Peterhof

Inspired by Versailles, but 10,000 times more ornate, Peterhof sits on the Bay of Finland, and is at the same time rustic and elaborate. We took a boat there since the traffic makes moving impossible, but somehow approaching it that way made it feel perfect. The boat ride back was not, however, as we missed the boat by 30 seconds and they wouldn't wait (the first thing we have experienced in Russia that HAD to run on time, and then the second boat was held 2 hours to wait, as apparently they can't leave with less than 20 people on board all of a sudden. Our host gave us a very interesting lesson in kicking some bureaucratic ass when we got back, though, and that was fun to watch.