Peterhof the Russian Versailles

Took a trip outside St. Petersburg to the palace of Peter the Great. Originally built in the early 170os, it was damaged badly by the Germans in world war II. They have rebuilt it to the former design and it is indeed breathtaking. Often referred to as the Russian Versailles as it was originally designed with that in mind. Trip took about 6 hours round trip and was fun to work the metro and mini buses. Caught the metro close to the hostel and took it a couple stops down the line. Got off and switched to another line for 4 stops before getting off, crossing the street to catch a mini bus that goes

out there. Total trip cost 115 rubles which is about $2.50 cdn. Took about an hour to do but it was painless and went without a hitch going both ways. Definitely wasn't surprised by what I saw but it was still very satisfying that it was as good as advertised. Toured for a while around the palace and lower gardens until it started to rain a little. Got a bite to eat and sat under a tree for a while enjoying the view and people watching. I don't know why, but I seem to see a ton of young kids on this trip so far. Don't know if we have another baby boom on our hands or it is just normal over here. Started to rain harder as I got back off the metro so I went to get my phone

reconfigured so I can call and text the girls if I need to. All in all a very good day in this beautiful Russian place.