On the Neva River - Day 4

We have set sail for Moscow.  After the final day of soaking up the sights and sounds of St. Petersburg our ship, the Viking Ingvar, began the journey southward.  It is great to see again the landscape rolling by, taking in the rustic charm of the Russian country beside the river.

In the morning we had visited Peterhof, the summer palace of Peter the Great on the shore of the Bay of Finland.  This was another palace badly damaged and looted by the Germans during WWII which is being restored to its former glory.  And what a glory!  The interiors were gilded with golden ornamentation in greater excess than the palace of Catherine.  The floors were exquisite parquet designs, the chandeliers made with glass infused with gold to give it a lavender hue.

The grounds of the palace were designed with fountains and water features that earned the title of "Versailles of the North".  At precisely 11 a.m. the main fountains behind the palace in the lower garden were turned on to the strains of a patriotic anthem to the delight of all tourists.  The Peterhof represents aristocratic excess, but it is a delight to see.

In the afternoon we cruised through the heart of St. Petersburg on a canal boat while our guide pointed to sites of interest -- who lived where, who was the boyfriend of this monarch, who and where this person was assassinated.  It was interesting to learn the darker side of the city.

We returned to the ship in time for the 7:30 p.m. sailing.  We were hosted to a Captain's welcome party, introduced to the main crew members, and enjoyed the welcome dinner while watching the passing countryside.  The gentle motion of the ship will make for restful sleep.  And more adventures will come tomorrow.