Novgorod, Russia

On our 3rd day in St. Petersburg, we enjoyed walking along the canal where they offer a cruise for those who wants to tour the city through the canal.  Then we're off to The State Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world.  The museum has a huge collection of paintings and other art and culture pieces.  The whole museum is so enormous that it's easy to get lost inside.  We saw the Peacock Clock, then entered via the council staircase, and the rooms like the Large Italian Skylight Room, Gallery of the History of Ancient Paintings, The Great Imperial Throne, St. George Hall, The War Gallery of 1812, etc.  The place is huge and there's just so much to see but we don't have much time so we had a quick lunch and we're on the road again to our next destination, Novgorod.

Novgorod is in the middle of St. Petersburg and Moscow, so before going to Moscow, we stayed one night in Novgorod to appreciate the city.  We stopped at the Novgorod Kremlin Fort and grounds or also called Detinets.  Inside the Kremlin is the St. Sophia Cathedral, which is the oldest church in Russia, and the Millennium of Russia, a bronze monument representing the most important figures in the country's history.

After that, we head to a Russian Family Restaurant called Yurjevskoye Podvorje for a "Be My Guest" dinner.  The family welcomed us with a bread and salt tradition before entering the restaurant.  Inside is a very warm and cozy ambiance with space in the middle reserved for performances.  They served drinks and went to each table for a toast, then the very colorful appetizer, and finally the delicious main course.  While eating, the family members sing and play instruments, showed how to prepare bliny, played games and even invited the guests to join.  It's a very nice and enjoyable dinner experience. =)

Our final stop in Russia, Moscow!  Up next. ^^