A bright and sunny St Petersburg day is very unusual apparently they only have 60 sunny days a year. The boat is moored a long way out of the city as is our destination Peterof Palace so the trip out gives us a chance to see the city. Lots of construction going on as there has been everywhere we have visited. Roads are dug up undergrounds are being extended building are being pulled down and new construction going on sometimes it makes viewing sites a bit difficult. When we finally get to Peterhof we have to line up for 30 minutes to get in then can you believe it we have to wait another 15 minutes for those who go to the toilet. We are regretting not going on a private tour already. Other groups told us their guide let them go and look at the gardens while she lined up, what a great idea.
The palace is amazing and not hard to understand why the peasants revolted when the rulers were living in such opulence. At 11am everyday they have an amazing fountain display and everyone lines up and jostles for a position to see as the music plays and the fountains dance. Spent the trip back chatting to Errol from Brazil who works on the ship in passenger services. I asked him lots of questions about life on board and how he got involved. The afternoon on the ship was very relaxing as everyone was still out on excursions.
Our second day we chose a subway and walking tour of St Petersburg which used to be the imperial capital and has a population of around 5 million. Today was not so good raining again, we had a walk around some of the streets and along the cabals as the guide pointed out the landmarks. We called in for tea and chocolate and a chat with other passengers. We then walked along the Main Street and visited a local food market where the speciality was pickled vegetables. Plenty of fruit, vegetables, cheeses and meat, I bet they didn't have the same abundance of food in the communist days. The highlight of the day was a visit to the subway. Operating since 1955 there are 5 lines and 67 stations 2.09 million people use it each day. The deepest station Admiralteyskaya which we visited is 86 metres below ground and the elevators seem to go on forever. There are many decorations, artworks, chandeliers and lots of marble.
We went on two lines and the guide did a great job of getting us all on and off and not losing anyone.