Ciao Adios, my feet are done. They are not going to co-operate today and I know it. But what do you do when there’s still so much to see?
You plough on. Double hard, stiff upper lip, head for the nearest coffee shop and sit down as much as possible.
By midday today, things hadn’t improved. We had caught the Metro to Gostiny Dvor and made our way to one of the city’s iconic bridges to take some more pictures of amazing statues of naked men and horses. Naked men and horses – sound familiar?!
From here, as the sun returned to our holiday, we made our way to the gardens we attempted to enter on our first day, but they were closed.
Brucie bonus and not only were they open, they were free!!
A few fountains later (and a bit more sitting down) we made a date with the “Church of the Spilled Blood” where our visit coincided with Princess Cruises tours. It wasn’t too bad though and everyone was able to get that precious picture to take home. Well, the Chinese will always get their pictures. Imagine being invited round there’s for their holiday snaps!!
Our next stop was a bit more Cafe Bonch (never keep a good Bonch down) and onto the underground for a trip outside the city. 4 stops later and we arrived at the station that will feed the supporters of teams playing in St Petersburg for the World Cup and were once again impressed by the Russians efforts to create a great place to enjoy the football.
The 25 minute walk –
A sort of homage to Wembley Way – was flanked on the one side by an Amusement Park and on the other by quieter gardens with various lakes and ponds. This is an upcoming part of the city and we could see why.
The stadium was in the distance and looked magnificent and it was no less so when we arrived at its foot. Unfortunately, there were no stadium tours but we did connect to the Wi-fi and FaceTime Sam to show him what a sight it was. We then informed him that it was beer o’clock and headed for a local German bar where they served 4 foot long sausages (I have the evidence) and pitchers of beer all just a stones throw away from the stadium. In 5 weeks time the place will be rammed.
Staggering back to our Hotel that night we realised how unthreatening the city has been and how safe we have felt. A few weeks ago, we wondered if coming here was the right thing to do.
St Petersburg has been spectacular and now occupies a very high ranking on our list of favourite cities.
Anyway, it’s off to the capital tomorrow. Moscow.
(I’ve always wanted to do that joke!!!)