Peterhof Continued

This is a shot of Lori and Hillary in front of what looks like a tree. And a very tall rose bud. Note the woman walking across what appears to be large rocks underneath a tree. The rose bush and tree are actually these gravity fed fountains that shoot out water. As for the woman, who the heck knows what she is doing. Apparently, looking for her socks. Or wait....

Ok, now the story about what they call the trick fountains. The architects (from way back when), designed trick fountains. Here's how they work. When a person steps on a certain rock or series of rocks, water shoots from unexpected places and gets people who least expect it very wet. Imagine the surprise of guests who don't expect the soaking. That obviously wouldn't apply to these youngsters, however, who not only want to get wet, but obviously have read the operating instructions on which rocks to push:) I am thinking grandma in the forefront is not too happy about this situation (and she was trying to pull them out).

...and when you least expect it....as we were walking back toward the boat ticket booth, we came upon this group of "elders" who clearly came out to party at the Peterhof. What is hard to see in this picture is the 3/4 empty bottle of vodka in the hands of the woman in the black shirt. Some groups have tour guides. This one obviously had a drinking guide. I raised my glass to them, however, because they were all laughing and having a great time.

You have got to be kidding. 40 miles from St Petersburg and the wedding party is still following us around? As for the boat ride, we got into line with about 400 of our favorite friends and waited and waited and waited. A sign came up that said the last boat would be leaving at 5:30. It was 5:15. But magically, another ticket window opened up and I ran to it for tickets. I felt like a refugee trying to flee the dictator who had just taken over the country. "Let me out!". But we all made it back in good shape....on another speed boat...with curtains.