On the road again

18 May 2010

Up early and to airport by 7 AM. You are able to walk to airport from town (thing about that--how many places can you do that?). Students were surprised that weight limit internally to Russia was 50% of that internationally--so sadly a lot of excess weight payments. Lots of sadness leaving--I continually remain surprised at how quickly and deeply people form emotional ties with one another. A treat was to meet one of Andrei's english teachers--from his 7th grade and then again in the University.

Flight was 1 hour and 45 minutes and we were served drinks, food and drinks again--we do not see that anymore in U. S. Arrived in St.P's and behold, our guide was NOT named Svetlana--1st time that has happened--her name is Natala. We went directly from the airport to Peterhof (no not that Peter Hoff--Peter the Great's summer residence on the Finland Sea). It is bigger than Versailles and absolutely beautiful. We spent several hours there and toured the grand palace, then to our hotel.

Our hotel is centrally located right across from the train station (where we take an overnight to Moscow) and at the head of Nevesky Prospect Street which is one of the main streets in town.
Bill Halteman, myself, Andrei and Wayne Reid went out to dinner and walked the street. We are far north and it is bright and sunny until about 10 PM, then like dusk, then sun up again at 2 AM.

Ms. Caitlin Conroy has been our ambassador of gifts on this trip. She has, on behalf of the entire group, given gifts to various officials and speakers--and often on the fly, with little notice and she has done a great job--we have kidded her that she has a bright future in public relations.

Tomorrow is culture day--Hermitage, Fortress of Peter and Paul and folk show in the evening--our final day in Russia as we take, as noted, an overnight train to Moscow then to airport and off to home. I hope you go to the photo site and see the photos that are added.