St. Petersburg is called "Venice of the North" (approximately 90-100 rivers and canals). Many solid bridges crisscross these waterways. You will stare in awe at rooms of carved gold leaf, colored marble, gilded bronze staircases, malachite pillars and lapis lazuli, spaces of the Winter Palace where Peter the Great lived. The rooms are decorated in shimmering jewel tones, glittering chandeliers, massive gold gilded moldings and contain over 1,500 priceless gold items. It is a testament of the richness and luxury of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many beautiful churches adorn the city. Large domed structures, all very ornate and colorful. These buildings are evidence of the most widely acknowledged religion in the country, which is Christianity. The largest tradition is the Russian Orthodox Church. And unknowingly, much to our surprise, we learned and saw that these churches contain no pews. While chairs are placed along the side walls for the elderly, sick or tired, standing is the proper engaging, respectful manner of worship for this form of religion. 

Was Russia what we expected? Definitely not. The whole experience was a feast for our eyes and our senses. And as a final experience, one I will never forget, was the typical Russian meal we were fed. Lunch that was accompanied by great Russian vodka with an alcoholic content of 40%. What was the meal? Sadly, I do not remember . . . .