Day 74. Leanne Here.

We now must head over to the West Harbor to catch the St. Pete Line, a Russian-run cruise ship that takes you overnight to St. Petersburg and back for a 72-hour visa free stay in Russia. We have decided this is the easiest way for us to experience Russia knowing that St. Petersburg is a cultural centerl of the country (and former capital).

After experiencing Norweigan Cruise Lines and a number of Carnival Cruises, we know we like in general. However, we are quite prepared for a new experience Russia-style— First off, the boat looked like its been painted over a least thirty times and reminded us more of the ferry from earlier in the day than our past weeklong vacations down the Mexican Riveria.

The anemities are basic in comparison. There is just one type of Russian bottle beer sold on it. One choice of snack - hot dog. You have just a few seats in the bar and parts of the ship give you a sense this cruise liner has seen better days. No glitz, no mirrors, and you have to pay to karaoke. But St. Pete Line meets its mission which is to simply get us from Point A to Point B safely and securely.

The teens leave us to enjoy the sunset on the top deck but their empty chairs become a friend-making opportunity.

Six young French Ph.D.s in space nuclear radiation approach us to claim the seats and we befriend them. They end up blowing all stereotypes floating in my head. Incredibly funny and social, these Francs are not at all what I expect — what if you would have introduced me to a bunch of American Ph.D. specialized in space nuclear radiation? Not sure I would have found 6 American Ph.D’s heading for a guys weekend in St. Petesburg. Maybe it would happen but I’m willing to put a $20 on that.

The Ph.D’s were so much fun that we buy them a round of those Russian beers! We discuss potential life on Mars, Elon Musk, and even forestry industry with our new French friends.

It reminded us of something we do miss on this trip. Friends! That’s why Helsinki was so much fun for us. Magnus and Nicola hosted us so nicely for four nights and it made us realize that one thing we sacrifice on this trip is our friend-time.

Adventures await for us in St. Pete. A bit of apprehension comes over me. I’ve never been to Russia and the image in my mind has been crafted by a Cold War during my childhood, the Russians I have worked with, and by the media I have consumed over my lifetime.

Now I get my own chance to experience Russia without those filters.