Welcome!!

Welcome, dear friends to my humble blog and thank you for visiting The Wanderlust Compass.
The word "wanderlust" is frecuently defined as "a very strong or irresistible impulse to travel". I am totally agreed and the years only have confirmed me that!! 
That is why if you liked to travel as me, to discover new places and to love every new spot you walk and keep forever in your heart, hopefully, you will find this blog useful. 
It is my desire that you meet your next trip idea here!! 
All the best and wonderful trips!!!

And if you talk Spanish, don't forget to visit my other blog: http://brujulatips.blogspot.com.ar/
I am pretty sure you would enjoy it too!!

St. Petersburg: the wonder over the Neva River

The City Essence:

Saint Petersburg:  city of the Russian Zars, elegant, historic, welcomes visitors who become amazed with the buildings over the Neva River and the majestic palaces, the size of their blocks and the light colors of the front of their buildings.
All St. Petersburg is opulent but this seems to fit it well : the decoration of its facades, the golden domes, even the Baltic skies resemble paintbrush in the windy city sunset.

Useful information
To know: a block in St. Petersburg is not the same as in any other city . Walking through it, it is easy to see the extensive layout of the city. Called the " Venice of the North", because of the furrow canals that connect one neighborhood to each other and the main bridges that let you cross from side to side of the Neva River.
In summer , the best time of year to travel, there is daylight until about 9 pm and it wakes you very early, shortly after 6 o'clock.
The bridges over the Neva, all drawbridges, rising from 1 AM to 5 PM, thus , we must be sure about the side of town where you want to stay overnight.
The subway runs until 12 AM and retakes the course at 6 AM .
In September 2012 , the national currency had the following quote : 1 euro = 40 rubles .

Must to visit n°1: 

The Hermitage Museum

It is the reason for the visit to the city . Perhaps it is the most magnificent museum in the world.
Upon admission, the main staircase called "of honor"  or "Jordan" is something shocking and thankfully, all visitors must go through it to access the rooms of the palace.
Beyond the masterpieces of Art that the museum has, 2 Madonnas by Leonardo, some Murillo, Rembrandt 's last painting, Caravaggio and a good collection of Impressionists , you MUST WALK the halls .
They are a must for example, the Pavilion Room that leads to the private rooms of the Empress Catherine the Great and the Lodges of Rafael .
Inside the museum, books and DVDs are available for 5 euros. The gift shop is already more sophisticated: amber jewelry , prints , chiffon scarves and other memorabilia, will depend on the pocket of every traveler.
You can take pictures indoors without flash by paying a tax of 200 rubles. 
To enter to the museum you must leave coats in the closet and bottles of water are not allowed to drink. It is heated, but as the temperature can vary from one room to another, I advise you to bring a thermal shirt or a lightweight cardigan.
Downstairs there are several cafes and internet.

Must to visit n° 2: The Church 

of the Spilled Blood.

At first glance , the church seems to be a sister of St. Basil's Church in Moscow. More closely, we see that this one can compete in beauty with the symbol of the Russian capital.
It is known for being the site of the assassination of Tsar Alexander II in 1881.
Upon entering the church of Saint Petersburg, you will be amuse by the impressive height of the vaults and the best Byzantine style images that decorate walls with small and bright mosaics. Do not miss its Souvenir Shop : has the best icons, nesting dolls ("matrioskas") and souvenirs from the city.
The best view of the church is looking at it from the river channel beside the main entrance.

Must to visit n°3: St. Isaac's Cathedral

It is the newest of the Orthodox churches, despite having nothing much resemble Orthodox and Catholic churches. It has a ressemble of neoclassical St. Stephen in Budapest and have some air to St. Peter's Basilica.
The best masterpiece that you cannot miss is the altar with giant columns of malachite and lapizlasuli.
Souvenir shop: has the best wooden eggs with Russian iconography (about 60 euros). Jewels include high quality and beautiful replicas of Faberge eggs.
Entrance is 250 rubles and you can climb to the viewpoint of the church to appreciate good views of the city, but you have to climb 180 steps to enjoy it.

