We passed architecture of all sorts, including gaudy Soviet stuff. Most humbling was driving through the front line between Nazi and Russian forces during the notorious 900 day siege of the city during WWII, then named Leningrad. A single soviet tank marked the area which was mostly grassy fields and young trees. This area was left a waste land.
As luck would have it, we were the first group to enter the palace after an hour coach ride out of town. The rooms were stunning. Lots of original pieces, newly gilded statutes, unfortunately no pics were allowed in the palace. Trust me though, it was impressive. It made the palaces of the noblemen in town look like college dorm rooms. The history of the palace is pretty amazing too... During WWII, the Russians took as many pieces out of the palace as possible as the Nazi's approached. Eventually, the nazis took the palace and used it as barracks and munitions storage. Luckily, they didn't destroy it but scattered land mines throughout the area and set part of the building on fire as they were driven from the area.
The garden was great too. Beautiful sunny weather made beautiful gold gilded statues sparkle, numerous fountains, huge 100 year old trees, etc. Peter's sense of humor is obvious in numerous "trick" fountains scattered around the grounds. Set off by weighted stones on ground, one wrong step and you got soaked. Which I'm sure back then resulted in spontaneous wet t-shirt parties, 18th century style. At 11am they turn on the gravity pressurized the main water fountains, and blast the national anthem over loud speakers. It's all really truly impressive. Hydrofoil ride back to St. Petersburg took 30 minutes. Can't wait to get home and read more about this town, and the Russian czars. Today has definitely piqued my interest in our brothers and sisters to the east.
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