Pushkin

Catherine’s Palace at Pushkin

The first stop on day 2 was Catherine’s Summer Palace at Pushkin.  It was probably the most crowded place that we visited (or maybe it just felt that way with the wait, along with hundreds of other people, to get in through the one narrow gate in the rain).  However, it was well worth the drive out there and the traffic jam on the way back, as the rooms are spectacular.  It includes the famous amber room, were the walls are completely decorated in amber.    We had also planned on spending some time in the French style formal gardens, but that didn’t seem such an attractive prospect once we got there in the pouring rain.

The exterior, including the crowds waiting to get in (spot Kate in the red!)

Various interior shots.  The amber room is visible in the final picture - direct photography is not allowed there, so this was shot through backwards the open door with no flash.