I got an early holiday gift – pictures from a trip I took 18 months ago that I thought were lost. I am very excited about these pictures in particular.
Peterhof is a series of palaces and gardens located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, laid out on the orders of Peter the Great. Some refer to it as the Russian Versailles. (The real Versailles is outside of Paris.)
Peterhof back
Peterhof from Sea Channel
I was able to visit St. Petersburg during quick 2-day cruise stop in June 2013. 2 days is really not enough time to see most major cities, this one included. Our time at Peterhof was very brief, and only gave us a chance to see the outside grounds. We were not inside.
Much has been discussed in the U.S. over the past few years about the “1%.” But I get the sense from my brief time in St. Petersburg that the distance between the old-school (and perhaps present day) Russian 1% and everyone else is even greater there than here today in the U.S. One four-letter word really sets them apart in Russia – gold.
I was amazed at the use of gold on and in the palaces of St. Petersburg. Most Americans are not that obvious with their wealth. (Yes, I am aware there are some. )
The incredible technology at Peterhof is the fact that these beautiful fountains are not using pumps. Natural springs, and the elevation difference is how the water bursts.
Top of Peterhof’s main fountain
Side garden
What a view!
My favorite view
I was too excited to finally get these pictures to take the time I probably should to photoshop those other people out.
Other part of Peterhof’s garden
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