Arrive in the winter months,...
by Ursula1
Arrive in the winter months, so as to get the best feeling of this northern city. Snow, frozen canals, fur clothing and bare trees with snow balancing neatly on the branches. I have to say - The Ballet. We went to Mariinsky Theatre to see Swan Lake danced by the Kirov Company, what better than to see this company on their own home ground. It was magnificent, the theatre itself, the dancers and costumes were brilliant and last but not least the music - I went straight out and bought Tchaikovosky's swan lake CD. So now when I want to relive the experience I play my CD and close my eyes and presto I'm back in that theatre or in heaven ! ! !
The park offers its visitors...
by Vitalia
The park offers its visitors more attractions besides wonderful fountains. Would you like to try the dress of a lady of last century? I do like this nice service they offer to the visitors of the park. They will dress you up in a very real (though made, of course, recently) costume and let you see the transformation.
Samovars
by sophiebeans
Pictured here is an nice collection of antique samovars a restaurant had on display. Samovars are very important to Russian culture because so many meals involve drinking tea, (or "chai" as it is called in Russia). At the home I stayed at, they used an electric samovar to make tea, but they had a few older ones that were mainly used as decoration - family heirlooms. I understand that old, antique samovars are no longer allowed out of the country, but I know that people can find beautiful reproductions to buy and take back with them.
Summer Gardens
by sswagner
Many tourists probably walk near the gardens, however never take the time to enter them. This is a favorite spot for locals and a nice way to cool off in the Russian summer. Those ice cream vendors were most appreciated. On the grounds are many statues and walkways in a wooded setting. The summer palace occupies one corner of the gardens. It is not on a grand scale like the other palaces in the area, but is worthy of a visit. If you are looking to rest tired feet, this is a choice location. We must have ended up here sometime during each day of our visit in the city.
Gipsys dinner
by Lalique
What one may think hearing the word - gipsys?
Gipsys' camp, dark haired ladies in colored long skirts with a lot of clinging necklaces around their necks, men in red shirts playing the guitar, heard of horses nearby, a big fire....
It's none of the above, at least for me now... They are like all of us, they have the same problems and the same happy moments, they have their traditions and want to keep them, they have their language and pass it over to a younger generation, they are like we are, but maybe they like the live more and know better how to enjoy every moment it gives us...
Sign in with Facebook
Peterhof gardens
Stairs to Metro Station
Northway reminds me of Madtruschka!
Wodka!
