After a short bus ride, we attended the services at St. Isaacs russian orthodox cathedral. Today was a special day because of Easter. We saw regional priest ceremony, undressing and dressing in ceremonial robes. This was quite moving, observing with regular parishioners. After lunch was a bus ride ride Catherine's Palace. So many gilded rooms and a large room with mirrors that made the castle look endless. It is difficult to describe the size and splendor of this...

In the morning we took a city tour that included many picture taking stops. We also visited St. Peter and Paul cathedral where Peter the Great's family is buried. This was also a fortress including a prison. Lunch was in restaurant the was decorated from the Lenin era. The rest of the afternoon was spent on a guided tour of the Hermitage. What an incredible place!! And to think only 7% of the collection is on display. I have to say it was the most incredible muse...

Long bus ride tort to St. Petersburg. Hotel is downtown and first impression is a busy crowded city. Took a boat ride around the city seeing most of the palaces and the hermitage. After dinner of chicken Kiev, of course, we took a subway ride to various beautiful stations. The subway was very crowded, rode the fastest, longest escalator I have been on. Trains were longer and faster than dc metro. And the ran frequently and didn't break down!