8 deg C, overcast (again!)

We explored the Russian Museum today – that place is full of interesting artwork (see gallery below), as well as some crap artwork. In fact, I’m exaggerating by calling it art. But the good outweighed the bad, so we had a good day. It took several hours to explore all the permanent and temporary exhibitions, where I finally realised I was “museumed out” for the day. So I took some time out to browse a 24 hour bookshop (yes, 24 hour!), picked up a Russian-English-Russian dictionary and a SPB (Saint Petersburg) map.

I caught up with an Aussie who’s going to be starting a gig as a tour guide for older English speaking tourists doing the Trans Siberian. We had some traditional russian pancakes, and wandered the streets for a while. It was great to have a familiar accent answering back, but of course I couldn’t do it for too long as I don’t want to get used to it right now!

We went out to a local pool hall with some of my cousin’s friends and enjoyed a quiet evening beating them at pool

So here I am, back in my cousin’s apartment (overlooking the cemetery, but all you can see is trees), doing emails, photos & blogging. I can’t wait for the Victory Day parades, particularly the military one in the morning. I already have my Victory Day ribbon (yellow & black), which everyone seems to be wearing.

Pushkin’s Statue

Plaque on Pushkin’s statue

100% Juice!

Some important guy whose name I’ve forgotten

Each ceiling was different, usually ornate.

Some war medallions or prizes