Today is the Hermitage. Of course, you can spend more than one day in this "Hermit's Dwelling" (aka "The Winter Palace"), but with our short trip, one day is all we can afford. Again, we got a late start due to the hate hour at which we retired last night, but we still had enough time to thoroughly exhaust ourselves before closing time.

On the way to the Hermitage, we were pleased to find a bank open (it's Sunday, after all) where we could exchange some moeny. We arrived at the Hermitage around 12:30pm, where we were met by a very long line for the Cashier. A museum employee was offering people to bypass the line, provide us with tickets, and an audio guide in English for 800 Roubles. After learning that the entrance fee was 350 and the audio guide (which we intended to purchase anyway) was 300, we determined that the extra 150 Roubles would be money well-spent, so we went for it. We felt like VIPs: not having to stand in line at the ticket booth or the coat check or security or the audioguide stand! He even gave Susan a 350 Rouble discount for her student ID card, although she was prepared to pay 800 Roubles.

After spending a few hours in the Hermitage, we all decided that it needs more benches for seating in each of the rooms. Apart from that, we had a great time, learned a lot, saw many beautifyl things, and the only regret was not being able to see the Treasure Rooms. Apparently, those rooms close before the rest of the museum (3pm instead of 5pm) and you have to buy separate tickets for them, which sell out quickly. So, add that to the list of what to see "next time."

We exhausted ourselves around 4pm and then visited the museum store where we bought more souvenirs and gifts. We were very hungry and tired, so we sat ourtise and ate our lunch for awhile. It was chilly, so we didn't stay outside for long. We walked back to our apartment and stopped at Teremok on the way, where we ordered bliniy with wild berries. It was warm and tasty.

Another interesting aspect about today, is that today is "Navy Day." There was a very festive atmosphere on the street and they closed Nevskiy Prospekt (the main street) to vehicular traffic, allowing people to walk freely in the street. Flags of Russia and the Russian Navy were flying (and being sold) everywhere along with sailor hats and other patriotic memorobilia. Also, there were battleships and submarines in the Neva River with ceremonies to commemorate the day.

Unfortunately, after the Hermitage we were too tired to participate in the festivities, but it was still fun to be out on the street with the other merry-makers. After we got home from the Hermitage, we relaxed for a few hours and then went to Serpuhovskaya for dinner. Aleksey was there, having spent the day with Nina's parents (her father served in the Navy for 3 years) and after taking Nina to the airport for her weekly trip to Moscow, where she works for Microsoft. After dinner, we were driven back to our apartment by Aleksey.

Labels: Europe 2008, Russia, St. Petersburg