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.
