St Petersburg, Russia

As part of our trip to Russia we went to St. Petersburg before I took the train down to Moscow.  We spent 3 days there practicing Kendo and sightseeing.  We were able to see the Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace and many other great historical sights including the restored Amber Room at Catherine Palace.   See the photos below.

In the evening we practiced with the St Petersburg Kendo group.  A great bunch of people led by Mr. Igor Kalashnikov.  I was invited to conduct a Kendo seminar while there.  We all hope to get together again before too much time passes.

Curtis Marsten

Kendo Photos

St. Petersburg Members
Mr. Igor Kalashinikov, my wife Vicki and myself in the middle.
I was presented the banner in the background which now hangs in my home dojo (yes they had two).

Kendo drills.

Some of the St. Petersburg group in Moscow
Renton Kendo Club member Neil Sunderland is second from right in back.

Sights

The Russian Battleship Aurora.  This ship fired the shot that began the Revolution.  It was moored right in front of our hotel, The St. Petersburg.

This band was outside the Catherine Palace and would ask what country you were from then play your national anthem.  They played a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Tsarskoe Selo, Catherine Palace named in honour of Catherine I, Outside of St. Petersburg

The Great Hall at Catherine Palace

The stunning restoration of the Amber Room at Catherine Palace.

Another photo of the Amber Room.

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