One of the main reasons we added two extra days on our own in St.Petersburg was to allow us some independent time at the Hermitage. The guided tour was great, but it was a three hour overview. We moved fairly quickly, stopping just now and then while the guide explained a piece. The Hermitage contains over 3 million pieces of art, so it would take an unlimited amount of time to see it all. David and I particularly enjoy Impressionists, so we wanted more time there as well as the Dutch Masters and several other areas.
The Hermitage opens at 10, so we slept in today, enjoying the luxurious bed. We walked the long mile along the river back to the central town, bought our tickets and spent the day until closing at 5. We took a quick lunch break in the cafe, but otherwise kept going, aware that we can't get enough of all these treasures. At closing time, we hate to leave. We exited toward the back of the museum onto a lovely little courtyard, and sat there resting and people watching, having something cold to drink.
We walked across the river to the Fortress of Peter and Paul, where locals are enjoying the beach along the shoreline of the river. Again we see several wedding parties. Kids are building sand castles, vendors selling ice cream and sodas. It is getting dark, so we head back to the Marriott, stopping at a different restaurant which serves Georgian food and had a delicious dinner.
We return to the hotel to find the lobby full of people in wheelchairs. This is some kind of conference. People of all cultures. Signs announce a wheelchair dancing competition.
We ask the concierge to order a taxi for us early tomorrow to take us to the airport. Good bye St. Petersburg!
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