Chapter 2. Ballet shoes, or the tale on the Neva
Every year we go to St. Petersburg. There are many beautiful poems, songs and legends written about the city. My grandmother loves St. Petersburg with all her heart and often talks to me about it. It was the Russian Emperor Peter the Great who built this capital city on the delta of the Neva River.
In 1703 construction began with St. Petersburg’s fortress. The fortress and the city were named after the Emperor Peter and in honor of the Holy Apostle Peter. The wonderful project grew quickly, as if by magic. Petersburg is often called the Venice of the North because it has many rivers, canals and bridges. Citizens and tourists are happy to navigate the water in boats and river taxis to admire the spectacular views.
My grandmother’s city is shrouded in all kinds of myths and secrets. Many come to life between June and August, during the White Nights, when a romantic twilight descends on the city and you do not want to sleep at all, unlike the darkness in the winter months. During the White Night we would travel under the snow-white sails of our boat down the Neva River through the Gulf of Finland to make our way to the shores of Finland. On the boat my brother has a compass, a telescope and a dagger. When he steps on the deck, he straight away becomes the real captain.
The entire historical centre of St. Petersburg is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hermitage (Winter Palace). A long time ago, this magnificent palace was the residence of the Russian emperors, and now it is a famous museum. The noun hermitage has origins in the French word hermit, meaning “hermit,” a person who lives alone, far from society. Hermitage can describe the place where a hermit lives, or a dwelling occupied by an isolated religious group that prefers solitude.
Don’t believe the name… There are over three million exhibits in its collection. You are never bored! And when grandmother suggests going to the museum, we gladly agree. Both my brother and I love to visit the Hermitage, so we become very “obedient” amazingly quickly.
Holding hands, we go up the wide, red-carpeted white marble staircase. The huge granite columns open into the spacious halls and endless galleries. So many pictures! I soon find what interests me. How beautiful are the fluffy dresses and silk shoes the ladies wear in the old portraits. I wish I could try these clothes on! I imagine I am a little princess. Meanwhile my brother pulls grandmother by the hand into the hall to see the armour and weapons of medieval knights.