Check out these fascinating old fortifications in the Gulf of Finland, off the coast of St Petersburg.
These abandoned fortresses provide eerie silent testimony to Russian history.
They are quite beautiful,
like man-made floating islands in the massive gulf.
Catherine the Great’s Palace has some remarkable architecture. In Empress Elizabeth’s time these statues were gilded in gold.
The over-the-top, huge, amber-room in the palace is entirely covered in amber, and taking pics is strictly verboten, probably to entice people to buy some picture books. I did my James Bond best and quickly and secretly, purloined this pic for your enjoyment! It was my Bond moment in Russia……
The Chinese wall paper and Delft stoves in the palace were very beautiful.
Catherine’s bath house and reflecting pool were lovely too.
If you are interested in Catherine the Great, you may want to check out: https://cindyknoke.com/2012/07/28/386/
We leave tomorrow for Switzerland, but until then, it’s still…..
Cheers to you from Russia!
cindyknoke.com 
I would love to know how much is spent to preserve the palace and the art?
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Wow, that is such a good question and I have no idea but will google it and get back to you! Thanks for making we want to know too~
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you welcome. I am sure we will be shocked!
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The lighthouse photo is great! 🙂
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Very happy you enjoyed it and thank you too!
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Cindy, lovely pictures. The amber room must be so beautiful and of course the whole palace. Thank you! Veraiconica
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YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD BLOGGING FRIEND!
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Hi, Cindy. Just nominated you for a FIELD OF FLOWERS AWARD. Sending a lot of love your way. http://4writersandreaders.com/2014/09/16/field-of-flowers-award/
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Awwwww, you are such a good blogging friend Bette. We’ve known each other about two years now I think. Cheers to you and thank you~
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Where were you standing when you took the first few pictures. We you atop a bridge?
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I was on the back of a ship in the harbor! Good question & have a great weekend my friend~
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Stunning shots, C.
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Awwwww, honored! Thank you~
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My boy loved these shots. =) He learned European geography last yr so I had to show him.
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Well that is wonderful because this blog (and I) are fully kid friendly! So happy he enjoyed tell him thanks for me and cheers to him too~
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