Europe 2014

Davy Crockett sighting in St. Petersburg.


We arrived in Helsinki around 8:00 am after passing several small, picturesque islands. The Market Square is an outdoor market near our pier where food & quality, hand made crafts are sold. We were given samples of deep fried fish (bait size) which were delicious, bones and all. They are in the middle, pictured above.


This gadget reminded me of the golf course, but was located in the entrance to an office building for shoe snow removal.



This bottle of Cognac caught our attention. That is 2,500 euros or $3,400.


Picture of the Harbor. Apparently the Finns migrated from Central Asia 2,000 years ago. Over this time they have been influenced by Swedish & Russian occupation. We were told yesterday that many Russians drive to Finland to shop because of better prices.


The berries & vegetables in the market were beautiful & many of them were gigantic.


The Finn's version of a hamburger.



- Cobblestone streets but many of the buildings were newer.
The rain stopped just before we went on shore so we didn't need our umbrellas. It was our first truly gloomy day.


Sightseeing boat with market square on far right as viewed from our balcony.


Ferris Wheel just outside Dave & Sue's stateroom.

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Location:Helsinki, Finland

Europe 2014

We went to Peterhof Palace this afternoon, built by 6'10" Peter the Great. The statues are gilded with gold leaf. This Palace and Cathryn's Palace were seriously damaged by German bombs in WW2. In the 1960's, work began to restore them to their former beauty. The job they did is amazing. It is so beautiful.


There are 150 fountains, all gravity fed without pumps at Peterhof Palace. The grounds were influenced by Versailles.


Russian band passes by.


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We were greeted at Cathryn's Palace by these fellows. Of the 60 rooms, 32 have been restored. The Amber Room which we could not photograph was 85% restored by Germans.








Shoe covers were worn to protect hardwood floors.

Location:St. Petersburg, Russia Day 2

Europe 2014

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Our decadent dessert celebrating our 44th!



As we entered St. Petersburg, there were several old submarines moored
along the Neva River. We were told the City was hit by over 300 floods since
Peter the Great founded it 300 years ago.


St. Isaacs Cathedral, a brilliant hand-made marble structure which has the third highest dome in Europe & took 40 years to build.


Church of Jesus Christ on the Spilled Blood. Most buildings in the City have designs influenced by Italian, French & Greek Architects. This building is a pure Russian design.


Temps were comfortable in the low 60's.

Location:St. Petersburg, Russia

Europe 2014

Local artists post their works to the City Wall.


Cat's dominate this women's art.


Fine artwork for Ken to compare.


Typical menu with Bear meat & wild boar.


- Estonian's best seller is Saku Beer which dates back to 1820.

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Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Europe 2014

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Our Gang!! Lenzi's, Gatto's & Manahan's!


The Wall.


Couldn't tell what this building was without a translator.


City view from Old Town.


Wonderful architecture throughout the City.

Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Europe 2014

Bud & Vicki celebrating #44. Who would have thought it would take place in Estonia?


Wonderful Russian Church.


Cobblestone street.


Colorful, narrow streets.


- The largest square for the walled city. D

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Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Europe 2014

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We arrived in Tallinn by passing through the Gulf of Finland. Our moorage was adjacent to the US Navy.


Old Town Tallinn is a very scenic, walled, medieval City. The city itself is a technology center and the birthplace of SKYPE.


Dave with one of his many friends.


A fur shop with some wonderful Daniel Boone hats!


Architecture is amazing. More to come.

Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Europe 2014

Ocean Princess in Stockholm with 675 passengers.


Amanda, Vicki & Helena in the Nord Keyboard Production department.


Hasse took us on a tour of his facility including meeting his employees.





- The shoreline in the archipelago has numerous attractive homes with boat docks and boat houses.

Joke for the Day from the Library of Dave Lenzi.

Did you hear about the man who was 105 yrs old and didn't need glasses!
He was perfectly content to drink from the bottle.

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Location:Stockholm

Europe 2014

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We entered Stockholm at 6:30 am to blue skies. Hasse & Helena picked us up at the ship terminal and treated us to a lovely breakfast at the Grand Hotel.


Our ship and stateroom on far right with balcony.


Hasse with a wonderful selection of fresh breads & croissants.


Vicki's cousin Helena.


Yum. Fresh fruit, cold meats & cheese.

Joke of the Day compliments of Dave Lenzi:

What do you call an alligator with GPS?
A. A Navigator!

Location:Stockholm