CURIO and CURIOUSER

Saint Pete’s is full of the fun and the funky, of the unusual and the unexpected. Here’s just a small sampling:

Lions and Boobs

Those are the predominant themes in architectural decoration in this city. One signifies might, another …I’ve got nothing. I guess breasts are just generally a good thing?

Museum of Curiosities

There’s more to to Russia’s very first Natural Science collection than pickled humans and their parts (although there’s plenty of that too, enjoyed by the visitors of all ages). Peter the Great’s Kunstkamera is now part of the Anthropology and Ethnography Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The Academy itself was established by Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov — “Russian polymath, scientist and writer, who made important contributions to literature, education, and science,” per Wiki — in the 18th century. The museum has a special exhibit devoted to the man, as well to the Academy’s fascinating past.

Salmon Cream Soup

Now, this is a city on the sea. Seafood is their thing. And it seems that salmon cream soup is THE thing. Prior to my StP trip I had never even heard of it. While in the city I had seen it on most restaurant menus. It is DELICIOUS. Straight up comfort food with Nordic flare.

Image credit: Carina Forum

Street Art, Street People

From bright butterflies in dim courtyards to the sparrows drunk on vodka to vagabonds with a sense of humor, even on the most gloomy day Saint Petersburg does not fail to make you smile.