Average life expectancy for men today in Russia? Wait for it..........63!!!!! This is based on their poor health care system and the fact that Russians are drinkers. Very few applicants these days into the traditional fields of medicine and teaching. These are not well paying jobs. The best paid are the police. Best apartments, best salaries, best benefits - you name it.
In the city itself, everyone lives in apartments. There are a few mansions that have been converted to other uses. But houses are only found in outlying areas. The buildings are so neat and orderly, at least from the exterior. Lovely canals.
Today we visited Catherine's Palace, wife of Peter The Great. So much extravagance. The serfs were not allowed anywhere near the grounds. If the common folk discovered how well the nobles lived, there would have been a revolt!
Check out the ballroom. Shouldn't every home have one?
Peterhof Park is another former summer Imperial residence. It was almost destroyed by the Nazis in World War II but has been restored to its full splendour. The gardens are dotted with countless fountains, charming pavilions and summer houses.
Of course, no tour would be complete without losing a couple of people who failed to return to the bus in time. All were eventually accounted for but only because our guide contacted the ship to learn that the missing had managed to talk themselves onto other buses to return to the ship!
Oh well, on to Tallinn, Estonia tomorrow!
Great pictures and updates!! Looks like you're making the best of every day! Have fun
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