All Our Bags Are Packed!: Europe (July) Trip Notes # 10

Europe (July) Trip Notes # 10

Russia (St. Petersburg), cont.

The Regent cruise line was able to arrange (for about 100 passengers) a once in a lifetime, fabulous experience. The famous Catherine Palace, (which is usually bumper-to-bumper visitors during the day), was opened up in the evening for us.

The festivities began with a close up view of the royal carriages.

The carriage below is actually a mobile bathroom. It would be discretely parked away from festivities so that the royals could "do their thing" in private.

Ready for a sleigh ride?

After viewing the carriages, we took a quick look at ornaments for the horses...

and clothes used by the royals

A uniformed band greeted us at the palace entrance

Palace guards escorted us while touring...

We had a private guide that detailed much of what would have been missed had we toured with the masses.

Dutch oven heats room below - Amber room to the right.

As we walked from one room to another, there were palace guards in period uniforms stationed in different areas.

In one of the rooms, we came across a person playing classical flute music. Then, several rooms later, there was a harpsichord concert. Further meandering throughout the palace took us to the grand ballroom where there was a string quartet.

Champagne was served.

If that was not enough, all of a sudden there was a brass fanfare as the Tzar and Tzarina entered the ballroom...

followed by a couple demonstrating period dances

As we departed the palace to the outside courtyard (escorted by the military band and period dancing), we were off for a special palace dinner and folklore music.

We returned so late in the evening that the ship had prepared a "midnight snack' (full buffet). We passed and went to sleep. Another early morning tour was awaiting us.

The next day was action packed

Visiting the synagogue