We are rapping up our time in St. Petersburg/Russia. Wow, I cannot believe that it has gone by so fast. I know that is a typical thing to say but it really is amazing how fast things move. St. Petersburg has been great. If there were nothing else here (there is plenty) I would visit just for the hermitage/winter palace. It is amazing. Perhaps what I liked about it most is how vast and different each one of the exhibits are. There are exhibits that range from displaying picasso's to egyptian tombs and countless other ancient relics. Not to mention that the museum itself is a piece of art. I cannot wait to get back and read up on all that I have seen in Russia. I am very glad that I came on this trip and can mark it up as a life experience. Who knows if I will ever get the chance to come back here. Hopefully I will, but there is the possibility that I will not. Being in Russia in the last month has changed my outlook on a lot of things but also has given me new goals to shoot for. It has sparked the inspiration to travel. After experiencing this foreign culture, I want to know what other cultures and wonders await in a the many regions of the world. THere are so many places to go, so many incredible things to see. If I am lucky, I will get to the chance to see a few more of them. Anyway, we leave early Monday morning. While everyone back home is getting ready for bed, we will be traveling to the aiport on the other side of the world. Weird. Although I will miss Russia, I admittedly am anxious to get home to see the family. There are many stories to tell as well (make sure you pry about your own child's experiences).

From Russia to home,

marcus mittelsteadt