Apologies...
August 9 2021
Picture: AB
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Apologies for the non-existent service last week. I’m off visiting one of my favourite cities, Saint Petersburg. Personally speaking, I think this city offers as much culture and beauty as any other in Europe.
Drifting through the streets and alongside canals, one truly has the feeling you have passed through into another age. The historic character of the city is remarkably preserved, which lends itself well to almost every cultural and aesthetic pursuit. A short distance outside the centre are marvellous palaces, whose architectural qualities seem to be often underappreciated further west.
The State Hermitage Museum is a palace for art lovers. The building and collections are absolutely vast and filled to the brim with masterpieces from every national school. I spent a good five hours yesterday enjoying solely the Dutch and Flemish pictures in nearly empty galleries guarded by Russian бабушки. Most casual visitors will head straight for the Rembrandts, however, it was a real education to spend time focusing in on the innumerable canvases on display.
I’m very much looking forward to heading back during the next few days to spend equal time examining the French and Italian pictures.
I would heartily recommend a visit to anyone, if you ever get the chance. Don’t let the faff with visas put you off, as the experience of enjoying this historic cultural marvel is very much worth it. From my own experiences here, the people are friendly and warm hearted, and the food is excellent too.
