Baltic Blog - St. Petersburg Day 2
"Murder on the Moika" was the title for today's shore excursion. We had an afternoon river cruise and then a trip to Yusopov Palace where Rasputin was murdered. It was another sunny day with a high of 80 and the locals were melting. They are too used to cold and snow here!
We left the ship without any hassle from customs today. It was a quick trip through security and then we were off! The boat took us around the canals of St. Peterburg and it really is a lot like Venice except for all the palaces! We were able to weave around all the historic buildings and go out on the Neva River. Because Ms. Kitty is so into Nicolas and Alexandra, I took a picture for her of the Peter and Paul Catherdral, where the royal family is buried.
After enjoying the sunny cruise, it was off to Yusupov palace to learn about Felix Yusupov and why he had a role in murdering Rasputin. We went down to the lower rooms and saw a wax museum type of recreation of the plotters and the table with the poisoned wine and cakes. It was all fascinating and hard to believe that this happened less than 100 years ago.
Upon arrival back at the ship it was time for a round of Trek Weakest Link. Since volunteers were needed, I was okay with being the weakest link. Amazingly, I made it to round 2, before being voted off. (I didn't know Data's android brother's name in Nemesis)
That brings us to now and the 4th of July. It's strange to be cruising off the coast of Russia today, while a BBQ is taking place on the upper decks. The dinner menu is Russian themed but with cobbler and turkey thrown in as well. I'm skipping it all and going for the salmon!
Next port - Helsinki!
We left the ship without any hassle from customs today. It was a quick trip through security and then we were off! The boat took us around the canals of St. Peterburg and it really is a lot like Venice except for all the palaces! We were able to weave around all the historic buildings and go out on the Neva River. Because Ms. Kitty is so into Nicolas and Alexandra, I took a picture for her of the Peter and Paul Catherdral, where the royal family is buried.
After enjoying the sunny cruise, it was off to Yusupov palace to learn about Felix Yusupov and why he had a role in murdering Rasputin. We went down to the lower rooms and saw a wax museum type of recreation of the plotters and the table with the poisoned wine and cakes. It was all fascinating and hard to believe that this happened less than 100 years ago.
Upon arrival back at the ship it was time for a round of Trek Weakest Link. Since volunteers were needed, I was okay with being the weakest link. Amazingly, I made it to round 2, before being voted off. (I didn't know Data's android brother's name in Nemesis)
That brings us to now and the 4th of July. It's strange to be cruising off the coast of Russia today, while a BBQ is taking place on the upper decks. The dinner menu is Russian themed but with cobbler and turkey thrown in as well. I'm skipping it all and going for the salmon!
Next port - Helsinki!
Some day, I too shall make my pilgrimage to the Peter and Paul Cathedral to see the final resting place of the bones of Nicholas, Alexandra, and at least three of their children (mysteriously, the bodies of Anastasia and Alexei were never found...). Thank you so much for the photo you took for me!
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