Russia day 4 – St Peterburg

Weather is sunny and much warmer.  Took Hattie with us today and put her to work as a very useful carrier bag, which drew some funny looks!

The first job today was to check out the main line station in readiness for our overnight sleeper to Moscow tomorrow.  The station is very grand and although the departures board is Cryllic script all the trains are individually numbered so it should be easy enough to locate the one we need.  On  the way we bumped into our guide of yesterday – which given the number of people on the streets of St Petersburg was a remarkable coincidence.

Revisited the indoor market to pick up some Georgian cheese which we’ve been told doesn’t need to be refrigerated and lasts for ages – ideal for the Trans Sib.

Spent the rest of the day sight-seeing  including St Nicholas’ and St Issaac’s churches (fabulous panoramic view of the city from the colonnade around the dome of the latter), the Admiralty, Palace Square and the Hermitage (outside only – tomorrow the inside).

We’ve discovered self-service pectopah (restaurant) which has made the problem of ordering food so much easier.  They’re a bit like canteens with all the different dishes on display, so all we have to do is point and pay.  No need for a menu and no speaking required.  Plus the food is reasonable and really good value.  Perfect when you’re on a budget.

After today, we are all walked out!  Legs and feet aching.  We need a rest … but tomorrow its the Hermitage and then on to Moscow.

Sitting writing this in an internet cafe whilst trying our first glass of Russian beer.

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