Our Secret Garden: Lisbon, French Riviera, Russia, Siberia, Barcelona, Praha, Luxembourg

Bonjour Luxembourg

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Since July 2009, we are blogging at :

Bonjour Luxembourg

Random pictures e information about Luxembourg

and neat places that we've visited.

Thanks for your visit!

Puppies and poopies!

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Stop-Dog - distributes kits (Halte-chiens - distribue des pochettes )

I found in Luxembourg a good example of citizenship. The Ville offers special resources to properly put away those dog gifts, avoiding inconvenience to pedestrians that we all are. These distributors are perfectly identifiable with a wide yellow stripe which gives all the explanations necessary to use the kits.

As you may already know we don`t have dogs. The family pet is a kitty called Luna that certainly won`t need this kind of device for the simple reason that she is a “family girl” and never leaves home. By the way,I took this picture last November.

N6 – a trendy way in Luxembourg

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This is an important route crossing the commune Strassen near central Luxembourg.
The N6, also known as Route d`Arlon, connects Luxembourg to the Belgian border. It leads to Arlon, the first city in Belgian past the border.

Route d`Arlon has many shops including Cactus Mall, as well as residential areas and business offices along the way.This picture is from my own files.

Missing Kaiser Chiefs Gig

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Okay, It isn`t fair! But we need to accept this fate. While we still are here it means that we will miss this concert in Luxembourg. Regardless of the fact that the boys will be singing *Never Miss a Beat*, we will indeed!
Oh Gosh, beyond doubt it isn`t just!

The “Kaiser Chiefs” is one of cherished new bands among “Keane”, ”Panic at the Disco”, “Arctic Monkeys”, ”Cacofônicos”, ”Coldplay” for instance. Those alternative rock bands appeared in the last five years and they are doing a brilliant job!

Anyway for the lucky guys there, some handy information:

When :Friday,23 January 2009

Where: ROCKHAL - Address: 5, avenue du Rock'n'Roll Esch-sur-Alzette - Luxembourg

Time show : 20.30 hrs ( Doors open at 19.00)

Furthermore useful links:

http://www.rockhal.lu/
http://www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/kaiserchiefs

The last Kaiser Chiefs Gig in Brazil was last year (8th November, 2008) in São Paulo ( Planeta Terra Festival) with great performance.

Below a shot from this Concert while the singer Ricky Wilson was performing.

Hope to have another chance, we wish that Kaiser Chiefs do “rock” in their radiophonic hits. We wish you the best next Friday!

Lion parking in Luxembourg

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We're still not quite there but found this earlier pic, which I took 'cause it reminded me of our kitty Luna (for more info you're welcome to visit http://www.weloveluna.blogspot.com/). This sign stands in the parking lot at Cactus Shopping Mall, in Bertrange.

A pleasant day at Edmond Park

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In my last ride in Luxembourg before traveling back home, I kept the memory of a delicate and sweet Sunday, a sunny afternoon and the cold autumn wind, in one of the city's central park, the "Edmond Park”.

A perfect place for reflection, to turn the eyes to yourself, without constraints, as in the eyes of the world reflections often could be constrained, politically correct thinking or the like. Not now... this time just a quiet moment, the silence only broken by laughter and jokes of children who are in the playground close there or the bright hubbub of young couples, tourists in love who are also strolling by.

So I closed a little bit my eyes enjoying the peace and positive energy brought by mother nature in that special spot to go where the magic turns us all into children as well and there in our inner self is the right time for silence. Not the silence of the voice, but the silence of the mind. This stillness of the soul lets us also recall what happened in our lives and beyond, with thoughts of strength and courage, with arms wide open to what the future brings.

It was almost like a poem done with the appropriate intensity for the moment and full of hope.

Then I remembered many different phases in my life. My childhood so happy, my 15 year-old age, adolescent dreams, the achievements and the difficult stages, the learning, the time, the pain and joy, all the blessings in my journey (loved husband and kids), the pearls I found here and there in the form of great friends, of my future plans and all good we still want to build, I still want to learn, know, see, try. And yet I want much love.

Bank Buildings

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Modern architecture

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So different from the last post!

Architecture spot

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Charming contrasts

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It`s a great pleasure to discover Luxembourg the millennial fortress city and international capital city with its charming contrasts.
Contrasts of landscape and architecture shape the face of the city.

A house in town with an autumn mood!

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Public transportation

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The City of Luxembourg is served by an efficient network of buses run by the "Autobus municipaux de la Ville de Luxembourg”. If you are travelling around the country making use of buses is the best money-saver. Buses are punctual and serve every major town as well as a surprising number of villages en-route.
A regular short-distance ticket (billet courte-distance) costs 1,50 EURO, and is good for two hours around the city. It also allows transits between city and country buses and trains. If you plan to use the bus all day, purchase a day ticket for 5 EURO.

