A Day in St. Petersburg, Russia

If we thought the first two tours were early, this was an even earlier day for us. And there were SO MANY people taking the same tour as us. As usual, we had a quick breakfast in Horizon Court and then went back to the room to get our stuff and head to Princess Theater to meet up and get our tour group number. 

This time we had to clear the Russian immigration before heading to our bus. We got onto bus number 3. 

Mei-mei showing her sticker number 

We were eat given a receiver where we would be able to hear our tour guide, Martha 

Our designs for the day

First stop, was the Peterhof Palace. It is famous for the fountains, but the palace was just as impressive.

The gardens were so beautiful. So peaceful as it was still early. We were among the earliest to arrive at the palace.

Before the tour began, we were all brought to the toilets. Cold weather makes you want to go all the time! Then we were told to put on "shoe covers". This is to ensure that the palace floors are protected.

The palace is beautifully decorated and had so many artifacts: 

Look at the chandelier 

Painting of Catherine the Great. Our guide shared interesting facts about her life. 

The Picture Hall

After the tour was done, we had another toilet break and look-see around the gift shop before it got too crowded and stuffy inside, so we headed out. We had around 45 minutes to kill before the 11am fountain show.

Daddy with his two precious 

We wandered around to explore the gardens and take pictures:

 Goofing around

 Daddy set up the camera on a park bench for this family picture. Ah Kong and Ah Ma had wandered off to have a seat.

 One of the many fountains in the park

The we headed back to the lower park by 10.45 to ensure we got a "front seat" view when the fountains are turned on. 

So beautiful

As it was almost lunch and the restaurant was nearby, we took a quick walk across the park to the hotel where we were to have lunch in.

The restaurant wasn't really ready. So we just stood outside while our guide shared more on the Russian language.

 Appetizer

 Every adult was given a shot of vodka (which daddy "helped" to finish)

Our entertainers

 Mushroom soup

 Our mains

After lunch (and toilet break), we walked a little to a bus stop where we waited for our bus to pick us up. We then headed to a souvenir store for us to browse (or buy.. which we didn't). 

Then we hopped back onto the bus for a drive and some history and story about the next stop (and nap) to the next stop, Yusupov Palace. This was where Rasputin was murdered. 

 Our handsome photographer

The intricate door carving 

Mei-mei got a "photographer" sticker too as she was going to take photographs inside the palace

We headed directly to the Rasputin Room. As it was very small and narrow, we could only walk through quickly. The guide had already shared all the information and history about the room, so we already knew what to look for.

 Next, we headed to the other rooms of the palace. It was so massive.

Next we visited the theater. Yes, imagine the palace has its own theater!! 

 This is the actual original chair

The inside of the theater

Then the tour was done for the day. Such a long full day. The night before, Uncle Alvin had reminded us that there would be a Russian folk dance performance in the Princess Theater. As there wasn't enough time for dinner, we opted to have some light snacks at the Princess Live! Cafe. And to have our drinks too:

Daddy ordered a special Gin & Tonic for me. The bartender was preparing it for me 

(and it's shown on the screen behind him)

As Mei-mei and Ah Kong were still finishing up, Ah Ma and Ko-ko headed to the theater to get some seats for us. I am glad that we made it for the show. It was very entertaining and the Russian costumes were so beautiful and colorful:

After the show, we headed to Alfredos for dinner. We were too tired to really enjoy dinner and Mei-mei decided that she did not want pizza. So daddy finished up and the both of you headed to Horizon Court for something from the buffet line. We all KO-ed early that night; both from being too tired and also because we had another early day the next day.