Perhaps not the most traditional, or easiest, places to travel to, St Petersburg offers the opportunity to visit Russia, whilst still retaining links with the west. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great as a "Window to the West", St Petersburg went on to become known as the germanic Petrograd during the First World War and subsequently Leningrad during the communist era. One of the symbols of Russia's turbulent history, the city has retained much of its dramatic architecture including the resplendent Palaces of the tsarist era, the most well known perhaps being the Winter Palace, known as the Hermitage, displaying one of the world's greatest and most admired art collections. The city is remarkably picturesque, founded on rivers and canals, sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North. The city was also home to a host of renowned figures including the composers Stravinsky and Shostakovich, the writers Dostoevsky and Pushkin and such historical figures as Rasputin and Lenin. The traditions of Russian theatre and ballet is continued by the Kirov Ballet, visits to the internationally renowned Mariinskii and Musorgski theatres remaining cheap in comparison with western theatres. Travelling in June/July also affords the opportunity to experience the " White Nights" when darkness never falls and the city is characterised by concerts and entertainment. Whilst problems can be encountered where food and drink is concerned (although i have never known a vodka shortage!)the city is now developing more and more westernised eating places. The main street in St. Petersburg - Nevskii Prospect - hosts a number of american outlets, and there is at least one McDonalds in the city. A must, however, are the traditional Blinis stuffed with such fillings as cabbage, potato, caviar and jam! As far as travel goes, the cheapest options are the trams, buses and underground. Beware, however, that the former tend to be very ovrcrowded and I have known buses in particular to break down. (Whereupon the Russian people simply alight without question and walk the rest of the way-wherever you are!). The underground is perhaps the easiest - and most possibly cheapest and fastet - mode of transport. Finally, as far as currency is concerned, it has to be US dollars, accepted everywhere they can also be exchanged for the everdecreasing rouble. In some places Deutshmarks and GB Pounds seem to be accepted to, although not as readily as the dollar.
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Advantages: CHEAP!! - really good value for money - brilliant public transport Disadvantages: a fair bit of red tape in repect of sorting ones own trip there!!
Advantages: so much to see and do, fabulous architecture, the Hermitage, boat tours round the city Disadvantages: need to purify your water - apart from that, NONE!
weebagpuss 29.04.2001 (04.05.2001)
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