snidelys4

I’d go back and stay longer. We spent almost a full day there but missed some things because we were tired.

There was a lot of renovation being done in preparation for the 300th anniversary of the city so some of the key places were behind scaffolds, but it was a beautiful city. Would like to return to see the change. I was lucky to go with friends who grew up there. Besides the obvious advantages, they taught me how to look Russian, so I could get into the museums at the discount rate. (I would have been happy to pay the tourist fare). Pollution from car exhaust is a problem, but the architecture will keep your mind off of it. Don’t forget a mono- or tripod if you go during white nights.

...so I’m a little biased. Lots of antique shops if you’re into that, home of a Great Pumpkin festival (uh, publicity for some of the antique places). It’s a funny little place – corn fields on one end, malls on the other. A lot of people come for the school system, and with good reason – top programs in music, drama, and sports. Go to Brennan’s and eat some wings or a beef on weck.

One of my top 2 places. It was just beautiful. I could have stayed up at Machu Picchu longer (and not just to avoid that coach train ride back). While I liked having the freedom to walk around anywhere I was a little concerned about all the damage the foot traffic might do over the years. I wonder if it’s more controlled now.