Being secured to the dock on the Neva River here in the heart of St. Petersburg, Russia, afforded us a peaceful night in this city that bustles well into the early morning hours. The Neva is a waterway critical to the importance of St. Petersburg and her connection to the Baltic. A city founded by Peter the Great in the year 1703, she is still thought of as a window to the west. On this very day St. Petersburg celebrates her 310th birthday with public concerts in the parks and city plazas, young and old gathering to rejoice.
We began our day with blue sky and sunshine that accompanied us as we explored the outskirts of this magnificent city. Catherine’s Palace, home to Catherine I, Empress Elizabeth, and Catherine the Great, is a stunning imperial residence furnished with artistic bounty. Tremendous investment has been made in restoring this residence as it was severely damaged at the end of WWII. The grandeur, the hands that carved, and now the women and men who work as docents and caretakers, provide us a glimpse into life in Russia.
The famous Russian restaurant in Pushkin, Podvorie, was a cultural and culinary highlight. We were treated to Russian music, authentic Russian cuisine, and Russian vodka, one of this county’s trademarks. This colorful landmark provided us an intimate setting to share a few of Russia’s customs first-hand.
In the afternoon we visited Peterhof Palace. The 18th century fountains, expansive gardens and opulent residence glistened in the sunlight.
Themes become patterns that repeat themselves in Russia. Freedom – svaboda in the Russian language – is in the joy a child finds in chasing pigeons and picking a flower for her mother in the garden near the Grand Cascade. Opulence – izobilie in mother tongue – best describes what remains of Imperialism and the edges of the past. Restoration – vostanovlenie here in St. Petersburg – seems continuous, from war, fire, time and now the future.
The privilege of freedom is prevalent, though, as we share the sidewalks and grand opulent halls with Russian people.
One of the lasting gifts of an expedition is that we feel more connected, more alike than unalike with other cultures and human beings. Russia is reaching for the opportunity to share her complex and yet rich story.
As we ease away from the dock here in St. Petersburg in the golden light of the day, we sound our ship’s horn, out of respect and gratitude for the opportunity to explore and share a few moments.
