RUSSIA -- LAND OF THE TSARS

Russia -- few countries bring up such vivid images and emotions! From the extravagant opulence of the tsars to the bitter poverty of the serfs.  From Peter the Great to the Bolsheviks and the fall of

communism, this vast land has such a fascinating history.

Tomorrow, fifteen of us will be flying to Russia to begin  our river cruise odyssey which begins with 3 days in St. Petersburg.  From there we cross Europe's two largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga, and cruise the Volga-Baltic Waterways with visits to the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl and finally to Moscow, the culmination of our voyage.

This will be my 3rd trip to Russia, although, technically, the first trip in 1972 was to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. At that time we were stationed with the US Air Force in Ramstein, West Germany, and had the opportunity to join a tour to the USSR. This was the height of the Cold War and the nation was struggling to recover from the devastation of WWII, especially Leningrad (now St. Petersburg).

I returned again in 2004 on a Baltic cruise to visit St. Petersburg and found a beautiful city much different from the former Leningrad. I've never been to the cities along the Volga and am looking forward to

seeing these UNESCO World Heritage sites.

After 41 years I'm also anxious to see Moscow again. I still remember standing in awe, looking at St Basil's Cathedral and then the jewels in the Kremlin Museum.  The Crown Jewels of Britain pale in comparison.

Having been warned that internet service outside St. Petersburg and Moscow may be very limited, I'm not sure how prompt my postings will be completed, but hope to be able to share some of our experiences and impressions as we travel thru the 'land of the tsars.'
More from Russia in a few days,
Linda