Russia

When I tell people that I visited Russia, their first question is WHY? or ""Weren't you scared?'... and I simply reply "I LOVED IT!"

Russia is a country still operating like in the 80's communist era. We waited nearly nearly 2 1/2 hours to enter the country through St. Petersburg Customs. In any part of Russia, you can not travel alone. All tours must be booked through a travel agent or group. Despite the super strict rules, this place is short of amazing. Prior to my trip, for almost two years, I would constantly look at pictures of this specific church and say "I want to see this"... The Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral gave me chills in person. The architecture is impeccable on the exterior but is jaw dropping as you walk inside. The walls are tattooed with the most beautiful murals. There are no blank spots on this wall at all. I just soaked up the aura of this peaceful place and gave the most grateful smirk at the artists patience.

I was a bit sad that I didn't spend my extra day to go to Moscow, but this is only motivation for me to return in the near future and update this post.

I also had the privilege of visiting the Hermitage Winter Palace Museum which takes almost three days to fully view. The Hermitage is the second largest art museum in the world. An impressive museum and must see exhibition.