St Petersburg to Moscow

Train to Moscow 3rd class, but fine. Only one drunk thrown off! Loads of snowy fields all the way, but when we arrived in Moscow it was quite mild, about 4 degrees. Moscow much nicer than St Petersburg, although people we spoke to in the hostel said that St Petersburg was prettier and less smoggy, although we still cannot understand why! Had a weird trip into the suburbs to collect our trans siberian tickets, where school children were laughing at us! And we now know how to order 2 bananas from a kiosk in Russian. Chuckle! We even managed to post home paperwork about our travels, although it took half an hour because noone spoke a word of English, but everyone laughed.
Visited St Basils Cathedral which was outside the Kremlin citadel (we know things now). Completely different to what you see on the 9 0'clock news! Moscow good, but London prices on everything. Impressed with the metro, people helpful and stations are pretty (old school).

One for Ghandi-the Ferrari, Bentley showrooms in Moscow!

Inside St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square (named after cobble colour)

St Basil's cathedral, South end of Red Square

State History Museum, North end of Red square

Outside the walls of the Kremlin, East side of Red Square

Moscow railway station for the train buff.

Another church in St Petersburg.

Ice on a beach near Peter and Pauls fortress, St Petersburg!

Looking for directions outside the Winter Palace, St Petersburg

The Winter Palace and Hermitage museum, St Petersburg.

Top of the old town, Tallinn.

Tallinn.

Main square in old town, Tallinn. Only gothic church in the Baltics.

Beautiful walls of Tallinn citadel.

Tallinn to St Petersburg - entry to Russia

Got the overnight train from Tallinn to St Petersburg and had about 2 hours sleep! Spent 45 mins at both sides at border crossings-not as bad as we thought. Had fun filling in a migration card in Russian! Arrived in St Petersburg, very smoggy. Not very impressed, but now found winter palace the place is looking up! The winter palace is amazing and we have both got sore feet so had to stop at this internet cafe for a rest after touring all its rooms. Seen the throne that the tsar used to sit on etc. Off soon for a walk across the river to see what else we can find. Cannot seem to tune in the world service on my little radio? Tim can you help - any tips matey bubble. Or am I stupid to suggest like Rachel..... said I was.
P.S George that crossword book is really hard! we are up to No 10 and have cheated a lot.

Riga to Tallinn, day 9, feeling the strain!

Just finished the day walking the old walls of Tallinn, which has been very suprisingly beautiful.
You can see the coast from the old city ramparts , it is cold here, but has not snowed today.
There are lots of things like museums to go to and the town has lots of history.
Saying that there is still the odd football bar tucked away, but at first look you would not think so.There are also tourist prices in the old town/ 2 pound a pint and 5 to 10 pounds for an average meal? well we are cheap scate travellers.....chuckle.
The Town was saved from harm during the war but has only had its independence back since 1991 from the Russians and membership of the EU in 2004.
The Old town is on par with York and has lots of old buildings and churches plus a central medieval restaurant with old bench toilets!very busy and you have to book a week in advance.
We have been in the cathedral of each city we visit for a bit of peace from walking all day and out of the winter weather.
Rachel and I have booked the train for tomorrow night to St Petersburg.
The last 3 journeys of 5 hours each have been on the bus, through snow covered forest after forest and around lakes.very beautiful country side and even along the Baltic coast line.
Definetly the best City to visit for the weekend out of the 3 baltic capitals.