Catherine’s Palace
An early start today as I planned on going to Catherine’s Palace, out at the town called Pushkin, but also known Tsarskoe Selo. Checking with the receptionist called administrators in Russia, as to the best way to go.
She advised using the Metro to go to another suburb of St Petersburg, called Moscow… It was here I caught the 187 bus to Pushkin, an interesting ride as the suburb was on the outskirts of the city, and on the way to the airport. It was a very pleasant suburb in that it was modern, with wide streets and amenities. A thirty-minute drive by a bus driver who would certainly not be getting a ticket for speeding, we arrived in Pushkin.
The problem for me was I did not only know where to get off the bus, but also to find the park!
A fellow passenger on the bus took it upon herself to help, so when she got off the bus I had to as well. A circular area appeared where it was obvious most of the buses dropped their passengers . As I speak no Russian, and she spoke no English, it was a difficult situation. I had remembered reading that locals referred to the park as Ekaterin… so I wrote it on paper that I always carry. She saw it and knew exactly what bus. A small minibus of nine people, she issued instructions to the driver and left with a cheery wave. Sure enough a few minutes later we pulled up outside the park, and the driver indicated that I get off!
I was pleased that it worked out so well. I wandered off to see Catherine’s palace and park. Ticket to the park area cost a 100 rubles including a booklet with information about the place. It turned out to be a ‘wow’ sort of day as the trees that comprised a lot of the park had paths through out leading in all directions. The beautiful blue sky and trees with their spring leaves alone made the day. As you turned, there would be another amazing building or sight worth seeing and appreciating. The hump bridges over streams, the various structures in their different forms were stunning. An island with its building, boats tied to the jetty and the lake still in the early morning. Ducks doing what ducks do best swimming and diving.
A stroll along the lakeside past some iron figures I understood were copies of pictures. I was privileged to go through one of the buildings that was closed on my return, I suspect it was only open briefly for a tour group. After walking around the lake, I headed up to the main building. It was a truly stunning sight, the sheer size alone enough to make you catch your breath, added to by the golden globes atop part of the palace. There was a dry pond/lake in front of another smaller building probably for renovation; the workmen were also working on an adjacent future pond or lake area.
Of course many,many visitors milling around, tour groups with their umbrella waving guides, listening attentively to their comments. It was not very busy and for that, I was thankful. Going into the palace for the tickets a very confusing affair as there were supporting arches and shops to go past to find the ticket or Kacca booth. Requesting the ticket I had bought for entry to the park, before I was able to purchase the palace ticket at 320 rubles. The information about the tickets was all in Russian leaving me in the dark as to the tickets and their mysteries.
Getting to the turnstiles for entry, I was turned back and asked to leave my backpack at the cloakroom. This all done in sign language and a few laughs with a very lovely friendly lady. Slightly different to the woman in the cloakroom who had huge chip on her shoulder, and the usual Russian customer service, of “Humph,” I do not want/need you tourists!
Off to the entry area where everyone dons paper slipper socks to protect the beautiful parquet floors of all the rooms. After climbing the red-carpeted stairs, it was on to all the beautiful rooms of the palace. Ostentatious to say the least but stunning to think in the past someone would spend all that money on a house! The rooms of all gilt, glamour, mirrors, paintings, even the floors equally magnificent. I felt at home here, perhaps I was Russian in another life!
It would be futile trying to describe the wonderful rooms it was really a case of seeing is believing! A very pleasant way to pass the time just wandering through all that luxury, the mirrors everywhere, the beautiful wall paper in some of the rooms. I lingered a little too long over a cabinet of old books and an alarm sounded. There are people sitting in each of the rooms, I took as a safety precaution for the crowds as well as security for the items on display. I saw at least three of them sound asleep! It would be difficult to stay awake for long periods under those circumstances!
The rooms are laid out in such a way that everyone has no choice but to follow the planned route, so it was soon time to leave, regretfully for me I had loved it. Back out to the park and a different route back to the entrance.
Then another go at trying to get back to St Petersburg! Achieved again with the help of a friendly local waiting for a bus, and a switched on bus driver who understood what I was trying to do. Much to my delight, he stopped at the Metro station and pointed at it, with a big smile! A wonderful day out, I would say recommended visit for any one spending time this wonderful city. So back to the scary metro and the hotel in no time at all!
