Eva's garden: 6. St. Petersburg

Russian folk dance concert

Am in an expensive hotel called the europa having coffee with four chums, Diane, Steve, Maya and Suzie, and its the first time in St. Petersburg that I have wifi.

Have been to Catherine's Palace and the Church of the Savour on the Spilt Blood cathedral. Named because the cathedral was built on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was murdered in 1881. Locals call it the mosaic church because the interior is covered with mosaic pictures on Biblical themes.

Spilt Blood

St Petersburg is spacious with elegant wide and long streets, canals, luscious parks and sunshine.

So happy to be here, tour folk lovely, how exciting to be in Russia. I feel so at home. My Dad was born in Russia when his birth place, Lomse in 1912 was part of Russia and Poland didn't exist.

Tomorrow the Hermitage!!!

So excited, here in St. Petersburg for four nights, and then Moscow for four.

Warned to walk in groups because of Mafia, though tour guide said I'd be okay because I look Russian, if I don't open my mouth!!!

Anyway we're hanging in groups.

Statue of Pushkin.

Catherine's Palace

I could get used to this!

Catherine 1st wife of Peter the Great, Elizabeth daughter of Catherine 1st. Elizabeth, addicted to luxury, spent Russia's money.

Peterhof Palace and Park

Referred to as the Russian Versailles, Peterhof was built between 1709 and 1724 under the directions of Peter the Great, but the tsars and tsarinas that followed each wanted to make their own mark adding another palace, wing or fountain to the grounds. The focal point is the cascade fountain leading down from the palace to more fountains, marble sculptures and monuments.