Today was a day for trying Russian stuff. To begin our day Vadim took us to a place that sells "Russian pies" - a pastry filled with meat, vegetables or fruit. Decided a visit to the Hermitage would be a cultural experience (its size is 2nd to the Louvre). It was raining but that didn't stop the massive line forming outside. Found out this was for Russian residence, so sneaked straight in through the tourist entrance...thanks honcho! Although there was some impressive art, artefacts and every room was insanely decorated (the building itself was the highlight) there were way too many people so i found it hard to enjoy (For instance the "line" to see a da Vinci work consisted of tourists with cameras who didn't even look at the painting, just clicked over my head or around my body as I was trying to "look"....and I had an "assolutamente no!" moment when so many of them pushed straight in front of me while I was looking). Vadim took us to a cafeteria-style place, we think for locals only, where we paid $6 for a heap of food for the both of us...Mike was loving the smells, tastes and look of the kitchen - just like his grandma ;) Had a rest and then a few of us went to Swan Lake, a Russian classic. Toby got caviar but found it disgusting hahaha, someone eventually ate it though. He thought he would fully immerse himself in the Russian experience ;) The dancing was amazing in this little, ornate theatre. Act 2 where the ballerinas as the swans wear the white outfits is truely stunning - so much beauty in their formations (I counted 32 at one stage). I plan on sending the pic to Nat to make her a little jealous. The guys played cards and enjoyed vodka shots while mike and I chatted with Iva about sword fighting...like fencing, she plays it as a sport in Holland. Cool chick!
