Russia Day 4 - Novogorod to St Petersburg

Novogorod was interesting, but I’m not sure worth it on such a short trip. Their Kremlin was cool – mostly converted into museums and arts-related buildings. Massive bronze sculpture in the center depicting Russian history. St Sophia church that was still in active use – got the Byzantine priest walking by with the incense burner deals as we were walking. Absolutely beautiful day – could have spent hours walking around the park and just enjoying (also not looking forward to what’s waiting in Houston for me). I’ll never trust weathermen again – the advance 10-day forecast on weather.com said rain every day. *NOT*

Off to a monestary (still working, but only 9 monks and 40 novices) where I hope I got some good pictures with the sun. Interesting story about how Novogorod was never conquered by the Mongols – they paid them off with fur, gold, and women. Then 5 minutes later Natasha is talking about all the monestaries that were around there and how it became a religious center. Connection there maybe?

Then to an open air museum with some old (church was 300 years old) all-wooden buildings. Very rustic. Next. Back into town center to drop off Natasha, grab a little food, and back on the bus. Should be about 3 hours to St Petersburg.

Our hotel is supposed to be nice, and is only 10 minutes from the airport, which will be very nice on the last day. It will also greatly complicate getting into the city independently for any bar/club/dance things, which some of us wanted to do. My book says the subway stops running at 12:!5am – very early. At that point its either cab or walk – need to ask Anya for advice. I also wanted to see the bridges get raised at 2am – supposed to be quite a sight. Should be getting closer to StP – maybe time to crack the vodka again…

More later...