The Adventures of W & S: RUSSIA 2015. #8

THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2015

We met at the column by the Hermitage Museum. There was a group of 9 including us. We had to have some sort of listening device for our guided tour since there were more than 6 folks in a group. We entered and had to take our jackets to the coatcheck. It is required and also if you have a bag or backpack, that also must be checked. You could take photos, but no flash photography. It was extremely busy just like the Louve. There were hoards of people making their way down the various halls. The Chinese tourists seem to dominate the scene in numbers and by their rude behavior. They push and shove their way in and then take a photo right in front of your face. Waiting in line is not something they do well, but the Russians are also notorious for merging into your line to get themselves to the front. They are like Chicago drivers that see a lane closure sign for miles but butt in just before the lane closes. So much for the Museum behavior.

The Museum offered some lovely items from many of the famous artists and sculptors. I can't begin to tell about all of the items except it is royalty that started this collection so that should say it all.

Front entrance that is similar to ours minus the marble steps. 😀

This is almost as nice as our trey ceilings.

The Red Throne Room.

A nice size for a vase, which is made from malachite.

This clock was really unique. It actually works as the peacock feathers expand while the peacock's head goes up and down and the rooster crows. That is how it looked on the slideshow we saw. It performs once a week in the evenings.

Walt took a lot more photos of paintings but my blog will be full if I publish all of those.

Next we went on a boat tour of the Neva River and the canals. St. Petersburg used to be all islands which are now all connected by bridges. This makes it ideal to go around the various important landmarks and view them from the water. The Hermitage even has an arched bridge or gallery that also expands over the water. It was misting when we started the tour but it didn't last long. They do offer you a blanket when you board, so that says something about the temperature. It was very windy and cold at times so the blanket did help. A plastic glass of champagne was also offered which was fair.

This is the arch connecting the two buildings of the Hermitage Museum. The Hermitage consists of several buildings and more considered for the future.