A Baltic boating adventure TRIP REPORT COMPLETED 11/19 - Page 92 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Monday 13 June – part four: why not go in there to get a hot drink?
The Palace was originally built in the early 18th century, but was then transformed during the reign of Tsarina Elizabeth when a third story and wings with pavilions at either end were added.
Fortunately, as we left this area, it did get less crowded. Elena stopped to show us a display of how the palace was after the Second World War, when it was devastated. She explained how they’d buried a lot of the statues to try and protect them and how many women helped in the restoration, as it actually started during the war, while the men were still away fighting. One thing we would learn today was the devastating impact this war had on Russia, something I didn’t know. I know all about the impact it had on Britain, and places like France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, but you never hear anything about what took place in Russia.
Around here, we got some lovely views of the chapel…
I was disappointed to hear that we weren’t going to be going inside this palace, but I’m sure there’s a good reason for that, and we’d be visiting another palace later on. Maybe it would be too much for one day?
As we walked along, Elena explained that all of this was built on what was originally swamp land, and you could see that from the gullies they had around here. I saw some insects flying around. Who knows if they were mosquitos or not? Thankfully, I didn’t get bitten, and that was my main concern. If you think I’m crazy talking about mosquitos being here, then I’m not. We got talking to someone a couple of nights ago, who had visited St. Petersburg before, and she was relieved it was going to be colder and wet, as the last time, it had been warm, and she’d been surprised at how much she’d been plagued by mosquitos during that visit.
We came to this fountain, which I believe is of Sampson, if I remember right? Elena had told us earlier that all the fountains have to be refurbished every five years, and she pointed out that this one was no doubt nearing its next restoration, as you could see that it wasn’t the same gold colour all over. Wow!
Stephanie had already said she could with a coffee to warm up, and I was feeling the same. Elena had mentioned that the orangery building that we were standing near to…
… was a restaurant, so I came up with an idea. Why not go in there to get a hot drink? Stephanie immediately jumped on the idea, and backed me up. Thankfully, Elena didn’t try to dissuade us, and we headed inside.
We were going to get a tea or a hot chocolate, but when we spotted mulled wine on the menu, we instantly changed our minds, and went for that. Here again, we came across appalling behaviour, this time from a French tour group. An elderly woman pushed past, instead of just going to the back of the line the way everyone else would, then she was trying to go through the various teas right in front of us, reaching across. I did contemplate saying something very rude in French, but stuck with some loud choice comments about the French and their behaviour in English, which I know she heard. When another French woman from the same party came over, and tried to push behind us, I put my hand out and very firmly told her which she didn’t like, but tough. What is it with people?
Jay and Stephanie had never heard of mulled wine, so they both tried a taste of ours, and really enjoyed it. It was just what we needed, and really helped to warm us both up.
Before we left, we decided we’d better visit the restrooms, so we headed that way. I was fine, as Elena showed me the way, but on the way out, I heard the attendant arguing with a group of people. I am guessing here, but I think she was saying they weren’t restaurant customers, as the toilets were only for customers. They said they were, and she reluctantly let them in.
We headed out, and made our way over to the Roman Fountains, which were designed and built in the early 18th century. These were inspired by the one in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
We also saw the chess board fountain, and I think you can probably tell why it’s called that…
It had these magnificent dragons at the top of it:
Once again, this fountain had undergone massive restoration work at the conclusion of World War Two, which was becoming an all too familiar theme of what we were seeing today.
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A bit disappointing that you couldn't go inside the Palace but the grounds alone are beautiful!! I love the Roman fountain area!! Unfortunately, there are rude people everywhere.. Lad you got some warming up wi h a nice mulled wine.
That wine was a perfect antidote to the cold! We didn't go inside the Peteroff either, and looking back, it wasn't even an option. Not sure if the inside isn't up to par?
Did you see the 'cottage' by the water, which we were told was the Tsar'/ preferred lodging? He thought the palace was too overdone!
The grounds and fountains are quite amazing! Glad you got to enjoy some mulled wine! What is it with those French women, being so rude!
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Even if you couldn't go inside, it's all still very beautiful. The chessboard fountain is very clever - well done! I had no idea about Russia during the war either. History books simply don't mention it! Hmmm.....
The mulled wine sounded like the right place at the right time. Well, except for the rude French people. Good thing you put a stop to that.
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That wine was a perfect antidote to the cold! We didn't go inside the Peteroff either, and looking back, it wasn't even an option. Not sure if the inside isn't up to par?
