Phil in St Petersburg

We had a regional meeting in St Petersburg which was supposed to be -30 Celsius. It never got that low (only -5 to -10). I packed extra warm clothes that I didn't wear, as my winter clothes for Berlin were fine - in fact it was much colder in Berlin (about -15 to -20 Celsius all week). We had a really good meeting, which kept me busy all through the week. 

We had some social activities and a little free time, so I took the opportunity to have a look around - it is an amazing and incredibly beautiful city. So much colour, history and architectural beauty.

 I think a visit in June would be even better! I expected a city more like Moscow, but the strong European influence (Italian, French, German) really came through. The city has so much history to see, from Peter and Catherine the great, Rasputin, the siege of Leningrad and the cruise ship Aurora, which fired the signal shot to start the 1917 revolution which led to the 'Soviet Era' of Russia. 

We went to the ballet and saw Swan Lake. I was expecting it to be good, but it was nothing short of magnificent. Both the show itself, and the athleticism of the dancers was really amazing. We also visited Catherine Palace and saw the amber room, and then for 'team building', had an afternoon of outdoor activities (drinking vodka and playing team games in the snow). Quite a bit of fun! In the end it was a long and busy week, but I would recommend a visit to anyone.

Phil was given a fuzzy hat, the thickest coat we have ever seen, and a pair of enormous felt boots. The boys think these boots will be great for next St Nicklaus Day (December 6th). 

On December 6th you leave your clean boots on your doorstep , and St Nicklaus puts lollies and chocolates in your boots if you have been good. If you have been bad, he will put a stick in your boots instead. So the boys have claimed one boot each for St Nicklaus Day this year, in the hope it will be full to the top with chocolate!