detail of a gate at the Hermitage
Sorry I did not post the updates as the group arrived in Moscow and then took the overnight train to St Petersburg. No excuses, just apologies. I hope many of you are on the email distribution list.
That said, we did get an email last night (Saturday) recapping what’s happening now. Today the group will conclude its visit to St. Petersburg and fly to Novosibirsk to begin the real reason for this journey — camp! Following is last night’s message from Janie, but first, some of the sights they’re seeing in St. P (photos from previous years.
“We visited the Hermitage yesterday and had a tour though the amazing palace and collections of art, Our guide was brief but very knowledgeable and we made it through the whole incredible place in about 2 1/2 hours. I heard things like “Wow, I saw a real Rembrant” or “Can you believe we saw a Monet in person!” and on and on. The kids loved their shopping adventure and will be coming home with wonderful treasures, but I think the highlight was the boat trip through the canals. It is INCREDIBLY hot here and the breeze off the water as we toured the canals was so welcome!
“Today we visit St. Isacc”s Cathedral, an enormous church and then on the Peter and Paul’s fortress for an afternoon of touring and relaxing in the park, one more hour of shopping, to be sure we have purhased all the best “stuff”, dinner and then bus to the airport and off for our real purpose, Camp.
“We are hoping the temperature will be a bit cooler in Novosibirsk, but we cannot count on that. Everyone sends their love and all are excited to get to camp.
Thinking of you all, Janie”
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