This morning, I woke up a bit late, around 8AM, because the weather was so cool and inviting for more sleep. However, staying at the hotel costs money, so I got up, took a refreshing shower, and packed my belongings neatly. Today’s shower marked the last one for this trip, and I’ll have to wait another 60 hours for the next one!!! I’m not kidding! The reason is that I have to check out today. Tonight, I’ll be taking a train to Moscow, continuing my adventure in Moscow for another day, and then catching a flight back to Thailand with layovers in Urumqi and Guangzhou. I’ll be back in Bangkok in another two days, and only then will I get a chance to shower again. I hope the cool weather in Russia will help me combat the challenges of this journey. 😛

After I finished showering, I packed my bags and checked out with the same receptionist as before. Before leaving the hotel, I didn’t forget to ask for the Visa Register that she had prepared for me. She handed it to me with a neutral expression. Then, I thanked her in Russian, saying “Spa-si-bo (Спасибо)“. She smiled back at me, seemingly delighted that I spoke Russian to her, even though it was just a short phrase I copied from an online dictionary. It was the first time I saw a Russian person smile since I arrived in Russia. It’s the little things like this that really leave a strong impression on me.

Once I left the hotel, I made my way to the left luggage facility at the Moskovsky train station (I would leave to moscow by night trin from this station). The baggage storage area was located underground, but unlike the lockers at the Leningradskaya train station in Moscow, this one had a counter where staff members were available to assist and take care of the luggage. The service charge for luggage storage was 340 rubles (approximately 6 USD) per 24 hours. After the staff took my bags, they handed me a receipt, which I had to show when collecting my belongings later.

After successfully dealing with my luggage, I set off to explore Saint Petersburg according to my pre-planned itinerary before bidding farewell and heading back to Moscow tonight. The first place on my list was the Alexander Nevsky Lavra (Александро-Невская лавра), located at the eastern end of Nevsky Prospekt. It was founded in 1710 by Tsar Peter the Great to celebrate the victory over the Swedes in the Neva Campaign of 1240. Interestingly, though it was believed to be the battlefield at the time of its construction, the actual battlefield was about 20 kilometers away. Inside the Lavra’s walls, there were churches, buildings, and tombs of prominent figures, surrounded by a small town-like setting. The area within was beautifully landscaped, providing a peaceful retreat for the brave warriors. It also allowed the local residents to participate in religious ceremonies within the churches. The Alexander Nevsky Lavra welcomed tourists to explore its various areas and churches, with free admission from 6AM to 8PM daily.

I embarked on my journey to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra by taking the metro from Mayakovskaya station (Маяковская) on Line 3 (the green line) right next to the Moskovsky Railway Station (the station that connects to PLOSHCHAD VOSSTANIYA, the red line station I was familiar with). It was just one station away, and I got off at Ploschad Alexandra Nevskogo station (Площадь Александра Невского). As I emerged from the station, there was a statue of a mounted knight right in the middle of the street intersection. Behind the statue stood the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. I made my way straight through the knight and entered the Lavra immediately.

As I walked inside, I could feel the serene tranquility of this ancient monastery and immerse myself in the essence of the past heroes. As I strolled around within the walls, I couldn’t help but be enchanted by the lush beauty of the various structures and the surrounding landscape, which exuded the enchanting charm of ancient architecture. The monastery was designed to resemble an ancient city, creating a genuine feeling of stepping back in time as I wandered through its premises. It was like walking through history itself.

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After spending about an hour wandering in the peaceful ambiance of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, I decided to move on to another iconic spot in St. Petersburg – the Hermitage Museum, also known as the Winter Palace. I took the metro from Ploschad Alexandra Nevskogo, using the green line for two stops and getting off at Gostiny Dvor station. However, when I emerged from the station, I found myself on Nevsky Prospekt, the blue line, which also connected. Nevertheless, I ended up right in front of Kazan Cathedral, so I turned around, walked along Nevsky Prospekt for about 800 meters, and there it was – the vast expanse of “Palace Square.” The Hermitage Museum was situated on the left side, but during my stroll, hunger struck. Luckily, there were plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from, so I decided to indulge in a Burger King meal before enjoying another cup of coffee to warm up. Finally, I was ready to explore the Hermitage Museum (I recommend having a hearty meal before visiting since there aren’t many dining options inside. I only spotted one bakery, and it was quite expensive, plus there were lots of visitors. The museum is enormous, so be prepared for hours of exploration – better have a full stomach… Trust me! 🙂 )

