Following the Russian theme for song titles for the blog!

Interestingly enough there is hardly any evidence of the Soviet regime in St. Petersburg today. Not sure if St Petersburg ever fully embraced the Soviet era. Our Guide was baffled by the fact his birth certificate  says Leningrad (which no longer exists ) yet he lives in St Petersburg the same place. He later entertained us with the Rasputin murder when taking us to the Palace where it took place and moving us from room to room with the tale. Those of you who know me well will know how much I enjoy History and visiting historical sites. Always good to walk in the footsteps of the past.

We went to St.Petersburg  via Helsinki on the ship. So we spent two days in Finland one each side of the three days in St.Petersburg. Winter looms in Helsinki snow forecast for Wednesday. I had some wonderful views of Waxwings and Arctic Redpolls while we moved around the city and beyond.