Spasskaya Tower- the tallest of the 20 towers in the Kremlin
What do I have in common with Rick Steves? Don’t laugh…I have more in common with Rick than you might imagine. Rick and I are around the same age (ok, I’m a wee bit older). As a teen, Rick discovered he could travel without his parents. I figured that out around the same age as an exchange student in high school. If you want to read about that life-changing event…click the link.
Rick Steves saved money earned from giving piano lessons to pay for his travel. I used to play the piano (that counts) and saved every penny to finance a trip to the USSR in February 1974.
Rick found what he loved and built an empire around it. I found what I loved (kind of) and went to work for an empire (which involved travel).
A few days ago, I found an album filled with old photos from my trip. They are so old- 43 years. I remember dropping the film off at the camera shop so it could be developed. I was in agony waiting to pick up the finished product. My camera was inexpensive, aka cheap, but at least I could capture some memories. I love the look of faded photos; however, I wish these weren’t quite as faded.
I thought I’d share some of the photos. Tourism to The Soviet Union (involving Americans, anyway) was uncommon in those days. I was young and ballsy at 20. Yep, ballsy. I flew into Helsinki and took the night train into Leningrad. The train was stopped at the Soviet border by men who checked underneath with flashlights. They also boarded the train and came into the compartments. It was intimidating.
My train compartment- Helsinki to Leningrad
Imagine lifting the curtain and coming face to face with a member of the Soviet Border Troop. It got my attention…
The trip was terrific, though. I stayed in beautiful hotels (the rooms were bugged) and had the opportunity to visit places I had only dreamed of.
St. Isaac’s Square in Leningrad
Map of The Peter and Paul Fortress in Leningrad
Entrance to The Peter and Paul Fortress in Leningrad
Construction began on the Peter and Paul Fortress in 1706. It was used as a prison and execution ground. Very grim indeed.
Ekaterininsky Palace in Pushkin or Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo
The color is brilliant blue. Close your eyes to picture it or google it…
This was the summer palace for the Royal family.
Ekaterininsky Palace in Pushkin or Catherine Palace in Tsarkoye Selo
The Palace sustained substantial damage during the war. You can see where they were working on it.
Alexander Column in Palace Square was erected to mark Russia’s victory over Napoleon in the War of 1812
Frozen Neva River- this was taken from the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Engineer’s Castle or Saint Michael’s Castle in Leningrad
This was used as a school for Army engineers. Pretty fancy.
Moving along to Moscow
I flew Aeroflot from Leningrad to Moscow. It was an experience…
Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square
I love how many of the photos have turned pink/red. This gives me a reason to return for current images. I know these can be adjusted, but I’ll leave them as is.
Men playing chess
It was so cold, and these lovely men were outside for hours playing chess.
Women are shoveling snow in Red Square.
The snow was heavy, and these women shoveled as if their lives depended on it. Wait…maybe…
Thank you for walking down memory lane with me. I wonder where Rick Steves was in February 1974?
Yes, as you say, you have many things in common with Rick Steves, which brings me to mind the many things I have in common with Steve Reeves. Well, we all like a good joke now and then. Actually, I have more in common with Job. Anyways, I love the pictures you take, no matter the camera. Where’s next?? I’ll be anxiously waiting.
Hi Mikala,
I remember Steve Reeves! The body builder turned movie star. He was a great Hercules and Samson.
Job…none of that!
I love taking pics and looking through old ones.
The land of blarney (well, that’s appropriate) awaits.
Take care
Barb, I LOVED this post! SOOOO interesting your travels to USSR. Amazing pictures. And I loved learning more about your interesting life… you were/are a brave one!! Have good friends who traveled to Russia in more recent years and he is an amateur photographer… have looked through all their photos, but love the ‘character’ of yours! xoxo
Hi Christi!
Thank you for visiting. Oh my goodness, it was so interesting. I would love to be able to compare what life was like then versus life today.
It was so cold in February but the price was right. I’m from Michigan so I thought I knew cold. I was wrong…it was COLD!
Those poor pics…everything is pink!
xoxo
Thanks for sharing Barb. I was not as fortunate to travel internationally at a young age but I’m trying to make up for it now. I enjoyed your faded pictures and I’m glad the memories are anything but faded.
Hi Ken!
Thank you for reading and commenting! It’s very much appreciated. I know how fortunate I was and I’m so grateful for those opportunities…and memories. Kenny B…you are more than making up for a later start with international travel.
#keepontraveling