Touring Saint Petersburg

This beautiful city was founded by the Peter the Great in 1703. Peter wanted to establish a stronghold with passage on the Baltic Sea. This would provide a good position to oppose the Swedes, which were one of the strongest countries in Europe at the time. Only an autocrat with Peter’s drive could have succeeded in building a city like this on a complete bogland on the Finnish Gulf. It was thought that as many as 40,000 prisoner/workers died building the city. Peter also wanted to bring some of the skills and beauty of Europe to his country. He made some long trips to Europe, and brought Russia out of a somewhat medieval existence to a more modern city and lifestyle. He learned the marine trades from the Dutch and developed the Russian maritime world as a result.

It is a beautiful city set on the delta area of the Neva river. Since it is in a river delta area, the center of the city extends over many islands connected by a number of bridges. With gold topped cathedrals, neo-classical and 18’th century architecture dominant in the buildings all over the city, it is a joy to tour. I think this is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

I was lucky to have toured a couple of days with a younger friend of Vadims. Sasha at 17 years old, is completing his lower schooling and will enter “the university” as a student in nuclear physics. He is the third generation nuclear physicst. Both his father and grandfather were professors in the field. What a joy to chat and tour with this very mature, knowledgeable young man. Sasha said he really wanted the opportunity to practice his English on a “real” English-speaking foreigner. A Win-win for me !

I also met one of my fellow classmates from my Russian class in San Diego, Elisa. Elisa and her friend Cassidy are here on an Arizona State Univ. Study program. What a great opportunity for them to really learn Russian life and the language. Cassidy and Elisa took me thru the paces of shopping in the city! Elisa is a very good bargainer!! Haaaaaaaa. They are wonderful young ladies, it was a joy to spend the day with them.

My tours included walking Nevskiy Prospect (prospect is word for large avenue in Russia), visiting St. Isaac cathedral, the Cathedral of Spilled Blood (beautiful colorful cathedral with domed towers that resembles the St. Basil cathedral in Red square that we all see in the background when the media is in Moscow!! You HAVE to see pictures!), The Kunstkamera museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Kronstadt Island area.

But even more fascinating than seeing the “must see” museums and sites, was my opportunity to drive around the city, into the outskirts of town, and experience some sites and cultural “involvements” that the normal tourist on the crowed bus with a “My name is…” badge on doesn’t get to experience. I’m blessed with this opportunity that my new Russian family has provided me by staying with them.

I was allowed to tour the Baltika brewery, only because Vadim’s friend Victor works there. I joined a small tour of Finnish students. The brewery is a classic example of new capitalistic success. They produce 3,000,000 liters per day of beer here. Baltika’s 5 plants nationwide supply 20% of Russia’s beer. They export about 8% of their stock. I looked out over their warehouse area 2 hectares (help somebody convert that) HUGE, forklifts buzzing. They turn this whole warehouse over in 48 hours!! A Lot of beer. I thought they only drank vodka here!

But most important, after the tour, Vadim said “Bill, we meet with Victor in his garage after tour…Russian tradition” Hmmm ok. Vadim takes a stereo and a bottle of vodka over to Victor’s garage, traded it for a case of beer, and we begin a wonderful after-work party, toasting to our health. Nice set up on garage bench, o’doerves (sp?) and vodka chasers. Again language barrier NOT a barrier, this was an amazing experience. Alex joined us, he works for local electric utility.

And I toured a Russian WWII submarine. D-II, was launched in 1931 and served in the North Sea during the war. Six German sub kills. The tour went thru the restored sub. I have some great pictures of highly respected marine war medals, flags, and the interior of the sub. This was a special tour.

I had a nice drive to the newer part of St. Petersburg. In and around the city I have been seeing housing developments around town built mostly in the 70’s and 80’s. There are two areas that are expanding like an explosion for the new Russian yuppie population. Built in the last 4 or 5 years. It looks like a Maimi Beach. Huge lines of new highrise. We had tea and cakes with Vadim’s friends Lena. Her apartment is typical of the new, successful younger set. Modern German complete built-in metal finish kitchen system. Built in aquarium and gorgeous view of the gulf.

We finally got home at 11PM, when the sun was just setting!! After retiring to bed last night in the dacha, a one room living room where we all sleep, in the dark, we traded laughs trying to pronounce each others words. When Vadim is pressing me hard about my inability to pronounce something, I say “Vadim say EARLY” Much like the Asians trying to say their “r’s” the Russian’s naturally developed movements of their tongue don’t quite make it on some of our “r” words. At least I have a shot to fire back!! Haaaaaaaa

My stay in St. Petersburg has been an amazing experience. Tonight I head for Moscow with my “family.” We drive to Moscow, about a 6 hour drive, and we will meet Vadim’s friend Ury, who is a Moscow city policeman. Ury will be our tour guide in Moscow. I have the feeling we may get a somewhat special view of the city. Also included on this trip will be short excursions to the old historical cities of Suzdal and Vladimir.


I’ll check back with you early next week on my experiences there.

I should have some pictures either today or tomorrow, so you can check the link above. Vadim has been so busy at work, I haven’t had time to steal his PC and get them up online. They will be there soon.

Yours in travel,
Bill