I understand from one reader that I need to be blogging more often. Ok, but between all the meals, social engagements, and sightseeing we're doing finding the time is difficult. So I will endeavor to bring you more info and pics as the days go on.

We docked in St. Petersburg this morning. Much red tape and general bureaucracy to go through, they even brought dogs on board. If you didn't plan a shore excursion through the ship you had to obtain your own visa, otherwise the Russians don't let you off the ship. Here I was thinking the Russia of today was more progressive. 

In response to the question of whether the work out clothes are being used. Other than moving them  from suitcase to drawer, no! Though we have actually stepped into the gym, just inside the doorway to be precise. 

This is our last day in Stockholm. Overall Stockholm is a lovely city with gracious and friendly people. It prides itself on the many green spaces and the “green,” ecologically speaking, attitude of the country. I have been told I’ve been remiss, by “Intrepid Traveler,” that I did not mention we had dinner the other night in a former prison. To be precise our table was in a cell. We had traditional Swedish fare and it was very good. We’ve just had our life boat drill, and are preparing to leave port.  On our way to St. Petersburg. Tomorrow is a sea day and is a spa day for us as well so there will probably not be a posting.

Today we board the ship, Crystal Symphony. After my 4am outing and a short nap we met our friends for breakfast. Bags went out and we headed for the bus. Our tour took us to old town which we’d done twice already, the Vasa museum, and Milles Garden. The Vasa was an old warship which made it’s maiden voyage in 1628, all of twenty minutes before it sank. Staying under the water 350 years when it’s rescue mission was started. It is an impressive site and is an on going experiment in preservation. We then headed to Milles Garden the once home of Carl Milles (1875-1955), Swedish sculptor. The villa and gardens have an Italian influence and feature his sculptures, ok so I guess you figured that out already. His works are represented in most every country in the world. Milles spent 20 years in the USA, and was not only an artist but a teacher. 

We then went to the pier and proceeded to go through the process of boarding, picture taking and credit card swiping. Our cabin was not ready, deja vu, so we explored the ship and had lunch. The afternoon was taken up with meeting our butler, stewardess,and unpacking. We then regrouped and headed back to the city for the Absolut Ice Bar. This is a bar made of ice; walls, tables, and benches are all made of ice. You are given a parka and mittens when you enter and your time is limited. They sell, obviously, drinks made with Absolut vodka. The place was deserted but the drink was yummy. Mine tasted like apple pie with cinnamon. From there we walked down the longest shopping street in the city into old town, did I mention deja vu. Finally weary and with feet failing me we headed back to the ship and dinner. It is now 12:25am and I am running on reserve battery so will say goodnight before the bloody sun comes up!

Find myself awake at 4am, sun has already started to rise. Went for a walk and took some photos. It's good to see we have some followers... comments and words of wisdom welcome. Will jot today's thoughts and activities later tonight, if I don't fall asleep before dinner!

Dateline Stockholm.....

Arrived at 7:10am, flight uneventful but little to no sleep. Flew SAS and was pleasantly surprised by the food, airline food is not the best but this was edible. Greeted by the cruise rep and luggage came off quickly, I guess when your the first flight of the day things run smoother. When we arrived at the hotel our room was not ready, gee only 6 hours to kill. Walked around "old town" very charming lots of kitchy shops, cobble stones, and tourist restaurants. By the way neither one of us fell or twisted an ankle! Took an hour and a half canal trip which was a great way to see the city and kept us off our feet for awhile. Though "Intrepid Traveler" did nod off on the boat a few times. By the time we got back to the hotel our room was still not ready, so off to the bar for lunch. No we didn't have any alcohol because we needed to stay awake until Susie and Charlotte got here! Finally got a room, showered and napped a bit. Off now to the bar again for some liquid libations with the girls and maybe some dinner too. Tune in for tomorrow's episode.

I landed at JFK last night and was greeted at baggage carousal by "intrepid traveler." Always good to see a smiling face at the end of a long day. Can't imagine why I was up at 5am. I swear "intrepid traveler" has been channeling her early morning hours across the country because I haven't slept past 6am for the last two weeks. Even with staying up late and jet lag I was up bright and early at 5am today. I thought I was on vacation! Actually I, (and some others I won't mention) say my life is a vacation but sometimes I get to go away. The day isn't even close to half over and I'm ready for a nap, not a chance that's happening.