ARRIVAL IN RUSSIA

 Uneventful flights except for the last-minute rescue of my iPhone aboard a flight bound for Amsterdam!  Changing planes in Frankfurt is always challenging – I am convinced it’s the largest and most confusing airport I’ve ever encountered.

Despite these hiccups and with the help of an ambien-induced 4 or 5 hours of sleep, we arrived in St.

Petersburg in fairly good shape.  Our timing was good as the G20 Summit had ended that day and roads were now open for ordinary arrivals like our group.

I had time on the Frankfurt to St Petersburg flight to do a bit of research into the founding of the second-largest city in Russia.  Peter (later known as Peter the Great) ascended the throne in 1702 and began building Russia’s first port on the Baltic – a feat he accomplished in 11 years by using unnumbered serfs, prisoners of war and inmates.  Tens of thousands died in the process.  By his death in 1725, Peter had turned a backward nation into one of the most powerful on earth.

We were pretty tired and ready to settle in to our home for the next 10 nights.  A warm welcome awaited us.

After  a tasty meal an hot shower, we fell into bed.

A full day awaits us tomorrow as we explore St Petersburg.

Linda

Post Note:This blog was written on Sunday when we arrived, but I had to wait 2 days to get wifi service