Sankt-Peterburg aka: Санкт-Петербург, Saint Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Leningrad

What an exciting trip we had to Russia! As soon as we arrived, we took an evening walk around the city center of St Petersburg and found the church on Spilled Blood. We walked along Nevsky Prospekt and past The Hermitage before heading back to our hotel. We spent 2 full days looking at art at The Hermitage. It was especially enjoyable, because my son is an art major in college and knows so much about art to share with me. Of course, I loved the Renoirs, Monets and the whole Matisse room. My son loved the sculptures best and seemed to know all the mythology that influenced the sculptures. We found so much of the world-famous art there to be influenced by mythology or religion. Yes, there are 2 paintings by Leonardo da Vinci there, which all the tour groups crowded around.

Besides all that fabulous art, we got to go watch the ballet at the Mariinskly Theater on two separate evenings. It was magnificent! Awesome! The first performance we saw was Giselle, from our belle-etage box seats. The second performance was La Sylphides, and we sat on the floor in the 4th row then.

We also walked past other tourist sites, like the Peter and Paul Cathedral and St. Isaac’s cathedral. So many gilded decorations! By the time our trip was over, my feet were blistered, but my face was set with a smile! St Petersburg is a beautiful city well worth visiting if you love art or ballet!

St Petersburg is a more young and friendly city, than Moscow. After a 7 hour train journey, we arrived in a city with English signs as well as Crylic. What a blessing after Moscow.
the Hermitage is an overdose of culture. Think La Louvre with oppulent decor. It could not be done in one day. See what you can take, then think about a second visit.
The Fortress, however is a two day afair, which you can use your entry ticket to go back to. Too much to write about, but go see!
The Spilled Blood cathederal is spectacular, similar to St Basils on the outside but amazing inside. Completely covered in murals. The little market to the side is worth a visit.
St Issacs for the views, if you can take the steps. It says 200, but does not mention the extra 50-60, outside. It is also amazing on the inside.
Stroll along Nevsky and admire the lovely girls, tourists and occasional war veteran beggar.

I’m planning on studying abroad in the summer of 2009. It would be an excellent opportunity to improve on my Russian. Not to mention, the culture, the architecture, and the city as a whole seem beautiful. It seems like a city I could easily love and I’m so anxious to see it for myself already!

Visited couple years ago; Had a wonderful time. From museums to just wondering around the city, a great place to visit. Do not miss the Petergof / Summer Palace. They call St Petersburg a northern Venice. Well deserved!

I just spent time with an old friend who lives and works in Petersburg. She brought up the idea of applying for a Fulbright to spend some extended time studying and teaching there. Intriguing and promising…