Slept in, and went out for a quick breakfast of pancakes and coffee with my dorm mate, a girl from some other Eastern European country who was traveling thru Russia to do some research for her thesis. Cool.
No big plans for the day - just follow the LP guide book's "walking tour". I like doing them, and have done many. Although I tend to leave out at least 1/4 of the sights & stops mentioned, especially the food and shopping recommendations.
Some highlights:
- Waterways and canals. There's a bunch of them in the city, some with pretty ornate bridges. Very pleasant to cross.
- More Hermitage. To admire the magnificent architecture from the outside.
- More artwork in the Russian Museum. So-so, me thinks. Same entrance fee as the Hermitage, which seems unreasonable.
- Pet bear. My first. Must be a very effective tourist magnet for tips. None given by Waru, who didn't want to get too close and be harassed by the owner for money.
- More Hermitage. To admire the magnificent architecture from the outside.- More artwork in the Russian Museum. So-so, me thinks. Same entrance fee as the Hermitage, which seems unreasonable.- Pet bear. My first. Must be a very effective tourist magnet for tips. None given by Waru, who didn't want to get too close and be harassed by the owner for money.
- Church of the Saviour. Loved it. Not sure what the inside is like, as I didn't want to pay the exorbitant fee, but the exterior was fun enough!
- Tourist market. Full of Matryoshka dolls. In every size and color, from the traditional to the Simpsons and Clintons. Tempted to buy one, but held my ground.
- Stolle pies. I actually didn't know that this place was famous. I just happened to walk by, and entered. Lucky me. OMG. YUM YUM YUM. Ate a cabbage pie (yes, sounds weird but tasty - trust me!), mushroom soup, and OJ. And a strawberry pie to take out. These are TO DIE FOR! May be the best food in Russia!!!
Here's an afterthought - St. P is supposed to be notorious for mosquitoes during the summer months. I've seen warnings in guide books and online resources. Strange that I didn't get a single bite. Maybe Russian mosquitos don't like Asian blood.
- Tourist market. Full of Matryoshka dolls. In every size and color, from the traditional to the Simpsons and Clintons. Tempted to buy one, but held my ground.- Stolle pies. I actually didn't know that this place was famous. I just happened to walk by, and entered. Lucky me. OMG. YUM YUM YUM. Ate a cabbage pie (yes, sounds weird but tasty - trust me!), mushroom soup, and OJ. And a strawberry pie to take out. These are TO DIE FOR! May be the best food in Russia!!!Here's an afterthought - St. P is supposed to be notorious for mosquitoes during the summer months. I've seen warnings in guide books and online resources. Strange that I didn't get a single bite. Maybe Russian mosquitos don't like Asian blood.
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