After the airport debacle in Moscow, we decided to live it up Russian style. Like a Tsar and his Tsarina, we would rule the town (in our minds anyway!) for the remainder of our trip. Let them eat beluga!
We touched down in Saint Petersburg – after a quick and painless 1 1/2 hour flight from Moscow around lunchtime. By 1PM we had already checked into our room at the wonderful Hotel Astoria. Choosing a hotel is always a little difficult when there are several of interest to you, but I feel confident that we chose right! The Grand Europe Hotel is too dated now and the new W Hotel is just well…too American. Don’t get me wrong, I love America – but I wanted something a bit more authentic. That said, it didn’t stop us from eating dinner one night at Mix, the new Alain Ducasse restaurant inside the W. Delicious!
By 2:30PM, we were in the car with our tour guide for an afternoon of sight seeing. This is when our love affair with Russia officially began. Here is our journey through pictures:
In front of the Church of Resurrection – also known as Church on the Spilled Blood as it was built on the site of the mortal wounding of Emperor Alexander II who was assassinated there on March 1, 1881.
Brett studying the gorgeous mosaics that cover almost every inch of the inside of the church. It took over 24 years to complete the church’s interior decor.
Standing on one of the many bridges of Saint Petersburg with the LOML (love of my life) – Church on the Spilled Blood in the background.
The Peter and Paul Fortress - Saint Petersburg, Russia
Whispering my secret wish into this creatures ear. According to Russian superstitions…it will now come true! We shall see….
View of the Hermitage from across the frozen river
About to enjoy an amazing meal at Palkin – one of the top Russian cuisine restaurants in Saint Petersburg. They pretty much had to roll us out after our meal…
I love to watch my husband study a menu. His intensity is endearing and amusing at the same time. This dedication always results in an amazing meal experience, and this meal was no exception.
From the Herring & crème fraîche cocktail starter, to the vodka & caviar tasting with warm buttered blinis, to the cevette (mushroom) soup, to the homemade strawberry sorbet palette cleanser, to the Beef Stroganoff....
To the grand finale...a whole Sturgeon - filleted table side. Also, the wine carafe (and the wine in it of course)was fantastic!
At the end of our 4-hour plus meal…we were spent. To bed we went to get our beauty rest for another full day of Royal Russia – starting with Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin, just outside of Saint Petersburg.
Stayed tuned for our full day of regal palaces!
A Blonde in Beijing 