words from the world

The first night of my round-the-world trip was reviving. After the breakfast, I head for the Hermitage crossing the superb Saint Isaac's cathedral, topped by a gleaming gilded dome.

In front of the cathedral, several travelling salesmen offer their souvenirs. The first saleswoman makes me look at her well-stocked stand, she's only got russian dolls.

I walk on towards the Hermitage but the horde of tourists queueing for the tickets put me off, I go out, skirt the palace and go to the Neva bank where the Meteor company offers boat trips up to Petrodvorets for 600 roubles the round trip. The journey lasts half an hour on calm waters. As soon as we get off, we walk to the Petrodvorets entrance. Each visitor pays off the fee and goes forward along the canal that faces the palace.

Trees run alongside the canal and hide the palace wings. As I gradually get nearer, I forget the numerous tourists who follow each other as a procession enticed by the water sprays gushing out of the fountain. The water and the mythological figurines which live here mix. And in front of this concert of fountains, rains and streams, the palace erects.


From the palace wings, A lot of paths start and get lost in the park. The walk in the park calls for the spirit escape and for the siesta. A few fountains gush out here and there ; the slender, neatly spaced trees give way to flower beds.


Numerous benches remind the stroll has before all digestive, relaxing virtues. Before getting back to Saint-Petersburg, I go back to enjoy the melodious fountains of the palace. Saint-Petersburg and its surroundings has definitely all the assets to long for the most beautiful city in the world title. Its inhabitants will confirm you!