Sunday (and Saturday night)

Well, I think it is safe to say that this year's team is still in contention for the title of "The A Team." Everything went smoothly during the transition from our hotel in Moscow, to the train station, to St. Petersburg. We gathered all of our bags together and left for the train station around ten o'clock on Saturday night. Korte and Evelyn rode with the luggage and the rest of the group followed Anya, our fearless leader, to the subway station. We said goodbye to Martha and Eric at the hotel and Jim helped us to the train station, where we parted with him as well. They will be sorely missed for the remainder of the trip and the team's thoughts and prayers are with them as they journey home.

Sharon's fears from yesterday, thankfully, did not pan out and we managed to navigate two subway stations and a change in trains without losing anyone. We boarded the train around midnight and, after a slight mix-up in compartment assignments (I won't mention any names but that luggage was not getting any lighter, Dr. Jim =), we were all comfortably settled.

We got into St. Pete around ten this morning and headed straight for our hotels. We are split between two lovely bed and breakfast hotels that are about a block apart. We began our sightseeing with lunch at a restaurant that is known for blending American and Russian cuisine: KFC. We took a scenic tour around St. Pete by boat, narrated in Russian and translated by Anya, and then toured the interior of The Church of the Spilled Blood. We were able to take some beautiful pictures of both the inside and outside of the church. Hopefully we will be able to resolve our technical issues and upload some pictures of our tours today.

Of course it wouldn't be a typical day in Russia without our assistance to the economy. We left the church and many in the group bartered and purchased souvenirs from a market across the street. Another popular attraction was an artist who drew caricatures and pictures for several team members. We've decided that Leigh Ann and Ashley's "gifts" might also include finding affordable, personal art. We ended the evening with dinner and coffee/tea at a cafe and dessert at a bakery near our hotel. The creme brulee flavored ice cream and "exceedingly puffy fruit-filled doughnuts" (Chelsea's glowing description) were quite a hit amongst the team.

Tomorrow, we are planning to tour The Peterhoff (sp?) Palace and other prominent features in St. Petersburg. We are having a great time and enjoying the sights of the "Venice of the North." St. Pete is a beautiful city and I know that everyone back home will be in awe of the photos we bring home.

Your culturally-enlightened bloggers,

Chaela and Sharon