Весной Пригретая: A boat ride, Saint Isaac's Cathedral and colourful bears

The day started off with a boat ride along the river Neva. The weather in St Petersburg is very unpredictable, one moment you're melting in the sun and the next, it might as well be snowing. It was quite cool and cloudy when we boarded our boat for today's excursion but luckily it didn't rain and blankets were offered to all the passengers.

A boat ride along the river Neva is a great way to see many parts of the city. Despite all the gold and extravagant buildings, much of the city is still in ruins or falling apart. Many buildings are undergoing reconstruction and inside the churches, donations boxes stand near the entrances to collect money for restorations. In my opinion, the ruins add the city's charm, they make you appreciate just how old and deep the history of the city is. You won't find many modern buildings here.

After the boat ride, on our way to visiting Saint Isaac's Cathedral we ran into bears. Many, many bears. These bears are on show St Petersburg for 2 months, ever country has their own bear which they painted in their on way. With ice cream stands manning the area, I think everyone had a good time taking photos with the bears.

The gold bear on the left represent Russia with the classic Hohloma pattern

Australia

There are two ways to experience Saint Isaac's Cathedral, one is two climb the incredibly long and winding staircase to the top of the main dome and two, is to view the interior. We did both of course. Entry isn't free but for a small price the ticket will get you both the entry into the cathedral and climb to the top of the dome. The view from the top is amazing. You can see for miles. All at once you can see the Hermitage Church of the Saviour on Blood and a bunch of other buildings I've shamefully forgotten the names of already. When I get back home I will definitely have to read the brochures.

Saint Isaac's Cathedral

The winding staircase to the top

The view from the top of the dome. To the left you can see the Hermitage.

The view inside

The main dome

Can you see the white dove at the very top?

The iconostasis

Inside the Cathedral you can find many mosaic icons, gold and malachite pillars and beauty you must experience yourself. St Petersburg is also famous for it's Amber. In the little shop tucked away in the corner of the Cathedral you can find lots of Amber jewellery as well as many other original pieces such as a vase with roses, all made out of Amber.