Our performance had the majestic backdrop of the Hermitage Museum.



It was around here that I saw two people taking two baby bears for a walk on leads, I kid you not. It blew me away.



We were told that if you spent 5 seconds in front of each object, it would take you 11 days to see everything it contained. Here is a sneak peek of some of the breath taking things I saw. The building itself sometimes overwhelmed the art it contained.











This was a chest decorated in wood parquetry.



The Matisse room was stunning.





If you get the chance, check out a film called The Russian Ark. It is best watched with the film makers commentary and it was filmed in one single shot while following a character as he walks through the Hermitage Museum during 90 minutes and historical events are recreated as he enters 33 different rooms.



St Petersburg was once a swamp and it was drained to build the city so like other cities that have had their birth the same way, it supports a web of canals. We went on a canal boat ride and it is a great way to see the architecture.





You can't come to St Petersburg, Russia and not visit the Church of the Saviour on spilled blood.



The name refers to the blood of the assassinated Alexander II of Russia, who was mortally wounded on March 13, 1881 on the site where the church was built . The outside was impressive and equally matched by the interior which was decorated with recently restored mosaic designs that lined the floor, walls and roof.









Mei Wah certainly looked stunning modelling in front of it.



Here are some shots of us performing.









We even made the front page in the press.



There were also plenty of other performers as well. Like these guys.









St Petersburgers also have their own fair share of local talent. The Ballet, the Opera, the Theatre and lesser knows art forms. Only the Russians could make a piano accordion look appealing.



They weren't so successful with the walrus? This was on a truck outside the permanent circus. I shudder to think what that show would have been like.



All in all, it was a fun gig in a beautiful city and I'd love to visit here again some time. One sad occurrence, while I was away, was that my last remaining Grandparent, (my grand mother on my mothers side), passed away. The funeral is on Thursday, so I dedicate this blog to the memory of a strong, compassionate and independent woman, Baba Chrisoula and all those other Babushka's out there.



Love and peace to all,

George xxxooo

Tags: Strange Fruit