Adventures in St. Petersburg - Installment 5: Sailing Into the Sunset

And so, it was time for us to leave St. Petersburg.

Our ship pulled away from the dock at 11:00 pm . . . (yet look how light it still was that evening!)

We sailed off, comfortable on deck, wine glasses in hand. . . saying goodbye to St. Petersburg. . . and Russia. . .

and into the MOST BEAUTIFUL sunset of the the entire journey

ON!  To Estonia!

==========

And now. . . A Special Travel Contest!

In Russia, my sister and I purchased several sets of Matryoshka dolls for ourselves, our families, and our friends.

I happen to have one unclaimed set . . . the little set shown above . . . so I decided to offer it as a prize to my blog travlogue readers!  

Here are the rules:  Leave a comment on this post or any of my remaining travelogue posts (brace yourselves -- I still have Estonia, Visby, and Copenhagen to go!) for a chance to win this little Matryoshka doll set.  I'll announce the winner on August 10.

If you can't think of a comment to leave, just answer this:  "Where in the world would YOU like to go?"

 

 

Comments

[Linda]

Your pictures and stories of Russia have been very interesting. While I never thought of Russia as a vacation destination before, I am re-thinking that. Beautiful old buildings. Love it.

[margene]

Your travelogue has been superb, beautiful, fun and so inspirational. I'd love to go to Morocco and Italy (and anywhere you go).

[Rachel]

Oh Babushka! this is how we call them in Israel or at least I do :) How tall is the biggest one in this set? I used to have a huge one a friend once brought me when I asked him to bring me the largest babushka he can find when he traveled to Russia. I think the biggest one was about a foot or more and I think it had 12 dolls inside - and now I wonder where did I leave it!?! I still have with me a beautiful small one in not characteristic colors of mainly dark blue and white.

[Marilyn]

Absolutely stunning sunset. Stunning.
I love the nesting dolls. I bought a plastic set for the boys when they were little but being boys they didn't see the enchantment of them... :)

[Carole]

That is a gorgeous sunset! I'm loving your travelogue and I'm glad there's so much more to come. Hannah used to have a collection of Matryoshka dolls when she was little - I'll have to ask her whatever happened to them. As for where I'd like to go: Tahiti!

[Dawn]

Thanks so very much for your travelogue, it was wonderful. I would most like to go to Scotland but not until I go to all the states! So many wonderful places to see right here.

[Patty]

Those nesting dolls would look perfect next to my orange Swedish horse! And where do I want to go...I think Italy next!

[Lesley]

What an amazing adventure you've had!! This is now on my bucket list of things I must do in this lifetime :)

[Cookie]

Such a beautiful sunset! Did it hurt you to leave Russia? Or were you ready to move on by departure time?

[Cheryl S.]

I was telling Margene about the river cruise on the Danube that I've booked for next year, and we had considered a Russian one - she told me you were posting about your trip, so I had to come check it out. I'll look forward to chatting with you about it in person!

[Natalie]

I'm procrastinating from writing my travelogue by reading yours! I just got back from Paris, which was fabulous. My next dream destination is Greece/Turkey, which may take another few years to figure out.

[Lori On Little Traverse Bay]

A travelogue AND a contest? Lucky us!

[teresa]

Thank you for sharing your vacation with us - I was excited to see all the places you visited as many of them are on own "my list". What fabulous pictures - you make the vacation come alive.

My favourite vacation was Venice - we stayed at a nearby island called Lido and had to charmingly take a water taxi/shuttle back and forth to Venice city proper every day. Best of all was visiting a LYS called Lellabella and buying a skein of souvenir yarn (grignasco cashmere-seta)

[Kate/Massachusetts]

One word for your "reader" sister...KINDLE!! I have 1800 books on mine! I can always find something to read plus my kindle if lighter than most books to carry.

Were there no yarn stores? You know the drill...a skein in every port! vbg

[Susan]

Wonderful pictures and commentary of your recent visit to Europe. I have been fascinated by your pictures and descriptions, particularly of St. Petersburg. I had never thought I would want to visit Russia, but now I do! However, my VERY first choice of a European country to visit would be Ireland where my ancestors came from.

[Melissa]

All of this make me more sure that if the budget ever allows. Husband and I are going to take one of the small around Europe type cruises. Though, the once in the Far East have their appeal too.

Hope you had as wonderful a time as your pictures. Also thank you for sharing. A mint City tour from the comforts of my home.

[Diana Troldahl]

I have been enjoying your travelogue SO Much :-}

Where would I like to go?
I have lived in Japan, but never visited Europe. I think I would most love a hiking tour of Scotland, but since that is not likely possible, I would just enjoy going anywhere overseas with enjoyable accessible places to visit.
After all, I will have the most fun if I feel I can engage at the same level as my fellow travelers.
Other countries Os and I have discussed visiting are Iceland and parts of Scandanavia, Australia and New Zealand...