I loved Saint Petersburg! It was definitely the highlight for me. Saint Petersburg is called the Paris of the east and the Venice of the west. When I heard this I thought they were being a little over the top (but Russians can be very intimidating so I didn't say anything) but it is true. Canals and rivers move through the city unobtrusively and the bridges are all beautiful and unique. Walking down a street is a treat with each building being a different colour (pink, white, blue etc) or slightly different design. One of my favourite buildings was the Singer building. It was the building that the singer sewing machine was invented and is now a big book shop. So imagine walking down streets enjoying the scenery and then turn a corner and see the Church of the Saviour on the Spilt Blood (I am sorry for the lack of photos but in a few weeks I will update the posts with some pictures.) The church is based on St Basils Cathedral in Moscow but I think it much better. The domes are all bright blue and greens with tiles and gold. The inside is spectacular with gold mosaics all over the walls. I took heaps of photos but unfortunately I don't think they will do them justice.
I did the Russian thing and had vodka and caviar on my last night. I will post this picture as well!
I could have spent some extra days in Saint Petersburg but maybe that means I will go back again sometime.
I am now in Helsinki and pleased I spent an extra day here exploring even though I have mostly been spending it in a internet cafe!!