Must to visit n° 4: Fortress of 

St Peter & St Paul:

At the end of the island Vasiliesky, just in front of Hermitage Museum , lies this fort. At this spot, the city began its story and was built by Peter the Great.
It is easily distinguished by the pointed golden dome of the church.
The religious building is the house for many Russian Zars tombs, including the lastest Romanov. 
The wealth of materials and a beautiful light embellish the interior.
Excellent souvenir shop, but more expensive than in other city locations.
The garden invites for a long walk. It is relaxing and allows good photos.

Must to do n° 5: Tour by the Neva River

If you like to sail and enjoy water trips, you cannot miss it.
It's a good opportunity to photograph buildings from another perspective.
But you have to carry a heavy jacket with you. Even in summer you could feel cold because seats are mainly in the outdoor deck. The boat provides blankets especially when the tour navigates the main branch of the Neva, where the wind is important.
You may take some refreshment inside the vessels.
It is important to know that it is not possible to stand all the way of the tour because of the low height of the channel bridges .
Approximate cost of the tour: 35 euros.

Must to visit n°6 : Yusupov Palace

Famous for being the place where Rasputin was murdered .
The tour will let you visit the palace's basement where Rasputin was shoot after the poisoning attempt. It is really interesting because this visit is a look behind the scenes of the conspiracy and the history of the Yusupov family, one of the wealthiest in Russia at the end of XX century. 
Also the design and decoration of the residence on the upper floors is a must to see , and it is easy to recognize a note of mysticism within its walls.
You should leave your coat in the cloakroom and pay 150 rubles for the right to take pictures. They provide you with an adhesive ticket to show in each chamber you walk in. The music room is amazing as well some galleries that hold portraits and documentation of that time.
You cannot miss visiting the small theater of the palace, a scale replica of herself Scala in Milan.

Must to walk n°7: Nevsky Avenue

Leaving the Hermitage Plaza and diagonally to the river, you can find this Avenue, which is the wider and more beautiful in town.
By walking through it, you will be amazed with architectural jewels as well as international and top clothing brands, famous hotels chains, churches like Our Lady of Kazan, exchange at good rates and cafes to sit and rest a little while.
I recommend Cafe Singer , exactly opposite to Our Lady of Kazan, on the first floor of one of the most famous libraries of St. Petersburg, key in Russian literature. It has good prices, good patisserie, and good views.
http://www.singercafe.ru

Nearby St Petersburg: 

what to see n°1: Peterhof Palace.

Famous for its fountains and parks, this palace is a mix between Sans Soucci and Versailles, and has the most beautiful room mirrors throughout Russia.
You have to wear protective footwear over your shoes, leave your coat in the closet and refrain from taking pictures indoors. But forgot all this troubles, because it is an unique experience.
Outside, the extent of the parks reaches the Baltic Sea, and there is a reason for this location; since Peter the Great, was a passionate sailer, it was usual that he arrive to the palace from St Petersburg in their own boat .
At the entrance of the park, there is a small craft market at the best prices in town and you can push easily for a better price. 
You may get nice nesting dolls of 5 pieces from 250 rubles. The woolen shawls and pashminas with Russian flowers from 300 rubles up to 1700 rubles. Animal fur (hats, scarves, capes from 150 euros) There are cafes and public toilets for 20 rublos. Very near of Peterhof, at the town that surrounds the castle, another church of St Peter and St Paul is located; orthodox, traditional and beautiful.

Nearby St Petersburg: what to see n°2: 

Catherine Palace or Pushkin Palace.

The golden, white and turquoise front impresses with its size and was a source of fury when the Soviets entered his courtyard to assault in the russian revolution post czars. 
Today the rage is replaced by the amazing impression that causes to visitors. More baroque than Peterhof, this palace has jewels like the ballroom and the world famous "Amber Room", rebuilt just a few year ago.
It took several year to Russia to rescue the palace after the Nazis robbery and destruction. Today, all seems to be exactly as Catherine the Great always dream about it.
Before enter the Great Hall, you must leave coats, and to wear protective footwear over your shoes. Photos are allowed without flash, except Amber Room where no photos are allowed.
The souvenir shop on the ground floor is the most exclusive in St. Petersburg . There really precious souvenirs, but prices really high.

