An early morning, as we wanted to get out before the other tour bus to get to the border earlier. As it turned out, it wasn't a problem. We got to the border at Narva and ate a quick lunch. As we got to the border, there were absolutely no busses in front of us. We got through the EU side without a hitch, and, amazingly, did the same on the Russian side. The guards were not smiling, but they were not gruff, either. Just doing a boring job. There were 3 checks of the paperwork before we were through, but it all went smoothly. Sylvija said she had never seen it that easy. There was a form we filled out in duplicate, and they gave us back 1/2 to hand in as we left. That process had left us with a $50 stupidity tax a few years ago when leaving Uruguay, so we are sure to hold on to the little piece of paper.
Our hotel is in the middle of downtown, on the main island. We killed time and went out to dinner(chicken or fish). After dinner Ann and I broke off from the group to get some pictures as the sun was setting. Beautiful light of the setting sun on St. Isaac's and the Hermitage. It is fun trying to read the Cyrillic. Tomorrow we have a full city tour, but who knows if we'll have the time or light for good photos.
Tomorrow evening also is an opportunity for a "theater" production to show off "traditional dance and costumes". I was outvoted, and I'm going. I'll let Ann describe it tomorrow, as I may have already fallen asleep.
On a surprising note, my ATM card worked! It had worked the first day in Vilnius, and then not again. I tried calling the bank and the lady could not find a reason, but my card still would not work in Tallinn or Helsinki. But here it does. Who knows?
Stephen J. Rockower, MD
Sent from my iPad
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