It`s raining leaves from the sky

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It was a perfect autumn Saturday when I felt the leaves pouring down on me! All that brilliant colors like a kind poem made by this environment. I can`t explain this peaceful feeling that took me over! Could you?

Exposition about Coupe of Luxembourg

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The Luxembourg Football Federation (FLF) was founded in 1908.It organizes the Luxembourg Football League and the Luxembourg National Football Team. It is based in Mondercange, to the south of Luxembourg City. This pictures exposition was opened in City Concorde Shopping Center.

Public Playground

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This is a sample of how cool a playground can be in Luxembourg! I found it just in the city centre and full of kids having really fun on a beautiful Saturday. The playground is a blend of “Pirates of the Caribbean “ , “Little Mermaid “and “Moby Dick”! Unfortunately Captain Jack Sparrow didn`t appear on that day!

Brazilian stereotype

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New Buildings

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You don`t need to walk far away, just some blocks and you find another building construction in Luxembourg. The new properties market is growing up faster following the thriving rhythm of the city.

Luxembourg Airport

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The principal airport is Findel, located near the city of Luxembourg (about 6 km ). It is pretty small and cozy, really easy for orientation. Regular flights to other European cities are operated by Luxair, the national carrier, and by foreign airlines.
The airport has two terminals and is completely international as there are no other commercial airports in the country. One could drive the length of the country within the hour so there is no real need for domestic flying anyway.

Old Center Architecture

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In the Historical City Centre we can find several Governments buildings, like Court Justice ( in this picture ), Chamber of Deputies, Grand Ducal Palace and so on.
Wonderful blue sky is reflected in those windows!

Streets in details - 2

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This is a sample of a display board. Usually they explain about the avenue `s names or Public Square, boulevard, and the like. I bet that in Europe you can find several "Avenue Charles de Gaulle"!

A beautiful day for shopping

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As a business centre, Luxembourg has just as great a tradition of commerce.
In addition there is plenty of great shopping to be had, as you'd expect in the capital of the world's wealthiest country. You can also take breaks between spending money in one of the cozy cafes and restaurants. The principal shopping areas comprise the Grande Rue and it`s side streets, the Gare area, the Auchan Shopping Center in Kirchberg, Concorde Mall in Bertrange and Shopping Center Cactus Belle Etoile also in Bertrange.

Greek Restaurant

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Athena Restaurant is our hint. In a residential neighbor with a decoration based in fancy pictures about the wonderful Hellenistic land and friendly atmosphere ...we must say people there are very gentle!

This restaurant has a great menu (also in English) and we could prize for instance, its fresh salads with special Greek sauces! Terrific!It is not expensive at all!
Address: 56 rue Adolphe Fischer, Luxembourg

Auto École – Auto Escola

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Here you also can learn how to drive in a “Portuguese point of view” or “Portuguese way”! Be careful and don`t blend those car`s stuffs!
In Brazil we don`t use to drive like in Portugal (I mean in that Portuguese funny mood!)but I know we drive like in Luxembourg!

Spook

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Just in front of Grand Ducal Palace you will find this kind of public light, public lamp or illumination, however…Spook!

The National Flag

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Luxembourg's flag was officially adopted 1972, although used since 1848.
Consists of the three bands in red, white and sky-blue, arranged horizontally

Street in detail

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You should cross the street here otherwise you can be there (in heaven) sooner than you could imagine!

Luxembourgish hours

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When I heard this expression for the first time, in fact I couldn`t understand what it really means! But some time later I realized that "Luxembourgish hours" is something that you can`t explain, just feel!
How long time can you stay laying on a park, seeing the vanilla sky, feeling the wind blowing in your face and the rhythmic sound of autumn (the leaves falling down softly)?
How could you explain this peaceful sensation and no reason to hurry up about?
Say no to any stress in your life and think about how amazing this landscape around you is.
That`s it! Luxembourg is a place to enjoy!

National Museum of History and Art

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Temporary exhibitions are organized by the museum throughout the year.

McDonalds in the Old town

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Why should we thing of people living without McDonalds?! Just we found one in the Old Town!Even here, you can see this kind of fast food way of life!

Old town streets…

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It`s a delight experience walking among historical buildings, museums and art galleries blend with contemporary boutiques and outdoor cafés.
With a little bit of luck and if you keep walking maybe you will find a prince waiting for you as well!

