Musings on life and times
This descent is one of the long escalators into the St Petersburg metro. From the top, they appear to go down a very long way. It is reputed to be one of the deepest metros in the world, by virtue of the city’s unique geology.
I am back. I have been missing the weekly photo challenge, so I am returning for this topic. My entry is in response to Cheri’s weekly photo challenge, “Descent”.
There is only one exit from the platform. It is to the side, about half way along the train. There are no shops, cafes or money exchanges.
An assortment of people, cars and taxis are just outside. A tout offers a taxi and is politely refused. Some people hold up signs bearing names. Two men smile and move towards their driver. They are warmly welcomed.
The trip to the hotel is less than fifteen minutes. The driver gives a running commentary on important buildings passed, the weather, life in general. He is paid in rubles, as prearranged. He wishes the visitors an enjoyable stay.
The hotel is called ‘3mostA’ in English, ‘3 моста’ in Russian. Translation of the Russian means three bridges . The bridges are over the nearby Moyka River.
The hotel receptionists are expecting their visitors. The accommodation is prepaid. Passports are checked. A credit card is swiped for ancillary charges.
The receptionists advise the meal times. After the long journey, an early dinner will be required. That will be no problem. Nothing will be problem. Just ask.
The room looks comfortable. It is on the first floor (of five above ground). The shower beckons. It is a good shower.
Now refreshed, there is a need for a walk in fresh air. Sunshine is a good antidote for jet lag. A city map is provided at reception. There is a choice to be made. Turn left from the hotel and right over the first bridge, or turn right from the hotel and left over the first bridge in the opposite direction. The former option is chosen.
The bridge has decorative railings. On the other side of the bridge, a canal joins the river. The road beside the canal leads to a church. It has an amazing roof. It is The Church of our Saviour on Spilled Blood. There will be time to visit the church another day.
There are many cars and two tourist coaches near the church. A wedding party is passing. One of the guests is waiting for her friends. There is a strange vehicle nearby. Someone has climbed onto it. People are taking photos.
Just a block away is a street with bars and cafes. One has green signs announcing “Molly’s Mews”. An Irish Pub in St Petersburg! The beers are familiar – Guinness, Kilkenny, Newcastle …. The main bar is downstairs. It also has alfresco seats available – that is a better option.
There are flowers between the tables and the footpath. The waiter’s name is Alexei. He is not Irish. The beers are cold. They taste good.
Weariness is temporarily abated. Now the realisation is sinking in. After months of anticipation, they have arrived in Saint Petersburg.
The flight from Hong Kong lands on time at Helsinki Vantaa airport.
It is 06:00 local time. There will be time to kill…..
Immigration and customs are cleared, luggage collected, the passengers emerge into the early morning. It is foggy. Fog often precedes a nice sunny day. Hope springs eternal.
An airport to city coach has just pulled away. It is no problem. Another will depart 20 minutes later. There will still be time to kill…..
The €6.30 airport coach fare is paid. The thirty minute coach ride, in morning peak hour, is quite smooth and enjoyable. The Central Station is reached before 08:00. Much of the outside of the station is hidden by scaffolding. The fog is lifting.
The train will not leave until 10:00. Time to kill…..
Helsinki Central Station is warming to the buzz of morning travellers on their way to work. A coffee shop beckons; coffee and pastries go down well.
There is still time to explore. Each in turn minds the luggage while the other takes in the surroundings. The opportunity presents, and is taken, to change some euros into rubles.
The station Booking Hall is quite beautiful and reminiscent of times past. It is quiet. There is a large model steam engine and model railway. One small boy appears to enjoy looking at them.
The train from/to St Petersburg is called “Allegro”. It arrives at the allotted platform. Passengers from St Petersburg alight.
Passengers going to St Petersburg head towards the train. The doors are locked while cleaners do their work. One young woman seems agitated that she can’t board. Eventually, the doors open.
At 10:00 precisely, Allegro #784 pulls out of Helsinki station. Soon it is speeding through forest landscapes at up to 220 km/hr. Snacks and drinks are offered and accepted. The sun comes out.
After a couple of hours, Finnish Customs and Passport Control officers pass through the carriages. Passports are stamped to indicate departure from Finland. At Vainikkala Station, the Finnish officers leave the train.
At the same station, Russian Customs and Immigration Officers board the train. Soon they move through the carriages. Few words are exchanged. With Passports and Visas in order, they are stamped to indicate arrival in Russia. The processing goes smoothly.
Three and a half hours after leaving Helsinki, the train pulls into St Petersburg’s Findlandsky Station, its journey complete.
For some, the journey is just beginning.
