SECOND DAY @ ST PETERSBURG

Today is the SECOND DAY in St. Petersburg but we are having a relaxing time staying aboard the Saga Ruby.

[We had such a wonderful day yesterday including our evening at the Russian Ballet theatre, and were treated to an evening buffet when we came back.]

However, today we decided to rest on deck and catch up on reading and relaxing.

It is fine and sunny today, but a little overcast just now as we write (12.00 noon here). We had a late breakfast, and then sat on deck with our books. We had icecreams and then coffee and then returned to our cabins to freshen up for a buffet lunch in the Lido (this is a light and airy deck, glassed in with tables and chairs to eat at - but you can also take your food / drinks out onto the deck to the tables with parasols!!! )It is such hard work but someone has to do it!

After lunch I may have a shower and do some beautifying - then at 5.30 p.m. our time here we sail away from St. Petersburg towards Estonia and there is a drinks party on deck to wave 'farewell' to this beautiful city.

Once the ship sails the Duty Free shop may open again (has to be closed when in dock) and this evening they will have lots of Russian lacquer boxes available (they take them on board in port). We have been promised a terrific selection of only the best - tax free. I did see one I liked that was already in the shop, but the sales lady persuaded me to wait until today as she knew there were others I would like even more ! Can't wait. Dusty is hiding and hoping I don't go too mad!

More news will follow later .....