Here and There Blog

I thought it was a trick of the mind. I'd been walking around the Neva for two weeks and thought I knew all the sights and landmarks. So I had to ask myself "how did I miss that"?  Turns out I didn't of course the ships had come in earlier in the day as part of a fleet coming home.  As we walked around one side of the river, we realized there was sub in port too. Now that is cool! This was my last night in St. Petersburg so it was nice to see the Russian version of the Naval ships that are always seen at home in San Diego.

This was the place that I'd been waiting to see for years. I missed an opportunity 6 years ago and had regretted it ever since. Finally the world lined up not only for me to go but with a sunny day tossed in the mix as well.  More later, as you read this I'm traveling home and have dozens of fountain photos to sort through but I enjoyed walking around the grounds. The inside of the building is impressive but probably more so not on a crowded tour bus July day. You can take the ferry over and have a good time wandering around the park. The fountains don't get turned on until 11:00 am. If it's not important to see the start-up, wait 30 minutes or so for the crowd to disperse.

The light was still out and the sun not going anywhere. A good time to walk along the canal and enjoy watching the tour boats go by.

For a church that was created to memorize Alexander II, this certainly has turned into a tourist attraction for St. Petersburg! The spilled blood refers to the fatal wound that Alexander took on this spot (pre-church) from which he later died. Russian history has it's fair share of blood. I liked the tile work on the building exterior.           More info? http://www.saint-petersburg.com/churches/church-resurrection-jesus-christ.asp

Well this is dramatic!  The unique pyramid style headstone belongs to an opera singer.  Below, close-ups of the faces    Several different styles of gravestones

At the end of Nevsky Prospekt is the State Museum of the Urban Sculptures. The complex includes gardens, church, and cemeteries. The Tikhvin Cemetery is for musicians, artists, singers, painters of note. 200 ruples is the entrance fee and it's open from 9:30 am. to 7:00 pm. The area has unique headstones and monuments and it is a neat wandering place. Below are some samples of the area.      

Liberty Bear symbolizing connections with Europe and freedom. And given the current situation in Syria, this bear representing history with modern life and symbols for peace along the bear gives hope to that country someday finding their peace again.

Lebanon's bear. It's all about the Cedar tree and sadly only a small part of the forest remains. Representing the troubled financial situation is the Bulls & Bears of the Czech Republic on the left. On the right, Montenegro. The gold lines symbolize the path to a unified Europe.  Poland's Bear represents the myths and legends of that country.  The Singapore bear represents the multicultural aspect of the country.  Ah, Spain and the tribute to Gaudi!

The Berlin Buddy Bears started out as an exhibit in Berlin in 2001 and their popularity let to more bears, touring bears, and an appeal for peace. Bears are painted by an artist from that country and each artist's interpretation can be found on the website http://www.buddy-baer.com/en/united-buddy-bears/idea/overview.html I came across the bears by accident as I was wandering the part by the hotel.  Below is Afghanistan's bear. The artist talks about the destruction of the iconic Buddha's by the Taliban and the cultural aspects of that country which decorate the bear. Cuba bear - one of my favorites. A bear with attitude! It's funny on the artist's interpretation he keeps apologizing for the cigar stating he doesn't smoke and smoking is bad but this is part of Cuba.  Malaysia - a happy bear!  Another one of my favorites - Moldova and finding it on a map.  The park exhibit info.

On a sunny day, if you get the right view from between the trees, this Cathedral sparkles and commands attention. Building started in 1753 and was complete in 1760. Visit http://www.saint-petersburg.com/cathedrals/St-Nicholas-Cathedral.asp for more information.

File this one as "it looks better in person than in the photo". But driving past this statue last night it really is impressive. This is a tribute to Peter the Great from the Empress Catherine. The horse is stepping on a snake (squiggles on the rock) as Peter conquers all. The statue is located in Senatskaia Square, the park right by St. Issac's Cathedral.

The city is in restoration mode, paint and repair work going on all over the place to preserve building exteriors. What is not covered up or under scaffold looks good.  Always look up  Decor on government buildings

After a long flight with no sleep, the best way to fight the desire to pass out at 3:00 pm is to get outside. And in Russia there is plenty to keep you awake so I decided to reorient myself with the walking path of the city. First up, the Hermitage. It was late enough in the day that the tour bus's had all moved along. Then the canals near my hotel where the crowds were fewer.    And back to the hotel next to St. Issac's Cathedral. An easy landmark to find my way home.

I'm traveling today and didn't get to go to the convention but to make up for it, I joined friends downtown for dinner on Thursday night. Batmobile and Jabba were the street highlights.  From sleek to not so much!

Ah, to have had the weekend free. I could have entered as a contestant in the Zombie Apocalypse at Petco Park in the undead infested obstacle course. Or just watched. But it would have been fun.  No one is spared  Warning!