Baltic Trip Part 4
I have finally read through all the books I bought while in Russia and learned that we saw only a small part of Catherine's and Peter's Summer Places. The gardens are extensive. I feel very fortunate that we got to see the older artistic side of Russia. It is amazing what you can build in an autocratic society. Catherine Palace was huge but they also needed other pavilions for eating dinner and dancing. All this time the poor serfs were living horribly. I can see why they revolted and am so glad the new government didn't destroy all of it.
Years ago we hosted a family from Helsinki, Finland. This had to do with the Suzuki method of violin and piano. I wrote the Riimaki's and told them we were coming and they met us at the port of Helsinki and showed us around. We started at the old market place and main cathedral and then walked up the esplanade. Everything was clean and pristine. We had lunch downtown at a local place and got caught up on what all the kids are doing. Riina, their oldest daughter lives with her boyfriend in a nearby city. She did not come to Texas and we have never met her. Joona, their son lives in Munich with his girlfriend. He has traveled extensively and does not like the cold winters of Finland. Emmi-Nora is about to get married to an East Indian man in the restaurant business. They live in another town. I think Marjo was a little upset that her kids did not choose to live close by. After lunch we walked to all the notable sights in the downtown area. We had a very nice visit. We walked several miles and I was very tired. They got us back to the port and we were able to do a little shopping at a nice gift shop.
I do think they might consider visiting Hawaii some day.
After 4 days of walking and touring, I enjoyed our restful day at sea. I finished one book and started another.
Years ago we hosted a family from Helsinki, Finland. This had to do with the Suzuki method of violin and piano. I wrote the Riimaki's and told them we were coming and they met us at the port of Helsinki and showed us around. We started at the old market place and main cathedral and then walked up the esplanade. Everything was clean and pristine. We had lunch downtown at a local place and got caught up on what all the kids are doing. Riina, their oldest daughter lives with her boyfriend in a nearby city. She did not come to Texas and we have never met her. Joona, their son lives in Munich with his girlfriend. He has traveled extensively and does not like the cold winters of Finland. Emmi-Nora is about to get married to an East Indian man in the restaurant business. They live in another town. I think Marjo was a little upset that her kids did not choose to live close by. After lunch we walked to all the notable sights in the downtown area. We had a very nice visit. We walked several miles and I was very tired. They got us back to the port and we were able to do a little shopping at a nice gift shop.
I do think they might consider visiting Hawaii some day.
After 4 days of walking and touring, I enjoyed our restful day at sea. I finished one book and started another.