The Star: November 03, 2016

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34 Thursday November 3 2016 follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch The Star Travel St Petersburg: Russia’s window to the West GRANDUER: The Winter Palace. • By Mike Yardley THE SENSATION of a city seemingly afloat is what first struck me, as I stood on the banks of the River Neva to toast my arrival in St Petersburg, with a few vodka shots. As this was my first foray to Russia, I had joined a Trafalgar guided journey of this decorated city, built across 44 islands, crisscrossed by canals and a staggering 300 bridges. Visitors flock here to experience one of life’s great truths – St Petersburg is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Trafalgar’s local specialist, Deena, was a godsend helping our group get to grips with St Petersburg’s signature sights and stories. For firsttimers, it’s the imperial extravagance, commissioned by Peter the Great, that will command your attention. This remarkable Russian Tsar not only constructed the city as the new national capital in 1703, but was determined to make it Russia’s window to the West, underpinned with exuberant European architectural flourishes. St Petersburg is home to no fewer than 500 palaces. In a bid to save them, the Russian Government has privatised many of these peeling and crumbling pastel confections, before they literally fall apart. But because the cityscape oozes historic grandeur on such a massive scale, you don’t have stroll the streets for long before you actually feel architecturally drunk. But few buildings are quite as intoxicating as the chart-topping Winter Palace and the State Hermitage, delivering decorative excess, all areas. Parade across parquet floors and down marble staircases to gasp at gigantic crystal chandeliers and wrap-around gilded rooms, wallpapered in priceless art. Beyond, the trappings of royalty, the Hermitage houses a thousand rooms of art, which as Deena remarked, soon makes you realise that exploring St Petersburg’s treasures is a test of endurance. The Romanov’s amassed, connived and looted an insatiable trove of masterpieces. With over three million items, even if you looked at each exhibit for one minute, it would take you nearly three years to see it all. Not only did Deena deftly navigate us around the headliners from da Vinci’s delightful Madonna and Child, to the Picasso, Rubens and Rembrandt pieces, but exploring the Hermitage with Trafalgar gave us fasttrack entrance into the museum, circumventing the horrendously long queues. Beyond the imperial prowess of central St Petersburg, a jaunt south to the city’s outer reaches brought us to Tsar’s Village, which is now officially called Pushkin. It’s as close as the Nazis got to conquering St Petersburg – they never did, in spite of the supreme confidence of Hitler. But the Nazis did seize Catherine Palace, a glittering country estate commissioned by Catherine the Great, which they duly plundered and ruined. You may well have heard of the Amber Room, the piece de resistance of the palace, which later became one of the world’s great art mysteries. After being stolen by the Nazis, debate remains whatever happened to its treasures, but a new Amber Room has been gloriously constructed at the palace – largely with German funds. Vladimir Putin has presided over the comprehensive restoration of this wondrous palace to its former glory. It is a heart-stealer, as are the dramatic photos of its mangled carcass following World War 2. But for all of the architectural magnificence studding St Petersburg, my runaway favourite is Peterhof, a short drive from Catherine Palace. The site was originally developed as Peter the Great’s naval base, but he later commissioned this pleasure pad as a vanity project, after visiting France. The prized centrepiece is the Grand Cascade and Water Avenue, a gushing symphony of over 140 gilded fountains and ingenious canals, which he partly engineered himself, using a gravity-fed design. The lavish, manicured grounds and gardens are gorgeous to stroll, looking out to the Gulf of Finland. FAST FACTS •The Imperial twin cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg come together on Trafalgar’s eight-day Wonders of St Petersburg and Moscow guided holiday. This Russian rail adventure combines art with attractions such as the Hermitage Museum, Tsar’s Winter Palace, Red Square and the Kremlin. Priced from $2625 per person twin share with savings of up to 10 per cent available for bookings and payments prior to December 15, 2016. Departures from April 2017. Includes sightseeing, guides, accommodation, many meals, transport and the services of a travel director. trafalgar.com, 0800 872 325 or ask your travel agent. Connecting Christchurch directly to China and the World. Up to five non-stop flights per week. Book now at csair.co.nz
The Star follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch Thursday November 3 2016 35 CARAVAN EXPO The Camper Care Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show returns to Horncastle Arena in Christchurch, Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November. This 3 day event will showcase favourite brands, new products, great innovations and unbeatable deals. There is a variety of motorhomes and caravans at the show, covering the whole spectrum of price points. So if you are not sure what you want, or how much to spend … this is your opportunity to come along and talk to the experts, over the 3 days. This show caters for all tastes. Sit in on the TraiLite Theatre where your will hear tips & tricks like how to best explore Australia by road with Gallivanting Oz, advice on buying a motorhome or caravan with TrailLite and find out about NZs hidden paradise and holiday spots with Off the Beaten Track. Former My Kitchen Rules NZ 2014 contestants Ricki & Jessie will be cooking up a storm in the TrailLite theatre. Since the show they have been working hard to build up their new healthy eating business Healthkicks NZ where they deliver delicious and nutritious food all over NZ. Join them in the TrailLite Theatre over the weekend as they teach you how to produce delicious meals while on the road. Be in to WIN a 10 day holiday in an Apollo Euro Deluxe Motorhome Stay at the show for FREE at Horncastle Arena, where you can buy a multi-day pass and make a weekend of it. Catch up with your travelling friends or make some new ones in a relaxed environment and of course, grab a bargain. The first 50 vans to register onsite will receive a goody bag full of vouchers, samples and surprises. If you dream of life on the road, this is your chance to experience it. You can be in to win a 10 day hire of an Apollo Euro Deluxe Motorhome thanks to Winnebago As well as additional free hire of camp chairs, a camp table, a gas bottle refill plus more. All the makings of a great NZ holiday on the road. And if you are a show VIP this year is the chance for you to reap your rewards as part of the VIP Club. General Manager Michele Connell says, “We understand purchasing a Motorhome, Caravan or other leisure product is a great investment and we want to reward and thank these customers by inviting them to experience our VIP club at the show. Big buyers can look forward to hospitality, special deals and free entry to the show, amongst lots of other exclusive opportunities”. Come with dreams, make them your reality at the show you cannot miss, the Camper Care NZ Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show, Horncastle Arena, Christchurch. Friday 4th 9am – 5pm Saturday 5th 9am – 5pm Sunday 6th 9am – 4pm Go to www.nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz or like us on Facebook to find out more. Hit our show before you hit the road 4th-6th November Horncastle Arena Christchurch www.nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz
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