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City with stories to tell

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River

Blackwell resident Ludmila Kettle shares her memories of an inspiring trip.

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful and elegant city, full of everything that demanding travellers can imagine. Lovers of history, art, architecture or theatres (including the best ballet in the world) will find that it exceeds expectations.

Our family trip was a revelation for all of us. I can’t describe it all in one article but I’ll try to share with you a few moments which are vivid in my memory.

When you tire from walking and need a rest, take a boat trip. You will enjoy a breeze on your face from the River Neva with spectacular views, and let your guide take you away from our time, floating from one century to another, as you pass houses and palaces with stories to tell.

We went with my mother to the Pushkin Museum and it was a very emotional excursion. Pushkin is for Russian as Shakespeare is for English, if not more so.

From an early age we heard and learnt by heart poems and rhymes which stayed with us forever. So being in his flat where he lived in his final two years, seeing his personal items and listening to a passionate guide was really moving.

Cathedrals are very special buildings in St Petersburg. St Isaac’s Cathedral, Church of the Spilled Blood, Kazan Cathedral and many others are monuments of architecture and art, but for Orthodox people coming there for prayer and pilgrimage, these places offer intimacy for their belief and hope.

Stay for a service and you’ll be delighted as the church choir are like opera singers.

If you want the full Russian experience, you should visit one of the café-restaurants or “Stolle” where you can find a good choice of traditional dishes and drinks. I can’t really say what is my favourite as I like them all!

Being Russian, it is not surprising that I am thrilled to talk about St Petersburg. But many foreigners (including my husband) have promised themselves they will return.

You don’t believe me? Have a trip to this fantastic city and see! 

* Jane Ward, our local travel counsellor, has arranged previous holidays for us, including in Russia, and organised the flights for this trip. She can help with your tailor-made holiday to St Petersburg.

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