Old town

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The city of Luxembourg itself is on the Unesco World Heritage List, on account of the historical importance of its fortifications.

Theatre park

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Should we dance?

A bridge

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The traditional and the Modern in the City.

Sigefroi`s Fortress

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Sigefroi is considered the first count of Luxembourg.

He had possessions from his father in Province of (Upper )Lorraine.
At the centre of his dominions he constructed the fortress of Luxembourg in 963. A town soon grew up around the castle, which became the centre of a small state of great strategic value.

Music is in the air!

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You can find it at "Avenue Charles de Gaulle"!

Online in the park

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The city of Luxembourg provides free wireless Internet access, called Hotspot. In the streets or in a park like in this picture, you can just open your laptop and connect with the world. And there's no need to worry about coming back home without the laptop, safety is not a problem!

St. Michael’s Church

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This church survived centuries of fighting in and around Luxembourg, with a seemingly endless process of destruction and reconstruction. In 1509, a fire which destroyed in all some 180 houses in the city, overwhelmed the building. The former romance church was burnt out totally, but was rebuilt by 1519 in the Gothic style.

Mother

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This sculpture that`s representing a mother stands firmly at the “Place des Martyrs”. Being mother is a honor, it is a gift and a blessing. You are given unconditional love by your children in ways you will never imagine, love never experienced.
I think the artist ( theBritish sculptor Henry Moore) wanted to show this feeling about love.
Unconditional love by your children or love by the mankind .Love brings us this mercy, quality of being human among (or after) so many War atrocities, against outrages, and maybe the feeling that you will never be alone, and you will have a reason to live!

Place de Paris

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We can find here such charming cafés and brasseries.

The Neumünster Abbey - in the Grund

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After dissolution by the French Revolutionary Authorities at the end of 18th Century, the Abbey was converted into a military hospital until 1867, when served as a men’s prison. After major restoration, since 2004 it has been the Neumünster Abbey Meeting and Cultural Centre with exhibition gallery, outdoor performing arts venue, art shop and brasserie.

Capuccino daily

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This is a sample of capuccino by Luxembourg!

I need to say that coffee or capuccino is an important part of my day .

Anyway if I can’t have at least one like breakfast , please ...don`t talk to me!

The Cathedral of NotreDame

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It was built between 1613 and 1618 to the designs of the Belgian Jesuit Father Jean du Blocq. A pilgrimage takes place every year from the third to the fifth week after Easter, during which Luxembourgers from all over the land make their pilgrimage to the Cathedral.

A day in Belgium

2008-10-27T08:33:00.001-02:00

15 minutes away by train and we have already crossed an international border, arriving in Belgium. More specifically, in Arlon. Our primary objective was to have a look at the IKEA store, a famous European chain of furniture stores. As it was Saturday and there aren’t many buses around over the weekend (we needed one from the station to the place where IKEA is), we planned to take a few hours to have a look around at the city. Soon we were informed there were great festivities due to the 150th anniversary of the railway’s opening, which sparked the birth of Arlon.

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The big event was a trip in the steam propelled locomotive, which seemed to draw many locals and a few tourists. Apart from this the big festivities were not much more than a few stands falling apart and selling some fatty food…

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Well, here you see a tourist spot. A crippled WW II American tank which was used during the Allies’ liberation of Arlon. As everything else in the city, the poor tank is in poor conditions… There is also the “burning flame” in memory of the dead soldiers. Differently from other places, it’s not quite burning but instead it’s just a painting on a pole.

Oops!

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This sign should be reading LUXEMBOURG. As you can see, it doesn’t. That means that we were on the right platform but took the wrong train which headed exactly on the opposite direction from Luxembourg, taking us further away to some unknown Belgian town. Oops! Could you please give us some information? Dude, we’re lost!

The Pont Adolphe

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The Pont Adolphe was built between 1900 and 1903 to the plans of the French civil engineer Paul Séjourné. This impressive construction consists of a Romanesque arch of squared stone ashlars with a span of 85 meters .
Across the bridge we are between Boulevard de la Pétrusse and Avenue de la Liberté.

Boulevard la Pétrusse

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Place de La Constitution and Gëlle Fra

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Adjacent to the Cathedral stretches the extensive complex of the Jesuit College which today houses the National Library. In memory of the Luxembourg soldiers who fell in World War I, an obelisk (Golden Lady – called Gëlle Fra) was erected in 1923.
Gëlle Fra in 1940 fell victim to the destructive tendencies of the German occupiers.
The people of Luxembourg were able to rescue a few fragments from the Nazis, and partly rebuilt the memorial at the end of World War II as a symbol of their newly won freedom.

