Saint Petersburg is a pretty interesting place. Couple hundred years ago, a bog. 18th to early 20th century, playground of the Romanov class and hellhole for the serf class. Most of the 20th, a key city in the failed attempt at creating a workers paradise, with horrific years during WWII -- a 900 days siege with uncounted dead. Today a prosperous capitalist city, at least as capitalism is understood in the ex-USSR. Remains to be seen just how well the latest experiment will succeed, as I understand the Ruble has devalued steadily over past decade.
Anyway, I had to think of Karl Marx when our tour leader sized me up, and offered me the challenge of holding our group sign while she went off to negotiate tickets. Proud to make my small contribution to our group experience, according to my ability.
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