Peter the Great

Last night we attended a Russian Song and Dance performance at a Military Theatre. It once was used by Russian military as a meeting place/beer hall where they would sing love songs. Tonight the all men's military chorus and orchestra again sang love songs in Russian so we understood nothing except the lovely music.  One song had a familiar tune but I could not place it or remember why I knew it.  Between songs we were thorough entertained by Russian Folk dancers.  It was fabulous! They had very colorful costumes and very lifely dances, performing moves one expects in Russia. You will have to use your imagination as no photography was allowed during the performance.

Today was our tour of Peterhof, the summer palace of Peter the Great and later of Catherine the Great (they were never married as Peter ruled at the beginning of the 18th century and Catherine was as the end of that epoch). With access to the Baltic Sea won from Sweden, Peter began building. By 1723 a palace had been built and the gardens laid out and started with the fountains working.  There is an Upper Garden and a Lower Garden built around 62 fountains that are all fed by gravity with the water running to the sea.  Of course succeeding rulers added on to the palace and grounds.

During WWII, Nazi Germany occupied much of the St. Petersburg area, called Leningrad. The city was bombed, placed under seige and looted.  A huge part of the palace was bombed out, the Germans tried to take everything they could but the Russians hid most of the chandeliers, some of the paintings, silk wall coverings, some furniture, china and porcelain. Due to detailed plans, photos, and records the palace has been restored to its original condition. Absolutely no photographs could be taken inside the palace.

We have had a very quiet afternoon on board the ship making use of the golf practice area, walking track and pool. I will be attending a Dancing with the Stars performance later tonight.