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We chose a trip to Russia for many reasons. First, during the Cold War, I had worked at analyzing USSR naval capabilities as a threat to be countered by our own forces. Now that the Cold War is over, Russia remains a world power, whose policies of the future is emerging, but are far from formulated as yet. The people of Russia, the politics of their government and the history of this nation can influence the world, as we know it. These are all fascinating topics to explore.

After an extensive period of reading about Russia and it’s history we selected a tour starting in Moscow, aboard a riverboat transiting the Volga River, the St. Petersburg to Moscow Canal system and the Svir River to St. Petersburg. In Moscow we stayed at the Hotel Metropol, used as a site for many spy stories of the past.

The highlight of this portion of the trip was walking through Red Square with Lenin’s tomb between the Old Russian Duma, it’s parliament, at one end and the magnificently imposing St. Basils at the other. One could only imagine the tramp of military boots as their forces marched past the tomb from which their leaders reviewed them.

After several days in Moscow, we boarded the M/V Peterhof for our trip to St. Petersburg. Our guide, Elena, shown on board with my wife, was extremely knowledgeable about Russia history, politics and all points of historical interest. She favored the Russian Mayor of Moscow, in the upcoming Presidential elections. He unfortunately was not elected. She was forthcoming in all discussions about, politics, the state of the Russian economy and the lot of the Russian people. One of her most telling statements was "We are freer now than we ever have been, but under communism our economic conditions were much better."

The trip on board the M/V Peterhof took us to several, cities, villages and points of historical interest along the rivers and canals. We visited the monastery at Sergi Possad, Uglich, a delightful small town, the Ipatevskil Monastery at Kostroma and the city of Yaroslavl. The Icon Wall at the Ipatevskil Monastery is shown, to illustrate the magnificent golds, reds and other colors, which gleam after restoration. One of several memorable moments occurred as we listened to the monks and choirs singing archipelago with the Icon walls as a backdrop. In our visit to Yaroslavl, and later to Sviritsa we were entertained by groups of singers and dancers dressed in earlier period costumes. Another stop took us to the Island of Kishi where very old wooden buildings are found. The oldest of these was built in 1391.

We arrived in St. Petersburg to spend our remaining four days at the Grand Hotel Europe. To us the Hermitage and the adjoining Winter Palace was one of the most impressive museums that we have ever visited. The Jordan Staircase at the entrance to the Winter Palace is shown to give some feeling for the imposing structure. The art collected within these structures is truly among the most moving in the world. Across the river from the Hermitage and the Winter Palace can be seen the Peter and Paul Fortress. Within these walls lie the body of Peter the Great and all succeeding Czars, including that of Nicholas II, his wife Alexandria and their children. Their graves bring to mind the tragic history of Russia down through the ages.

Trips to the environs of St. Petersburg included a trip to Pushkan’s Village where we viewed the Catherine Palace and by hydrofoil to the Summer Palace at Peterhof. These palaces had been occupied by the Germans during their siege of St. Petersburg in World War II but have undergone extensive reconstruction. The opulence of these palaces contrast to the living condition of past and present people living in Russia and perhaps provide us with a clue as to why the history of Russia developed as it did.

During one trip to the outskirts of St. Petersburg we stopped for lunch complete with caviar, wine and of course Vodka! Performers dressed as Russian Cossack singers and dancers entertained us. The food was good and the entertainment provided us with a welcome break in our sightseeing. Our visit to Russia was a success, and we departed with perhaps a more in depth understanding of the Russian nation and it’s people.