I wondered that too.....
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Did you see the 'cottage' by the water, which we were told was the Tsar'/ preferred lodging? He thought the palace was too overdone!
No we didn't, but we heard that the Tsar thought the palace was too much.
Even if you couldn't go inside, it's all still very beautiful. The chessboard fountain is very clever - well done! I had no idea about Russia during the war either. History books simply don't mention it! Hmmm.....
I'm guessing it got eclipsed by everything else that happened then. It's a bit like more modern things. I tend to forget about those who died outside of New York City on 9/11, because that's (probably rightly) what history focuses on. I would imagine it was the same for the Second World War.
When I was working on my history degree, I focused on U.S. and British history, though I did take a modern Germany class that included WWII. My knowledge of the war's impact on Russia is sadly lacking, too. Everything you've seen so far today is beautiful, but it also amazes me how much restoration has had to be done.
When I was working on my history degree, I focused on U.S. and British history, though I did take a modern Germany class that included WWII. My knowledge of the war's impact on Russia is sadly lacking, too.
That amazes me that they didn't cover it in the class, but I guess there was so much else to cover...
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Everything you've seen so far today is beautiful, but it also amazes me how much restoration has had to be done.
Monday 13 June – part five: they had a wicked sense of humour!
We made our way over to the trick fountains, which weren’t playing until later. That’s probably just as well, as we’d have really needed to watch our step. Apparently the Tsars had a wicked sense of humour, and they told no-one what these fountains did. They got everyone lined up along this walkway, and basically when the fountains started, people got completely drenched!
We could see them trickling as we walked past. I guess they must have some serious firepower to them!
We then headed over to what could also be called more trick fountains. You had these trees that sprayed out water…
… then to the side, an area you could walk through, which looks pretty harmless. However, every so often, it would spring into life, soaking unsuspecting souls!
Mark really wanted to go through it, but we all talked him out of it. We told him that a certain law meant he’d get soaked, and given it was still cold, he’d be miserable if that happens. He was like a sulking child for a little while!
We carried on walking and passed some more of these tree fountains…
As we returned to the Roman fountains, we heard a band, and then spotted them in the distance…
We stopped to watch them and I was able to get some pretty decent photos of them, even from quite some way off. Have I mentioned recently how much I love the zoom on my camera?
We made our way out of the park…
… and headed past the palace.
Daniel met us here, and we drove through Peterhof, which Elena told us is mainly made up of holiday homes. I can imagine you probably have to have some serious money to live here.
We headed over here for our lunch stop…
As you can see, the place had no name to it, and after a bit of investigative work (I found out what their Wi-Fi was called and asked Elena), I discovered it’s the Parkside Kitchen. It only opened a few months ago, and it’s not on Google Maps or TripAdvisor, which is a shame, given we thought the food here was excellent, and we really enjoyed it.
There was no issue over me not eating meat, they just asked Elena if I was fine with fish, and I said and that was it. Sadly, I couldn’t try the traditional Russian dish of Borscht soup. Although it’s beetroot, it’s made with beef broth.
However, they brought me over my own soup, filled with flavoursome vegetables…
It was at around this point that we were offered a free shot of vodka. I have to say, I really don’t get the appeal of vodka. It just doesn’t seem to me to taste of anything, and all it does is burn your insides when it goes down.
My fish was superb, although I couldn’t tell you what type it was…
The rest had beef…
The dessert did make me laugh, as I was told it was ice cream, and Elena asked if that was Ok. I told her provided it didn’t have any tree fruit in it, no problem. Look what turned up…
Yes, that is a cherry. I gave it to Mark and took his that had strawberry in, so thankfully that was all easily resolved.
I thought all those trick fountains were so funny!
Lunch looked good. Too bad they didn't have a vegetarian version of the borscht. Although that would significantly change the flavor. It is so delicious!
See, Murphy's law was at work with your dessert - tell Mark that is a sure sign that the group saved him from misery in not letting him try the fountain!
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We got talking to someone a couple of nights ago, who had visited St. Petersburg before, and she was relieved it was going to be colder and wet, as the last time, it had been warm, and she’d been surprised at how much she’d been plagued by mosquitos during that visit. 
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I love the Roman fountain area!! Unfortunately, there are rude people everywhere.
. Lad you got some warming up wi h a nice mulled wine. 
Glad you got to enjoy some mulled wine! 
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