St Petersburg, Catherine The Great's Palace

What a wonderful two days! Our guide was a well spoken delightful young lady who really knew the history of her city. Keeping all the Monarchs straight is a feat in itself.

I did not realize that St Petersburg is a series of islands. One interesting fact is that at 1:00 am during shipping season (approximately April - Sept ) all the bridges are open and left open during the evening so the ships can navigate the waterways. So, as our guide put it, unfaithful men would use this as an excuse for not getting coming home. Once the bridges are open, you better be on the right side or you're stuck until morning.

Our first stop was the Palace of Catherine the Great. It was initially developed under Catherine I, Peter The Great's wife, who was given the land by the Emporer. It was during the  reign of her daughter, Elizabeth, and through the efforts of Francesco Rastrelli, who believe that palaces should be created "for the common glory of Russia", that this residence could be called Tsarskoye Selo - the Tsar's Village.

All the gold leaf on the statues was taken off because Catherine did not like it. It must have been spectacular.

Here's our traveling group. Front row Charlene Lulloff, Sharon Stangel, Ric Lulloff.

Diane Lambert, behind me is Paul, Judy Wood (my sister) and Don Stangel.

The rate of these pictures are of the inside of the Palace. Enjoy

Catherine The Great

The hall goes on forever. You think you're looking into a mirror, but you're not.

Stair case, including Paul.

Private gardens

Scandinavia Tour

Having a wonderful time. A bit rainy this morning for our tour In Helsinki and Porvoo, but now the sun is out and we're on our way to St. Petersburg 

Luthern Cathedral in Helsinki

Town of Porvoo about 45 mins from Helsinki

Lurhern church. Rebuilt several times. Bombed during WWII

As men would go to sea, they would make a replica of their ship so the congregation could pray for them.

People are encouraged to use their creativity. They would make things to put on the bridge.

They stay there until they disintegrate. They are keeping the bridge warm in winter.

Leaving Helsinki.

Judy, my sister, and Paul

The sun is out, Yea! Sisters.

Fredericksburg, TX

A trip on the Willow Loop was outstanding. We saw Blue Bonnets and other wildflowers as well as a cows with their calves.

Boots lined up on posts for a loooong way.

Indian Wells Tennis

Another great trip this winter to CA for our first professional ATP tennis tournament. Thanks Beth and Greg for a great Christmas present!

Rafa Nadal and Roanic getting ready for a great match.

Serena Williams blows her opponent away.

 

Bryan Brothers lose match after being up 7 points in a tie breaker. 

Practice courts. What a beautiful setting.

Rafa on the practice court.

Got his autograph.  Made my day!

Djokovic getting ready. 

Mexican Riviera 2016

Fun trip with 106 Tennis friends from Valley del Oro

Ruby Princess

Pat Bailey with Paul and me

Ship's fantail area

Wayne Bailey and us, in the shadows

Cliff diver, not for me! Yikes. He made it!

Melon carving. Food was wonderful. 

Ship docked at Cabo San Lucas.. Puerto Vallata and Mazatlan. What a fun week!