writing and opinions are 100% my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
I've never loved a week of posts as much as yours this week. I loved my boat ride in Petersburg. This has brought back more memories. You two need to get applying for a proper Russian tourist visa quick so that you can go back and see more!! Did you know you can easyjet flights to Moscow now? I'm told they're not uncomfortable. Do it! Do it!
ReplyDeleteAs ever, I love your photographs! I have never been to Russia, but get a sense of it from your post.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, that's Russian Standard Vodka. Nice, but there are WAAAY better Vodkas to be drunk is Russia than that one. I can't wait to go back to Russia. Again, so great to see it through your photos.
ReplyDeleteI love vodka, but sadly I hate boats - so your photos are great, as it saves me having to take a boat trip!
ReplyDeleteSomebody's gotta do it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in on our Vodka Cruise!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a night I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteOne of the coolest bars I've ever been to was a Vodka Bar in Shreveport. They had ice cold vodka on tap, and a bar made of ice. So cool.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Molly!
ReplyDeleteRussia was definitely the highlight of the trip and I would love to go back. I'm so glad that you've enjoyed these posts. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteme and my travel mate went to Catedral
ReplyDeletede San Isaac , Like everywhere in Saint
Petersburg this big stony jewel laid in a beautiful garden.Before entering to
this amazing church with a special beauty ,thane your picture from the building
or the surrounding as far as possible or bring a wide lens camera with your
self.View of Saint Petersburg from the dome of the cathedral is also worth a
visit. We spent a very nice together and I hope we can do it again J
http://www.globogirls.com/place/57-St.-Petersburg-