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Title image - BAI takes you to: Mt.Elbrus
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Elbrus Expedition Dispatch

June 21, 2009 – Summer Solstice in St. Petersburg: The Famous White Night

Today is a big day... our walking tour of the heart of St Petersburg got underway from our hotel in the morning.

Tonight is the most famous night of the year, the famous White night - the summer solstice. It is a time of celebration in Saint Petersburg, where the twilight lasts almost all night.

The White Nights (Beliye Nochi) can be explained by the geographical location of St. Petersburg. It is the world's most northern city with a population over 1 million; located at 59 degrees 57' North; due to its latitude the sun does not go under the horizon deep enough for the sky to get dark. The dusk meets the dawn and it can be so bright that in summer they do not turn street lighting on.

As always, Lina, BAI's St. Petersburg guide will introduce the group to her city.

As always, Lina, BAI's St. Petersburg guide will introduce the group to her city

Stephen Boles and Steve Rossi  have been in Russia for 5 days, visiting both Moscow and St. Pete ahead of the group. They decided to relax today at the hotel after great days so far in Russia.

Stephen Boles and Steve Rossi have been in Russia for 5 days, visiting both Moscow and St. Pete ahead of the group. They decided to relax today at the hotel after great days so far in Russia.

They introduced us to Christina at our hotel - who makes Cappuccinos to keep us going through the busy days here.

They introduced us to Christina at our hotel - who makes Cappuccinos to keep us going through the busy days here.

Walking with Lina towards the Hermitage Museum and listening to her explaining the city to us

Walking with Lina towards the Hermitage Museum and listening to her explaining the city to us

The Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums of the world

The Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums of the world, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and open to the public since 1852. Its collections, of which only a small part are on permanent display, comprise nearly 3 million items including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The collections occupy a large complex of six historic buildings; including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors.

Jackie and Lina pause to take their photo together on the tour today

Jackie and Lina pause to take their photo together on the tour today

Dave interview Lina about her fascinating career in academics, and tourism... Wilson sits in

Dave interviews Lina about her fascinating career in academics, and tourism... Wilson sits in

Steve Whittington enjoying life in St. Petersburg for the most famous night of the year

Steve Whittington enjoying life in St. Petersburg

for the most famous night of the year

Lina and David

Lina and David

Amazing... After 48 hours nonstop in St.Pete for Carol and 24 for Terri they still had energy for shopping after the Hermitage tonight.

Amazing... After 48 hours nonstop in St.Pete for Carol and 24 for Terri they still had energy for shopping after the Hermitage tonight.