 
Tips about where to buy:

If there is no possibility to visit Peterhof and its market, the best option in town is visiting the souvenir shopping located in the area called Northway English pier.
Lots of choice with 2 floors and basement to find everything: nesting dolls , magnets , keychains , Faberge eggs, original and imitation fur, icons, amber pieces, fine jewelry, I mean, everything to bring a souvenir. You may paid in rubles, euros or dollars, and credit card, of course..

Tips about Entertainment:

I particularly recommend a folk show presented at the Palais Nikolayesky (4 sq Truda) at 18:30 pm, called "Feel Yourself Russian ". Review and some photos listed in my favorite site for travelers , Trip Advisor.


Tips about optional activities:

St. Petersburg offers a lot because there is a large variety of things to do. 
I leave some costs for mostly optional tours that can be hire during your stay in the city:
* Boat : 35 euros or 45 dollars
* Show Cossack folk : 55 euros or 65 dollars
* Yusupov Palace : 50 euros or 60 dollars
* Catherine Palace (Pushkin ) : 50 euros or 60 dollars.

Where to Stay:

I spent my time in the Sokos Hotel Vasiliesky . You can read my review on Trip Advisor, but it is in Spanish.


Other data:
I can recommend you my local guide during St Petersburg stay. Here is her name and the e-mail address: 
Alyona Tikhonravova. Mail: azurrita@rambler.ru

Shopping in Dubai: real pleasure

Shopping at the oldest area: 
Markets and the Creek:

Rumor has it that Dubai was born in the Creek. It is a natural sea entrance, that was the old port of the city and the place where the pearl trade reached its golden era more than 100 years ago.
Today is the most scenic waterway in the city, with open taxi boats that connect locals and visitors from one bank to another and from one market to another of the old town. The oldest neighborhoods in the city, Deira and Burj Dubai are at each side.
The Creek offers at sunset a very different evening: it is possible to have dinner aboard traditional boats, called dhows. Usually, a tour of this kind provides transfer from the hotel to the pier, buffet dinner at the boat plus drinks and transfer back. The price is around 45 euros. The ride lasts a couple of hours and is sailing quietly as you can see the most historic areas of the city by night.
Another unforgettable visit by day, on the banks of the Creek Deira neighborhood, is taking a walk around the oldest souks or markets of the city.

Closest to Creek, is the Spice Souk. This ancient market has a few blocks long, but deep into it, you can say that it is possible to be back in time. If you like taking pictures of the colors of spices and to experience traditional smells, this is the place. It is perfect to buy not so common spices that are very expensive elsewhere.
You can also buy any type of tea leaves and there are many shops selling clothes, pashminas and traditional dresses.

Just a couple of blocks away from this souk, in the opposite direction of the Creek, is the Gold Souk, named for the high concentration of jewelers dedicated to the beautiful jewels made with gold.
With over 300 stores, this market has given to Dubai many times the nickname of City of Gold
It is amazing to see the sense of security that this place radiates, not for the presence of the police, there is in fact little, but because there is not a cage for windows and it is amazing to see gold jewels that local women show over their traditional black robes at street.
Anyway, to buy something, I recommend as always, discretion and if you buy somenthing, keep the shop bag in a large handbag.

Tips for the souks:

* At the Spice souk, you have to negotiate the price for everything. There is no other way and in fact, this is a part of the show and the experience of visiting it. The hardest salesmen to make you a discount are the one selling pashminas. I suggest not to close the deal with the first shop you visit.

Very often, the good you are interested in, it is easily find in another shop, because the items are repeated.

* In Gold Souk is ideal for touring at noon, when it's the sun of Dubai hits the city. The streets of this souk are roofed, and you can have a nice walk with the golden frame of the windows and sit a while on their benches to rest and analyze business.

