Sunday, Day 2 St. Petersburg, Russia

We did so many things on Sunday, even after a late start out.  I loved the cappuccino in the little cafe at the corner on Nievsky Prospect, so insisted on going there for my favorite new breakfast.  Forget the name, here it is right below, seerini, or something like that.  Made with cottage cheese (home cheese).

St. Pete's if famous for these small donuts.  In St. Pete's they are called one thing and in Moscow they are called something else.  Here's the famous cafe where we all ate the donuts!

Here's all the things we saw/did on day 2, before getting on the midnight train back to Moscow.

St. Isaac's Church
Climbed to the top to enjoy the view of St. Petersburg.  It was the windiest day, but lots to see.  We got the audio guide in the church.  Spectacular!

Peter the Great Statue
Well, not exactly impressive, but what was impressive was seeing two bridal parties taking pictures at this historic statue.  It was so icy I was scared to death of falling.  Meanwhile, all other St. Petersburg residents seem to be used to this:  even the brides teetered on high heels through the muddy, icy park to pose with their entourage.

Kazan Church
in this small church there was a line of people to go up to pray to this Godmother -- Icon of the Mother Mary

Savior of the Blood
Was dying to go here based on the Trip Advisor Reviews as the #1 tourist attraction in St. Pete.  The tiles were amazing.  The outside even more spectacular with the onion domes.  Got the audio guide and quickly got bored.  The sights alone without the explanation was enough.

Natalia w/Catherine the Great

Ran to the Hermitage as it closes early on Sunday (5pm).  Only had 45 minutes and found an English speaking guide which was a gift from God.  I'd never seen any Leonardo diVinci paintings and she quickly showed us highlights including this famous clock and some Rembrandt's and a Caravaggio!!!!!  No Faberge eggs today though

Walked out of the Hermitage feeling more satisfied than a human can ever imagine.  We literally closed the place down.  Its a custom to check your coat (for free).  Instead of waiting on the ridiculously long line at closing time, we found the restroom, went back, and found our coats to be the last ones hanging in the coat check.  Walked out and turned around to remember a vivid sight of us, the last people to leave the Hermitage that day. $35 for 45 minutes of English guide -- priceless.

this is a Leonardo diVinci painting

Royal Thai Massage
The old lady feeling came back in my back and I was walking so slow my friends must have thought I was gonna drop dead.  Saw a massage place and spent the best $45 of my life.  Rejuvenation never had a deeper meaning.  Oh thank you Thai lady.  Walked out with a spright in my step and smile in my face.  Best yet, Natalia asked the guy at the desk for a restaurant reco and soon all the locals in the waiting room came up with a Georgian restaurant for us about 10 blocks away.  Life is great with these undiscovered treasures.