Day 8 - Petrhov – today we went to the “Summer palace” at Peterhov, this is a community established to the south of St Petersberg where the Russian Imperial families would stay in the summer months. We visited the Palace built as a rival to the French Palace of Versailles – and what a place! We had to wear special plastic “slippers” because the wooden floors are so precious, and every room is magnificently decorated. Actually the buildings were badly damaged in the second world war, so it has been restored – amazing place.
Outside in the grounds we explored the gardens, and there are fountains all over, some were huge, some were “trick” fountains - designed to soak unsuspecting guests.... not very funny.
Our guides were Vladimir and Anastasia, who both spoke excellent English and gave us lots of insights into normal Russian life. Russia has been fascinating, but exhausting, it seems that organised tours are the only way to visit the sights in a short time, but being herded around in big crowds is often a pain, frustrating because you can't stop and do your own thing.....
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