ArcelorMittal Headquarters

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Opposite the Place des Martyrs, is the palace – like headquarters of the international steel group ArcelorMittal which was designed by René Théry and the state architect Sosthène Weis, sets the impression of being monumental and comparatively ponderous. The front entrance is finished off by a triangular gable with rich figure decoration. Here encounters Mercury, who also symbolizes trade. He is accompanied by Victoria, the Goddess of Victory, as well as allegories of scientific knowledge.
Near this palace we can find other buildings from ArcelorMittal offices . Their architecture is more contemporary.

The Grand Ducal Palace

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Since 1895 is the official residence of the Grand Ducal Family , and at the same time one of the most historically and architecturally important buildings in the country.During summer months the section not occupied by the Grand Ducal Family is open to visitors….so that, we must wait for the next summer here!
The current Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa have four sons and a daughter, and people say here that although they inhabit castles, the royal kids go to ordinary schools .It’s possible to bump into a prince at the movies or to see the Grand Duchess out shopping!

Welcome to Luxembourg!

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Luxembourg is a cosmopolitan city that captures the essence of Europe. It is a bridge between the wealth of history and the success of modernity. It is a city that can unite dynamism and quality of life.
With a surface area of 2.587 square km the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is the second smallest member country of the European Union. Luxembourg has a population about 459.500 inhabitants, 76.600 of whom live in the capital. Over 181.800 foreigners represent 39,6% of the total population.
Over the last 30 years immigration has increased considerably. More than 150 nationalities are cohabiting in Luxembourg. The main communities present in Luxembourg are the Portuguese and French, followed by the Italian, Belgian and German communities.
Luxembourgers would like to be regarded as a model Europeans. In reality this small country, with its eventful history demonstrating at an early stage a tradition of being open to the world, played a decisive role in the birth and development of the European Union.

Charming autumn scenery

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Grund - one of the most traditional parts of the city

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This is a typical street in Luxembourg, with nice houses, trendy shops, an overall urban look and...

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...just across the street you'll meet this sympathetic Luxembourgish citizen!

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Luxembourg

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Russia - St. Petersburg

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Russia / St.Petersburg - The very first picture of our trip: the hotel where we stayed in St. Petersburg. The hotel was quite okay (if compared with the nasty places where we would stay in other cities, it was actually wonderful!) and fortunately the room was quite warm, which was a blessing considering that the airline lost our luggage and the weather was really cold - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Going down very deep into the metro, after something like a fight to buy the tickets (in fact, coins) - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Metro signs showing the names of the stations and the connections between different lines. Ooooohhhh, what a headache to find out where we should go - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Some Russian beer to help understand those strange metro signs. Apparently it worked out fine - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Alexander Column in the Palace Square - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Arch of the General Staff - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Front view of the Military Museum, which unfortunately was not open on the day we were there, but must be very interesting - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Birthday dinner with Russian food and sunflowers and... what is that chicken doing over there? - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Birthday dinner with Russian drink - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Entrance of the Hermitage Museum, the real highlight of St. Petersburg, comparable to Paris' Louvre - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Everything at the Hermitage is imponent and beautiful - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - This is the hall of the... We don't know anymore, but it's beautiful anyway - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Hall in the Hermitage with pictures of many generals who fought for Mother Russia - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Statue of Jupiter - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - A piece of work by Da Vinci - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - A piece of work by Rembrandt - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - A piece of work by... Hmmmm... We don't remember anymore, there were so many - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Cupid kissing Psyche, very inspiring... - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - After walking really A LOT inside the Hermitage, a little pause for auto-pictures and some kisses (hidden, of course, in Russia one never knows what is allowed and what is not) - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Outside view of the Hermitage with a bride on the back as special guest in the picture - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - View of a park - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - One of the city's countless canals - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Bridge over the canal - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Church of the Resurrection - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Church's ceiling - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Church's altar - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Paintings all over the walls of the church (this is pretty much what most of all other Russian churches look like inside) - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Statue of tsar Peter the Great (...Little Head...) inside Peter and Paul Fortress - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - Autumn's scenery, but soooo cold! - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Kazan Cathedral - October 2006

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Russia / St.Petersburg - Streets - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - Train station - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - Modern Russian train - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - Inside the train - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - Peterhof, a series of palaces and gardens ordered by tsar Peter the Great, which he used as summer residence, among other things - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - After many attempts someone finally took a good picture of us together at Peterhof - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - Immense park at Peterhof - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - Peterhof church - October 2006

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Russia / St. Petersburg - Peterhof palace and main fountain (which was not working) surrounded by nice sculptures - October 2006