From Russia With Love
Ok, so St Petersburg is an incredible city.
I have had one scary experience, but otherwise it has been great.
We were standing in the queue at McDonalds (don't ask why we went there) and Doug was holding on to his camera bag which was over his head and shoulders like a bag. He took his hand away to point to what he wanted (no english speaking here..., put his hand back and someone had sut his straps and run off with the camera. None of us noticed, and I was standing right beside him!
I was so freaked out that I couldn't eat any lunch, which seems silly now, but that's how it was. I am fine though. I have my important stuff - bank cards etc. in my money pouch strapped under my trousers, and a little spending money in my wallet, which is in my bag. I also have my camera in my handbag, but it is over my shoulder and firmly held under my arm. I have also had a boy in the choir looking out for me which is fantastic. He always comes out with me and we go shopping together which is great. Any time someone slightly suspicious looking comes along he puts his arm around me, so I feel very safe.
No chance of romance though mum, sorry to disapoint, he has a boyfriend back home. It seems fine though, as long as everything is tucked away in less conspicuous places, and not obvious like a big camera bag, they don't seem to target you.
Yesterday we went on a sightseeing tour. The history in this place is phenomenal. Everything looks very dull and austere, but that's a hangover from communism I expect. There are the most amazing palatial residences everywhere, where wealthy families used to live, but are now shops and apartments in varying states of disrepair.
The best thing to shop for in Russia appears to be CD's and DVD's. I'm sure they are pirated, because CD's on average cost about $4, and DVD's cost about $7-$9. I have picked up some excellent titles which I would never have expected to find in Russia of all places, but will say no more as they will be presents for people when I get home. Most places are fantastic and play them for you, so I am sure that they are in English.
Today we are off to Peterhoff palace, which I am really looking foward to. I am so glad I studied the Russian revolution in 6th form, it makes all of this so much more interesting and meaningful.
6 Comments:
Hi darls,
What a scary experience for Doug. I am glad you are staying safe and out of harm's way. I am longing to see you again..safe and sound! The male 'chaperone' sounds an excellent ruse. Keep him on!
Charlotte is home on Sunday. Got your two answer phone messages...we were in Akaroa! I have tried your cell phone..but no luck. Best time for you to ring home is either early in the morning.
School on Monday and we have ERO coming in three weeks. PANIC!
Do you know what you're doing when you get to England concerning the Drews? Are you meeting Emma or spending the day in London? I might ring Beryl and Michael again before you get there so is there anything you want me to pass on to them?
Love,
Mum
hey meels
mum says to keep using the "bodyguard", and if he does a good enough job, she'll pay him. lol =P
sounds like it was a pretty scary experience that happened to doug, but tell him to be thankful that it was only his camera and not sumthing like his passport (which is harder to replace). also, b thankful that it wasn't u. anyway, keep safe and buy lots of DVD's and CD's for us to enjoy when u get home.
praying for u lots,
ur bruvva
tom-toms
Hi Amelia,
I arrived unannounced on your Mum and Thomas and have just read about your experiences in Moscow. It is amazing how susceptible you are when travelling and how much "low-life pond scum" there is out there. Keep safe and enjoy your time in Russia.
Congratulations on the successes you have had so far. There was one article in the Dominion about your choir which we read with interest.
Well I'd better stop and talk to your Mother since I woke her and Thomas up when I arrived at 8.30am. Unfortunately I am down for a funeral of a work friend who died suddenly this week. I got a call when we were on the way to New Plymouth on holiday with Jennie and kids. We cut short our trip so I could fly to Chch for the funeral.
Travel well and we will be thinking of you. Have fun.
Love
Uncle Derek
Hi darls,
Got your email and the one for Thomas. Ring either early morning or late at night.Monday will be fine, I'll make sure I am here.
Derek has just been here. Actually he rang the doorbell at 8.30 which I eventually struggled down to answer in truly disehevelled state (early morning is not my best time)after the third persistant ring to hear a voice say "Jehovah's Witness here" My response was just a little terse....
Is that a funny story? Derek thought so....!
Anyway he made us a wonderful strong coffee and then offered to take the car for its WOF which I was going to do later. How kind was that!
Keep safe,
Love,
Mum
HEY AMELIA!
I'm back home and have presents waiting for you when you get home. Keep safe and I love you lots. Someone on my tour lost his camera and his teddy bear, so perhaps the fact that Doug did not lose both may comfort him somewhat. nil to nothing in terms of news coverage of NZSSC's success.
nobdy loves us. but keep healthy and close to your bodyguard and I'm sure you'll be fine.
God's always watching out too!
:)
God bless,
Charlotte
Delighted to hear you are still enjoying your experiences across Europe, but sorry to read about Doug's mishap. It happens so quickly...
Friend of mine lost his laptop in similar circumstances - put it down, looked over somewhere, looked down to pick it up and...it was gone.
Going around in groups is definitely a good idea for security. Multiple pairs of eyes looking in all directions is not paranoia - It's common sense.
Enjoy the rest of the trip.
Love
Dad
PS Vienna reached 29C which I thought was hot, until I saw that Bagdad had reached 47C. Pass me the iced water!
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