Train to St. Petersburg

So we got on the train in time, no problem.

We even found our bunks, even though we needed to ask 3 different people. The wagon was divided into compartments but still open in a full isle. Each compartment had 2 bunks over 2 benches (which could also be covered with a "mattress"). There was a small table between the benches and across the isle were two seats with a table between them. The smaller table across the isle could be folded down so that another bed could be prepared. We had the 2 upper bunks and shared the space with 3 other people, none of whom spoke any english. Tea was served and after a couple of hours people started making themselves comfortable and so did we. Then the lighs went out and it was time to sleep. Luckily we had our headlamps and could read some more before sleeping.

Then at about a quarter to 12 the lights were turned on again and the Latvian border personnel came to check our passports. That took about 30 minutes and then the lights were turned off again. 12.45 (actually 01.45 local time but we didnt know that at the time) the lights were turned on again and now it was time for the real deal. The russian border control. First somebody came and wrote down our passport numbers. Then a couple of minutes later a woman in a fur hat (like in the movies) came and wanted to see our passports, entry cards and visas. She was accompanied by two colleagues, all pretty grim and serious looking. They spent several minutes examing my (Fredriks) passport, first normally, then they got out the blacklight, then they whispered a bit, turned the pages, examined the stamps etcetera. Finally they almost reluctantly turned over the passport. Pfff... I dont know if it was that they had never seen such a handsome guy before. ;-) Then the customs officers came and said something in russian. I just tried to give them my passport again but they didnt want it. Sabrina just said -"Niet", no in russian. Then they managed to say something like - "baagaaashhh". Ahhh, they were wondering where our luggage was. We pointed and that was that. They snooped around a bit, looked in some hatches and on a shelf and that was it. When all that was over with we could sleep until 6.30 our time (7.30 local) when they turned on the lights again. Grrr...

At 7.30 (8.30 local time) we arrived in St. Petersburg.

As it was sunday morning the station wasnt too crowded and we managed to take a metro to our hotel. We have found out that it is more difficult to read russian than we thought. The weather was spectacular (even though its a bit colder than Riga. Maybee 15 degrees) and we walked the last bit to our hotel. Its called Hotel St.Petersburg and fits exactly what we had expected. We will show you some photos and you will probably understand why.

Take care!!

Lots of love,

Fredrik and Sabrina