Daily Blog

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We have an hour or so before we head to the airport - I thought it would be fun to set up a gallery of snap shots for you to enjoy. In a selfish way, this is allowing John and myself to track the past two weeks. One of the places, we visited was the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. This museum boasts of an incredible collection of art from all over the world which reflects all periods of time. We only had an hour or so to sail through the museum via a guided tour - and the crowds were worst and horrible - BUT, that said, if you ever found your self in this neck of the world in the winter, allow several days. Your spirit will be filled.

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In St Petersburg we saw MANY newlyweds around the city. Tradition calls for the groom to carry the bride over seven bridges for good luck. I noticed that the bridesmaid and best man wore a sash and white was not a "must do" for the bride. Each couple had a limo decorated appropriately to cart them to the different bridgesin town and to drink wine along the way seemed to be the norm - as you know, we are counting down the days to Joey and Shelly's wedding! Does your family have any special traditions that you do to celebrate weddings?

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The Winner is #6.  It was done by Nancy Derickson from Glendale, Missouri.

Congratulations. 

The Overall Winner for theme and technique on board was Block #20 by Pam Ventgen of Anchorage, Alaska.

Second place for Theme and Technique was #49

Viewers choice was #52

For a quick reference to all the blocks, click on "Articles" on the purple bar.

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Right outside St Petersburg is Catherine's Palace. She was married to Peter and became the Czar in her own right. Her palace was AMAZING! But perhaps most amazing is the way parts have been restored after WW11 when it was basically gutted. Pictures show the "before" (after the bombings) and it is a miracle to see what has been accomplished. The walls are gilded in gold (originally it was real gold that had to be redone every year or so), the ceilings are adorned with incredible paintings - and the floors sing QUILT ME! Restoration continues today and check out the piano Ricky!

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We are in Copenhagen right now - our tummies are full (great Thai food) and our beds are turned. Ricky is right - tommorow it is our turn to cross the pond - a 16 hour journey at best. We have had a great time and to be truthful an enlightening time. No matter where you go across this planet -  it is made up of people just like you and me. Never ever as a little girl did I ever think I would have the opportunity to visit Russia. A BIG WOW is what my heart says. As we prepare to take the journey - one thing I know for sure is that when we get home, Sparrow will snuggle in bed with us and then at 4:00 in the morning she will bite me - A fit punishment for being gone so long! LOL

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Sorry for the late notice, but we need your vote.  We had trouble with the computers on the ship.  So hurry and vote now.  We will be announcing the winner on the ship tomorrow night.  Because of the 3 to 9 hour time difference, you need to tell us your favorite right away.  Thank you again for your participation. 

Ricky, Justin, Lilo and Ruth:  TQS people can vote too!

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Perhaps this is one of the most famous visions of St Petersburg - the mushroom roof line. From a far it is simply breath taking, from with in, the interior takes your breath away. The inside is 100% mosaic - truly a site to behold. I have seen many churches from around the world, but this is perhaps one of the very best. It is said that during WWII a bomb was dropped into the roof - and attached was a note explaining that the bomb would not explode because a church of such beauty could not be destroyed. Besides the interior of the church the exterior is surrounded by incredible design.

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If Peter's Palace wasn´t enough - the grounds were incredible. As a child I collected fountains, that´s right fountains. the better the spray the better. Peter apparently had the same vision as I - and it was incredible. Perhaps the best were the trick sprays - hit a rock with your foot and you got sprayed - ask John. What is the craziest collection you have ever had?

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Here are the final blocks.  Get those votes in so we can tally them and do the run off voting.  We are in Russia for a second day and will check on your favorites when we get back (if we don´t forget our passports!).

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Flags, Dutch girls, sunset, homes and more.  Some really pretty flowers too.  Pick your favorite and submit a comment as your vote.  If you are just joining us, there a lot more of these great blocks below.  Just scroll down.