Into Russia

Today we ventured into Russia. Exited Finland customs and immigration like a breeze. Proceeded through an ominous stretch of woods between Finland’s border station and Russia’s called  ‘No Man’s Land.’ Warning  - no cameras or photos of officials. Each of us checked and stamped through. Inspectors did a thorough search. At the final checkpoint, a hefty, unsmiling pitbull of questionable gender barked out orders and signaled commands. The whole process took over two hours and we were finally released to continue on our way.

First off, we knew we’d entered Russia by the road conditions. Worse than California. Huge potholes, rough bumpy surfaces, dips and tilts. Most notably going onto and off of bridges like some Russian engineer miscalculated the level of the road with that of the bridge. Signage is now totally unreadable to us. The letters look like gibberish from a printer malfunction. Two-way roads with trucks, buses and cars playing ‘chicken’ in passing. Glad we backseat drivers are not sitting in the front. Peasants selling bundles of twigs for saunas along the way. Colorful makeshift cemeteries half-hidden in the woods adjacent to the road were decorated in vivid colors probably belonging to a band of gypsies.

Secondly, we went from pure Finnish drinking water to the nonpotable stuff you can’t even brush your teeth with. No uncooked fruits, vegetables, juices or ice. Here we go……

St. Petersburg, on the other hand, is a jewel, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Lovely old architecture, in a Venice-like setting with a river, bridged canals and cobbled streets.

Visited the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg’s first settlement.

Entertained with chants and songs by a small men’s quartet.

After dinner, we had our private cruise of the Neva River through the center of Peter the Great’s capital.

Linda and Diane

Vodka, champagne, a basket of fruit and caviar canapés. Costumed singers and musicians entertained while we sailed past the sights of this classical city. After many shots of wodka, Linda was playing one of their wooden clackers, Ron was dancing with the lead singer, Diane was singing along in ‘Russian’ and Jerry was documenting the humiliating evidence for the record.

Ron on the dance floor

Empties