MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG

Our entrance to Moscow was certainly grand.

Wide boulevards stretched over the land.

Not enough film for all the gold domes,

Wedding cake buildings, diplomat's homes,

Towers, and spires and bright painted tops.

St Basil's church really has lots.

The great magitude of the architecture

Left us all breathless, that is for sure.

What a wonderful spot for our hotel to be,

Across from Red Square, the Kremlin to see.

Lenin's dead body was still on display,

And we got to see the Swan Lake Ballet.

Fabulous jewels, some set in crowns,

Ornate gold carriages, exquisite gowns.

Silver and gold, items of state,

Faberage eggs and painted plates.

Our subway ride with Natalie one night

Took us 'neath Moscow to different sights.

On train and off we hopped like a bunny.

Missing the train would not have been funny.

Beautiful stations deep under the ground

With differnt decor was what we had found.

The Moscow Circus was our final night.

The clowns and dogs were such a delight.

The high wire acts left us breathless, you know.

The pomp and ceremony made a great show.

The strong man pulled a car by his teeth,

After it was driven in with him beneath.

Novgorod was a charming old town.

And Natasha showed us all around.

So many churches all in one spot!

A walk through the Kremlin and we got

A look at the most beautiful sculpture, so large,

So detailed and perfect it gave us a charge.

Some took a stroll by the riverside

With Natalie.  They even took a boat ride.

St Petersburg will be remembered for many fine things.

Not the least of which was air-conditioning!

Marina showed us all around the town.

And we went through a palace upstairs and down.

Fountains and gardens and many gold domes,

It was one of Alexander's Summer homes.

And the Winter Palace in the Hermitage grand

Was a sight to see in this great land.

Marble and gold and sculptures fine,

Lots of art and not enough time.

Another great palace with grand staircase,

Where champagne flowed with caviar to taste,

Was the setting for music, song and dance.

Costumed preformers gave us a chance

To learn of the folklore of this place

And witness their charming style and grace.

An evening cruise on a river boat,

In and out canals kept our spirits afloat.

Our final outing was great sport

As we made a visit to Peter and Paul Fort.

As we left Russia this clear bright day,

We're looking forward to Finland Bay.

We'll all think back on the things we've done,

The sights we've seen and the friends we've won.

Of sweet Andrej, so patient and kind,

Who tended our needs most all the time.

We hope his next group is nice to him

And not make him sick, for that's a sin.

As we scatter tomorrow to all parts of the world,

I bid you farewell.  We've had quite a whirl.

My FIRST TIME in Russia.  See "Helsinki to Belarus" for first part.