Palatial Day Trips

When I first arrived in St. Petersburg, I had intended to stay in the city for only 2 days. Then, I'd take an overnight trip to the town of Novgorod to see the kremlin there.

However, I nixed that idea after my dorm mate recommended I see some of the gardens and palaces located in the outskirts of St. Petersburg instead. Plus, I was slightly reluctant to have to deal with the Russian ticket sales people at the station. (Although in retrospect, it might've been smooth going, with St. P being more touristy-friendly and Westernized than Moscow.)

…Which meant that I'd have to register my visa here in St. P. I didn't have to do it in Moscow since I only stayed there 2 nights. It's only when you stay in one city for more than 3 nights that a visa registration becomes necessary. Sounds like a hassle, but it's quite easy - just fork over some cash to the hostel, and leave it up to them to complete! Mine cost 200 rubles.

To be honest, I'm not really a palace fan - purely excessive wealth on display. I much prefer natural wonders. But what attracted me to the palaces in Russia was the idea that the excessive is turned outrageously more excessive and opulent. Waru was not disappointed.

Peterhof Palace
There's a ferry that leaves from across the Hermitage. 700 rubles for the roundtrip, each taking about 45 minutes.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peterhof was the palace built by Peter the Great (hence the name). I didn't take the tour of the inside, so can't provide any insights on that, but I did spend a lot of time walking along the gardens and parks. Absolutely perfect with the beautiful weather!!!
Full of green, gold, and white.Amazing fountains.

As I didn't know how long I'd be at the palace, I didn't specify the time of my return ferry. Big mistake. Even though I had paid for the ferry already, I still needed a ticket for a specified ferry and needed to get in line. A veeeeeeeeery long one, turning even longer because the booth wasn't open when I got there. I was hungry and wanted to get back to St. P quickly. Not happening. It was nearly 3 hours later that I got off the ferry at the Hermitage.

(FYI - stopped by for another Stolle pie on my way back to the hostel)

Catherine Palace (aka Summer Palace)
To get to the town of Pushkin where the palace is, I took the metro to Moskovskaya station, from where I picked up a marshrutka (shared cab with defined destination). Easy to find.
After entering the garden for 180 rubles, unavoidable because the palace is within the garden, I lined up (yes, again!) for about an hour for entry to the palace. See the line? Paid 550 rubles…did I get ripped off?!?!?!

Entry into the palace is restricted to groups, led by a guide leading you from one room to the other. I suppose that's necessary to prevent overcrowding, in addition to keeping tourists away from touching the beautiful, lavish, ultra expensive looking decorations.

The most famous room in the palace is the Amber Room. As the name implies, it's a room completely decorated with amber stones. From ceiling, wall, floor…EVERYTHING. Totally stunning and admirable.

I don't think I was supposed to take a photo, but I did. Explains the crooked photo. Hehe…could't stop myself. This is a sight definitely worth seeing.