P is for the Piece de Resistance: Peterhof, Saint Petersburg, Russia

I think for everyone, there is one place in a city or country that they consider a 'must see'.  For me, on this particular journey, it was the Peterhof in Saint Petersburg, Russia.  It is another UNESCO site.

So, first off, here is the photo I wanted to make sure I took, standing in front of the Palace and looking down to the sea.

What a glorious view.

Below is one of my first views walking up to the "house" from the boat dock.

There were fountains everywhere.  It is hard to choose to show just a few.  Here is one with the church in the background.

The Lion Fountain:

The Adam Fountain:

The Chessboard Hill Cascade Fountain:

I hope you enjoyed these photos as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you.


Tolkien Bonus:  P is for Peregrin Took, or Pippin, a Hobbit who was one of the Companions of the Ring.  (Can't you just imagine him having his second breakfast here?)

G is for GUM and Gostiny Dvor

I am not a shopper, so it is probably surprising that my choice for the letter 'G' is not one, but two Russian Department stores, GUM on Moscow and Gostiny Dvor in Saint Petersburg. 

GUM has a very interesting history, but walk into the building today and you'd think you were at a mall in the USA.  The store is located in Red Square in Moscow.

Gostiny Dvor is in Saint Petersburg.  I did go into a store to buy a soccer jersey for my grandson.  Since I somehow took no street views of the large store (huh?), here is one of Charlie in a jersey for the FC-Zenit Football Club:

Tolkien Bonus:  G is for Galadriel, a holder of one of the Three Rings, Nenya.  She dwelt in Lorien and gave shelter to the Companions of the Rings during the War of the Ring.

C is for Catherine's Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia

If a picture is worth a thousand words, than my photos from Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoye Selo should fill a novel.  This was the summer residence built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I, but embellished by their daughter, Empress Elizabeth.

Here is just a sampling.

The main entrance is on the right, where the columns protrude, seen below

Quite the entry hall

The Grand Hall

One of many interior rooms, pictures in the Amber Room were not allowed, but can be seen at the link above.

Replica of one of Elizabeth's ball gowns.

A reflection pool in the garden

The Cameron Gallery viewed from garden

The Hermitage Pavilion seen through the trees

The Palace Chapel

Bonus:  C is for Celebrimbor, the Elf Lord of Eregion.  He forged the Three Rings of Power and after Sauron forged the One Ring to control the Three Rings, he hid the Three Rings and prepared for war.