The Hermitage Museum sits gracefully along the banks of the Neva River, its majestic presence dating back to 1760 when it was commissioned by Empress Elizabeth to serve as her royal residence. However, before the completion of the palace, Empress Elizabeth passed away in 1762. The task was then taken up by Empress Catherine the Great, who favored the architectural style of the renowned Russian-Italian designer, Yury Felten. Under Felten’s expert guidance, the construction continued and was eventually completed in 1766. Empress Catherine was deeply passionate about art, so much so that she amassed an impressive collection of priceless masterpieces from all corners of the globe within these palace walls. The collection includes artworks by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh, as well as pieces from various regions, including Egypt, Rome, and Europe. Presently, the museum showcases over 3 million art pieces, making it one of the world’s most celebrated art museums. Tourists and art enthusiasts alike flock to this magnificent museum, recognizing it as a true treasure trove of artistic marvels from around the world.

The Hermitage Museum is open for tourists every day from 10.30 AM to 6PM (on Wednesdays, it stays open until 9PM). It is closed on Mondays. The admission fee to the museum is 600 rubles (approximately 11 USD).

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When I arrived at the front entrance of the museum, the first thing I encountered was an incredibly long queue. It was already mid-November, and this was the transition period from the high season to the low season, so I didn’t even want to imagine how long the queue would be during the peak summer months. I’ve read before that sometimes people have to wait for hours just to get in. But seeing the long line right in front of me only fueled my curiosity and eagerness to explore the museum even more. I patiently waited in line for about 15 minutes until I finally got my ticket and entered the premises, excited to wander and discover everything it had to offer. Before I started my journey, I made sure to store my belongings in a locker to make the visit hassle-free. And with that, my exploration of the Hermitage Museum began.

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The admission ticket to The Hermitage Museum

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For someone like me, who had little knowledge about art and history, I simply relied on admiring the beauty of each ancient artifact I encountered. I wandered through the exhibits, appreciating the aesthetic allure without delving into the details of their origins or historical significance. Art and history had always been like a dull and intoxicating potion to me throughout my life. Analyzing the historical context and its relation to each piece required a level of knowledge that surpassed my current understanding. Nevertheless, even with my limited expertise, I could still perceive the inherent beauty and value of each ancient artifact. Some pieces that caught my eye were so stunning and captivating that I took my time to read the detailed stories behind them. Fortunately, most of the exhibits had English descriptions, allowing me to immerse myself in the narratives. Interestingly, these captivating pieces seemed to be overlooked by other visitors; most of the time, I found myself alone, engrossed in their captivating stories. Perhaps I was drawn to the allure of the peculiar and unique pieces? Who knows!

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I spent nearly 3 hours exploring this remarkable museum, continuously admiring the vast collection of art. Whenever I felt a bit tired, I took short breaks, but I must admit, the grandeur and scale of the place were truly overwhelming. No matter how much I saw, there always seemed to be more waiting to be discovered (they say there are over 3 million artworks here!). For me, though, three hours was already quite extensive. But for those who are truly passionate about art, I imagine a whole day might not be enough; they might need multiple visits to fully appreciate it all. It all depends on personal preferences. As for me, I took this experience in stride throughout my journey.

At around 3PM, I had to bid farewell to the magnificent Hermitage Museum, a place so incredibly grand and classic. My next destination in Saint Petersburg was the iconic St. Isaac’s Cathedral, located about 500 meters away from the Hermitage Museum. I decided to walk there and on my way, I couldn’t resist capturing more beautiful views. Behind the museum, there was a picturesque scene of the Neva River, the main waterway of Saint Petersburg. From there, I could glimpse the stunning Peter and Paul Fortress in the distance. The sight was enchanting and truly mesmerizing, making it an unmissable spot for any traveler.

