A Russian Orthodox church waiting for the raising of the roof.

Tsarskoe Selo , a place constructed by the Romanov Tsar's near St. Petersburg, that has now been restored and is viewable by tourists.

The second time I went to Mariinsky Theatre I saw the Ballet Giselle.

I spent a lot less money for a far away seat. I think paying a little extra to be closer before was worth it.


The dancers returned at least four times after the performance had ended because the audience wanted more.

The tsars spent a lot of money for buildings like this one!

This shop specialized in pies: cabbage pie, salmon pie, berry pies, peach pie, etc. It was delicious!


You can buy Belgian beer in Russia.

Tulips were in bloom.

The plans for the new Mariinski theatre. It's very difficult to build because St. Petersburg is basically built on old swampland.
There has been some controversy over the modern design since it doesn't fit with the style of the rest of the city.

Russians like the Spinx. That's the name of this bar/restaurant and of the ice cream bar.

State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

More opulence at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg.

The opulence of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

In all the guidebooks it claimed that Russians treat beer as soda. In this store, beers are sold in 3 liter size bottles!

St. Petersburg, Russia


A statue of Peter the Great, the "founder" of St. Petersburg. Russians don't call him great, just Peter the 1st.