St Petersburg, Russia - Day 1

I had the most wonderful girls night out last night! Yes, I have already made friends with all the late 20's, early 30's crew members on deck and we all went to the Pinnacle Grill last night for dinner, drinks and dessert. It was great talking with them, hearing what they love about Holland America and working for a cruise ship and hearing their complaints. There were two lady officers, the internet cafe gal, the children's group leader, the art director, the party planner and a GOB - which apparently means "girlfriend on board." We had such a good time. The girls are going to try to get me into the OB (Officer's Bar) on the last night. We'll see. I already asked the Captain - indeed those were my first words to him "How do I get on the OB?" And he laughed at me and said it was not possible. But the girls are going to try anyway. That would be fun!

We woke up early this morning and went to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. It was big and huge and overwhelming. Full of art and gold and stuff. Our guide (Dane is laughing at my description of the Hermitage - he feels I should elaborate and say there were Picasso's, Rembrant's, Monet's, Da Vinci's, etc. etc.) was great - just the most hysterical Russian gal. Great humor, knowledgable and just plain fun. She always says we are having. We are having a difficulity. We are having a look. We are having a new flower. So fun.

After the Hermitage we went back to the ship, inhaled some food and grabbed a nap before going back to town for a folklore show which was a lot of fun. Extravagent costumes, great singing, dancing and music. Lots of fun. We never did get to go to a Russian dance club but I'm honestly not sure I've recovered from the Officer's Ball. It is already 11pm here and we are ready for bed.

I've gained at least, at the very least, 5 pounds. And I'm upset that I didn't bring a few extra dresses. I waffled on it and decided not to overpack and now I regret it. Good thing we are walking all over creation tomorrow, maybe I can burn off the calories of the bedtime cookies I'm about to eat. :-)