St Petersburg Part 11 - The Gardens of Catherine Palace

As you may have gathered, I have had a quieter day today on board our river ship, with just one two-hour excursion into the countryside here at Honfleur. This has allowed me to catch up on some of my blog posts. I have just come back from a special French dinner on board the ship, and soon will join the others on the top deck to see the town’s midnight fireworks celebrating Bastille Day. French flags are flying everywhere, even in and on the ship.  

Back to my Russian adventure . . .

I cannot leave Catherine Palace without mentioning its picturesque, tranquil gardens. As luck would have it, it was a lovely balmy day, so it was a real pleasure to stroll through them. A special lake had been constructed in the early days of the palace, with different buildings around or near it. Two in particular were of great interest. 

The first building was an azure blue pavilion right by the lake, one purpose of which was to present concerts. We were fortunate enough to be treated to a short performance by some excellent singers. All the visitors were lined up to have their turn inside the building to hear them, but the music was worth waiting for. 

The other building was a short distance from the lake, down a path that was in a direct line with the palace. It was blue too, and like a miniature palace. This was used by Catherine the Great, who later had charge of the palace, for private political meetings - and sometimes assignations with one of her lovers. The design of the building was such that no-one could look into the first floor. Even her servants could never see whom she met up on the first floor, despite the fact that only her most loyal servants were appointed to serve her there. They sent food up via a kind of lift, and down came the empty dishes. Who knows what plots and machinations were devised up there! 

Speaking of plots and machinations, apparently Empress Elizabeth was very involved in various political manoeuvres, some of which would not stand up to scrutiny. I daresay that's true of all the tsars and empresses though. Actually, much of what politicians do today also would not stand up to scrutiny . . . What do they say?  Power is corrupting, and absolute power is absolutely corrupting. (Or words to that effect.) 

In the next post I will show you something of the famous Peterhof gardens - which were incredible. 

Inside the building by the lake where concerts were held.

The performers who made our day so memorable.

A lovely part of the garden. It would be just delightful when the flowers are in full bloom. 

Our first glimpse of the lake.

The beautiful building by the lake in which were were treated to a short concert.

A view of the lake from outside the blue pavilion. We saw many ducks on the lake.

The building where Catherine the Great entertained her lovers - and plotted and planned.

A close-up of the same building. We could not see into the first floor windows, and believe me, we tried!