Saint Petersburg travel diary

After about 15 years of dreaming about visiting this city — I finally made it. The Venice of the North shines brightly with dazzling fountains, canals and architecture. There is a sense of imperial majesty and reminders of old world Russia that photographs alone don’t do justice.

Often overlooked, smaller museums are always a favourite and there are quite a few gems! Too many to mention here. Russian writers, poets and artists are worshipped in this city, it’s hard to go a block or two without coming across a shrine to art or artists.

Also top-notch and everywhere are baked goodies on the go — there’s an almost Parisian feel of having the crispiest croissants while surrounded by the most beautiful 18th and 19th century buildings. Culture is in the air — people reading, photographing, writing, painting but the canals and all dressed amazingly well — there was so much to appreciate, we could only briefly scratch the surface.

The city is cold and windy — I used to believe that a leather jacket will work almost anywhere in Europe in summer. I discovered just how wrong I could be at the Peterhof palace, mid summer, a rainy 11 degrees with bare legs.,

A special mention goes to Saint Petersburg women — definitely some of the best dressed ladies I’ve seen and I loved the full support that currently exists in this city for the dad sneaker. I’m definitely taking a little inspiration on how to style my chunky Adidas whites.