Opulent decadence

Met Alex at 10, for the bus along Nevsky to the Winter Palace. But no bus as the road was being resurfaced - again the full walk! The included tickets did not include the post impressionists which were now housed in another part on the other side of palace square. It was good we did not have to queue for tickets as it was pretty hectic and confused to get in, what with leaving rucksacks in basement, then getting security etc before going in, with no idea where anything was. Finally we found a map in English which, though initially confusing, eventually made sense when we found rooms with numbers on. The palace - woah - ostentatious decadence. I can’t think we have seen anywhere as lavish, what with amazing state rooms, ballroom, and even highly decorated corridors. Next door was the Hermitage for old masters - Rafael, titian, el Greco, Caravaggio (only one), Leonardo etc. We enjoyed those and the crowds thinned out away from the famous pieces.

After several hours we crossed the square as I wanted to see the Picasso and Matisse. An old govt building, no clue where the art was at first, so many corridors, spaces, no signage. We headed for the top floor and saw magnificent stuff. Had no idea Renoir did so many flowers. Lovely gaugin, Matisse and Picasso.

Headed off about 3.30 for the mosaic church of Spilled blood, more roubles, but worth it as covered in tiny pieces, fruit etc as well as religious stuff.

Finally a walk to Faberge museum, in an old house where we had to put covers on our shoes. 9 lovely eggs with their “surprises” plus snuff boxes, cig cases, huge pieces silver.

Quick walk back and out at 7 for nice meal. A strange place along NP, as it was huge, bits with US food, sushi, etc. I had a tasty aubergine roll thing in a yummy creamy sauce, followed by tasty beef slices in sauce. Nobody wanted to do the speech for Alex so Mr C stepped up did it well. Then the 7 of us plus zalex went for many cocktails (only one cabbage flavoured one) to toast our wonderful trip and hopefully our safe exit from Putin’s empire.