7/18/12 day 84: St. Petersburg

Escorted "Back to the USSR" tour today. Overcast but mild as I loaded up the coach of guests. First we walked through the small political history museum located in the former palace of a prima ballerina from the turn of the century turned temporary headquarters of Lenin (see his desk in the pic). The exhibits were pretty one dimensional and not translated. The exhibit on the transition from Gorbachov to modern times is under construction. Fitting.

What tour of Russian political history is complete without a vodka tasting?! We took a bus to what appeared to be a very small theater/restaurant. Im Assuming back in the day it entertained political leaders or something. It felt and looked like a dinner club with a nice little stage and maybe seating for 100. We tasted five different vodkas, heard their stories and live music by a duo with an accordion and an angular banjo (Steely Dan style) and had the appropriate Russian snack. The first shot must be unaccompanied. Second shot with toast, herring, and onion. Then third pickles. Then salmon caviar on white bread with butter. And then lamb in natural gelatin. The roll had some sort of potato filling I think. We had a tall glass of unfiltered cranberry juice to chase. I'm starting to really dig Russian history and I'm a fan of Vodka just like the next guy, but dont really care for the Russian snacks, truth be told.