* Although the gold price per ounce is not a bargain, it is considerably cheaper than in another country. In Dubai you can find different karat gold: 18, 22, 24. Personally I always lean towards gold 18 as the most lasting in purity and not turn black in the future.

* There is no rule or recommendation to visit a gold shop or another. I find it convenient always have a look first at the way the shop present jewels in the window and the sense of cleaning and presence of the salesmen. The rest depends on each pocket and what you like...

Shopping at the newest area: 

Dubai Malls

There are few places in Dubai that express the richness and opulence of this Emirate and that is the case of Dubai shoppings.
We know the city landmarks, the famous buildings, the impossible architecture, but the malls exude marbles, crystals , fountains and real engineering, all to flatter the eye and the infinite pleasure of shopping.
They worth a ride and reserve part of your time to walk them:

Dubai Mall:
We talked about it, when referring to the Burj Khalifa .
The largest Emirates shopping currently extends to the foot of the tower The four plants contain over 1,200 shops in the center of the city.
Literally, best designers and most exclusive in the world are represented here (Argentina is also presented with an excellent local of La Martina).
You can find exclusive areas of restaurants, french cafés and pasticcerie at all levels and with a touch of style.
The shopping most famous atraction is a giant aquarium in one of the arcades. It is stunning and I recommend to see it . There are also ice rink for kids to entertain like crazy and in the main courtyard , a great place to have a coffee or a drink while the sun falls on the city , it is easy there to locate the Dubai Fountain .
Visiting hours are:
From Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 to 22:00 hours. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 24:00 .

Mall of the Emirates:
It is another star in the shopping system of Dubai.
Just a little smaller than Dubai Mall, which is located on Sheikh Zayed Avenue, (the largest avenue in the city), very near to the famous Palm Jumeirah.
More french in style, has a beautiful dome made of iron and glass, you can find also fountains at galleries' centers, and it is well known for having a Snow resort called Ski Dubai.
It is truly a park for locals and visitors that gives the idea of being in one of the ski centers worldwide. You may get a ticket to enter, to rent appropriate clothing to skiing or sledding by artificial slopes. You can also see all this activity from the viewpoints of shopping.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah:
It is located just a few steps away from the most famous hotel in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab.
Very different from the big malls, this souk is attractive because of its galleries, a truly modern representation of an old traditional souq , with a very pointed Moroccan air.
Prices are not so expensive. Bijoux or traditional hanging lamps with colored glasses are one of the best souvenirs. There are carpets shops and a large range of items to decorate home.
From the cafes terraces you can enjoy a magnificent view of the iconic Dubai hotel. The mall has over 70 stores and is particularly nice in the evenings because of the fine lighting that the shops have.

Tips on transfers:
The Mall of Emirates is strategically connected to a metro station, which is very easy for going and coming for example from the center to the mall.

Metro station

Both Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates, offer free services or private shuttle bus from the main hotels in the city, so take advantage of that and have another nice trip around the city.
The subway is not free, but it is still very cheap. At least, make time for a short visit. The subway is actually a monorail that spans almost parallel to the main avenue of the city over enormous colonnades.
Subway stations are also look like a spaceship, inside each one, you could see a different design. Wagons are spacious, clean, bright, and allow a different view of the city, you can almost say "from the air".
Stations can also be used to cross the main avenue. Dubai is not easy to walk specially at downtown by the large amount of traffic, its huge avenues and narrow city sidewalks. That is why is always better to take subway or shuttle services from the hotels.

Currency:
Dirham is used in the United Arab Emirates. In April 2012, the conversion was around this: 1 dollar = 3.67 dirham.
Both dollars and euros are accepted in exchange offices.

Where to Stay:
I have the fortune to stay at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, a couple of blocks away from Burj Khalifa tower. I included my review at Advirsor Trip page.

Data trip to Dubai:
Dubai travel agency: Alpha Tours
http://www.alphatoursdubai.com/alphatours.html