The majority of our 3rd day in Saint Petersburg was spent strolling through the room after room of the majestic Hermitage. Of course we only saw a tiny fraction of the treasures that the Hermitage holds (it would take 365 days of touring for nine years to see every item in the collection) but what we did see was remarkable. In actual fact, the building itself is outstanding even without its contents.
My wonderful husband intently studying one of the exhibits in the Hermitage. I couldn’t stop myself from intently studying him!
Then…I suppose – he was studying me!
Snapping a photo of the above hallway – one of the more famous ones in the Winter Palace would have been nearly impossible in the summertime. But again, we were rewarded for braving the cold and had much of the Hermitage to ourselves. The only downside being that the Museum workers snapped at me for wearing high-heeled boots that made “too loud of a noise” when I walked. Had others been around…I don’t think they could have singled me out!
Honestly, I don’t know the name or anything about the artist of this statue – but of all the things we saw that day, it was my absolute favorite. Most likely because it reminded me of my two darling and very best friends – Mary Kay Bowden and Kimmy Willson. Not that they look anything like the statue! It just reminded me of our days as little girl ballerinas dancing together.
After hours of art and culture – we decided to treat ourselves to proper cocktails and appetizers at the Lobby Bar in the Grand Europe Hotel just off of the Nevsky Prospect. Great company, great drinks, and great people watching. The furs alone made my mouth water. Sorry PETA.
We ended our night with a divine meal at Mix – the new Alain Ducasse restaurant in the W Hotel. Once again we filled our bellies to the point of explosion! Below are two images of our favorite dishes…
Our first courses were our favorites. LEFT: Brett's Chicory Ham and Black Truffle. RIGHT: My Soft Boiled Egg, Tender Lentils, and Toasted French Baguette.
Just as expected, day 3 in Saint Petersburg did not disappoint – but just like the 2 previous days, we were absolutely spent at the end of it. There is so much history to learn, so much beauty to absorb, and so much food to eat that our brains and bellies needed to rest!
Up Next: Royal Russia – Day 4…Off to the Ballet!
A Blonde in Beijing 
thought of you and the twins immediately with that statue…they look like they were plotting “trouble at the museum!!!”
maybe “mischief at the museum” is better….possibly holding up a line of tourist after faking falling down the stairs…ha!