Spring!

If you follow the weather outside of the US, you know that it's been terrible in Europe.  Our friends in Brussels have been dealing with rain every day & temperatures in the 50's for most of May.  France & Germany aren't any better.  And a few friends in Scotland told us that they had snow!  Not sure if I really believe that or if it was the whisky talking.

We, on the other hand, have had some amazing weather in Russia!  The warmest May we've seen since moving to St. Petersburg 3 years ago.  Last weekend, we had sunny days & temperatures in the high 70's, when typical averages are only 60F!  After such a long winter, I can't tell you how great a 70F day feels.  The nice days are over for now (Europe's weather is moving in), but I'm feeling hopeful they will be back soon.

The city looks completely different in the Spring & Summer.  No more gray.....

And the brides are back (it's a long story & a future post).  But let's just say that wedding picture taking in Russia is like something you've never experienced.

The outdoor cafes are back.  Just one of many stops for us over the weekend..........

I love these giant Atlantes statues, which are holding up the entrance of the old Hermitage Museum building.  they are 5 meters tall.

We visited the Summer Garden on Saturday.  It was built in 1704 by Peter the Great, as a place for "high ranking" people of the time to rest & relax.  It's nearby his original Summer Palace.  They claim to have imported all of the trees & marble statues from Italy.  Why the trees?  But I can say that the trees are definitely old & somehow survived the war.  The garden was closed for several years due to neglect & damage to the statues & fountains.  It finally opened late last year, after a 3 year overhall.  They really did a great job.  Unfortunately, most of our friends & family who visited us in the city haven't seen it. 

It's City Day this weekend in the city, with a free jazz concert planned outside of St. Isaac's Cathedral & a festival in Palace Square.  I hope we aren't rained out, although we're planning to check it all out either way.