Fabulous Faberge

Saint Petersburg, Russia -- Day One

We docked right in the center of St. Petersburg, on the Neva River late this morning, and after clearing (very strict and unsmiling) immigration, we set off on a tour of the old Shuvalov Palace which now houses the most amazing collection of Faberge eggs, picture frames, cigarette boxes, and other gorgeous enameled and bejeweled items once belonging to the Imperial family and other nobility.  Here is (yet another!) collage of some of the Easter eggs given to the Empresses Maria and Alexandra from Tsar Nicholas II.  The workmanship is absolutely astonishing -- so intricate and delicate.

Tonight we're off for what is billed as a "Grand Imperial Evening Of the Tsars" where we will be visiting Catharine's palace, drinking wine in the Grand Hall, watching a performance of some sort (not specified), and then having dinner.  Stay tuned!