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Peter and Paul Fortress

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I didn’t spend much time, only about 20 minutes, admiring the views along the Neva River. Then, I headed eagerly to collect my final piece of the puzzle, the closure to my journey in Saint Petersburg, the majestic St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Walking back towards Palace Square, I caught sight of the imposing dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, situated about 500 meters away to the right of the square. Without hesitation, I made my way towards it, eager to explore its grandeur up close.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral is the largest Orthodox cathedral in the world, featuring a grand golden dome that was constructed in 1710 during the reign of Tsar Peter the Great. The height of the dome reaches an impressive 101.5 meters. Inside, the cathedral is adorned with iconic statues, mosaic tiles, intricate low reliefs, exquisite sculptures, and beautiful stained glass. It serves as a place of importance for religious ceremonies and is open for tourists to visit every day from 10.30AM to 6PM (except Wednesdays). The ticket price for entering the cathedral is 250 rubles (approximately 4.5 USD).

I arrived at St. Isaac’s Cathedral around 4PM, just as the sun was beginning to set, and the sky was preparing to embrace the darkness. I decided to take a leisurely stroll around the exterior before the sunlight disappeared completely, and then I headed inside to purchase a ticket for the upcoming tour. The interior of the cathedral was adorned with vibrant colors and exquisite Orthodox-style art. However, instead of prominent sculptures or hanging artworks, it featured elaborate decorations integrated into the walls. Inside the cathedral was serene and quiet, making me feel like I had stepped into a world reminiscent of the Castlevania video game. Perhaps the use of various colored glass in the decorations created a similar ambiance to the game’s settings, especially in the Royal Chapel scene (it’s incredible how vivid my imagination could be; I even pretended to be Alucard, the protagonist of the game, wielding a sword and hunting for hidden items!).

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I spent time in the cathedral until around 6 o’clock in the evening, and then I bid farewell to the beauty of the European queen and returned to Moskovsky railway station to catch the train back to Moscow. I retraced my steps from Kazan Cathedral to reach Nevsky Prospekt metro station, where I took just one stop to Mayakovskaya station on Line 3 (green). Exiting at Ploshchad Vosstaniya, I found myself right at Moskovsky railway station. As I arrived, hunger pangs hit me like a tidal wave, so I ventured near the railway station to find something to eat. That’s when I stumbled upon Teremok, and it occurred to me that besides their famous crepes, they had other menu options too. Without any queues at the counter, I approached and checked out the menu immediately. There was just one Russian girl eating there, so I had the place to myself. I decided to order something that looked like rice porridge topped with a generous serving of tomato gravy, accompanied by two giant meatballs. As I tasted it, I have to admit it didn’t look very appetizing. I just wanted to give it a try. To be honest, the taste didn’t suit my palate; perhaps it was because I wasn’t accustomed to it. Nonetheless, I finished it all as I felt regretful about the wasted.

My Dinner at Teremok before leaving St.Petersburg

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After a satisfying meal around 8PM, I managed to take care of my personal errands and collect my bag from the storage before boarding the night train back to Moscow. I had booked the 10.20PM train to ensure a comfortable morning arrival in Moscow. (For those planning to take the night train from St. Petersburg to Moscow, I recommend booking a train after 10PM to allow enough time to prepare before boarding and avoid arriving in Moscow too early in the morning.) While waiting at the station, I reflected on how quickly the days of joy had passed. These three days in this city allowed me to contemplate various aspects of life and spend time with myself. It was a refreshing change from the monotonous office-to-home-to-airport routine I had back home. The atmosphere during work and leisure flights felt so different; it made me feel like I was taking risks, opening up my heart, and breaking free from my usual world. I felt more motivated to face the challenges of the days ahead. Tonight, I would be sharing the train compartment with an uncle, an aunt, and another young female student. We exchanged greetings even though we didn’t know much about each other. After that, I dozed off almost instantly (and before I knew it, I was already in Moscow). It was another blissful day of sleep, even on a train 😉

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Written by : SHIPY SIWARIT TIASUWATTISETH

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