Travel
inside the world famous hermitage
To see every piece of artwork in the Hermitage in one visit is impossible. Apparently to look at every piece (of the 3 million collection) for 30 seconds each, would take up to 9 years. We did not have that much time on this trip!
Russian Empress Catherine the Great founded the Hermitage in 1764 when she purchased masterpieces from Western Europe. The museum has 4 of its 6 buildings open to the public; Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage and New Hermitage.
As we walk through the rooms and hallways, the opulent lifestyles of the Russian past smacks us in the face! But in saying that, the lavish and exquisite interior of the museum is the perfect home for the masterpieces.
Considering that we would not be able to see every single piece in our one visit, there are a few must-sees in the collection. And the beauty of what we saw is simply worth sharing. The first several are masterpieces of Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
Hermitage is closed on Mondays. It also can get very busy and we heard pickpockets use the opportunity to pounce so be sure to keep an eye closely on handbags and wallets. Also remember, backpacks are not allowed in the museum.
For photos of our trip to Russia, see our Facebook page.
Have you visited the Hermitage? What did you think?
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packing principles: our core 4
In 3 sleeps, we will be travelling for about 3.5 months! The last time we were away for that long, was back in 2006. This time, we are 8 years “wiser”(??) and travelling with backpacks. We have packed often for our travels but this time it’s different!
Packing what we need into backpacks seems almost impossible as we stare at our mountain of things to bring and the size of the backpacks. How to pack when travelling for several months? How to fit everything we need/want? Our walking boots for the Camino alone already take up HALF the pack.
And yes, we know… we should lay everything we want to take and then leave behind half! It goes something like that, right?
After packing for this trip, we have concluded that these would have to be our 4 core packing principles.
#1: If the item is not a MUST, it can probably be purchased along the way.
Items of “MUST” will be different for everybody but may include medicines, contact lens, at least a few pairs of underwear….
#2: Use packing cells!
They keep your clothes contained inside your luggage/backpacks. You won’t find that after getting off a flight, your clothes are in a jumbled heap.
#3: Make sure you pack at least one change of clothes including underwear on your carry-on.
If you are flying, it comes highly recommended to do this. Situations where you wish you had a spare change of clothes at hand include:
- bags going on their own vacations the minute they were put on that conveyor belt at airport check-in;
- you being stranded at an airport due to flight delays/cancellations and having to stay overnight but your bags are still checked-in;
- during transit being caught in the rain running from the tarmac or between terminals
These are possible as these are actual scenarios which our friends have experienced. In all scenarios, even just a fresh set of underwear can make the world of difference.
#4: If travelling with a significant other, make sure you split your clothes between the two cases.
This will be a life-saviour should one bag go astray. This is where packing tip #2 is helpful with packing cells to keep clothes separate.
Here is David’s pack with half of Le’s stuff inside!
So we are finally packed! This is the FIRST time we are travelling with backpacks – we will let you know at the end of it, how it all goes.
So long cold, wintery Sydney!
It is now official, we have been farewelled! Our families threw us a farewell party: a Christmas in July (with a lit fireplace, leg of ham and roast turkey). It was so wonderful getting both families together so we could just enjoy one another’s company before we head off.
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during brazil world cup – our top 8
The World Cup in Brazil is now rolling towards the quarter finals, only 8 of 32 teams will remain – the top 8! So we figured we will have our very own top 8… our top 8 moments from this visit to Brazil.
8. Brazilian BBQ – we have eaten it countless times in Australia but finally trying it in its country of origin. The meat is so tender and succulent albeit salty at times!
7. Curitiba Markets was such a surprise package. We love strolling through markets so this was our little pearl.
6. Singing our National Anthem, loud and proud at all three Australian matches. The first one was quite emotional and surreal, the realisation that we were really in Brazil for the World Cup!
5. Where else can you kick a soccer ball around with a stranger in an airport or on the street? Brazil!! Unfortunately, we didn’t have our camera ready for these random yet memorable moments.
4. Churros with dulce de leche – the churros in Brazil is so much chunkier than what we get in Australia and the sauce is just heavenly! The guys that sold it to us were so excited we were Australians, they want a photo with us 🙂 Don’t miss churros, when visiting Brazil!
3. The Socceroos captain prepares for the penalty goal that will have Australia lead Netherlands 2-1 (even if it is only for several minutes, we were still ahead at one point of this game 😉 )
2. The sense of camaraderie amongst the supporters – with countries competing on the field, there is no sense of rivalry anywhere! We enjoyed meeting and mingling with people of all nations here for the same reason as us 🙂
1. At the feet of Christ the Redeemer, feeling truly small and insignificant yet ever so humbled.
Have you been to Brazil? Tell us what you love about Brazil!
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weekly photo challenge: contrast
Michelle from the Daily Post asked for a photo that shows contrast!
Only a few days ago, visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro at night time…. to us, this was a “contrast”.
wise monkeys abroad 