Spb, The First Day of The New Year

I have planned in advance to spend my winter vacation in Saint Petersburg. However, one week before departure I found out that Saint Petersburg would be closed for any celebration during the Christmas holidays. Corona is still reigning here and in all Russia. Basically, there are no available restaurants and pubs, there are no available museums, there is nothing to be entertained at this rigid city. Still I was pretty sure that I would be able to have fun even without public places. At least, I would try to switch off by changing the Moscow landscapes to something fresh.

The journey starts on 1st January 2021 on Komsomolskaya square, where Leningradsky railway station is located. As usually, I travel to Saint Petersburg with the high speed train Sapsan. I was sensible enough not to drink too much the previous evening, so there is no hangover.

Honestly, I was expecting to see something special on the train on the first day of the new year. Still, nothing reminded of the celebration except this plastic branches on the ceiling.

Well, the journey from Moscow to Saint Petersburg took about 4 hours. Finally, I am on the platform of the Moskovsky railway station, ready to throw myself  into the arms of the imperial city

Well, the city looks gloomy and unfriendly as never before. There is no so much decoration in the streets. There is no New Year spirit. Alright, I will handle it, I thought. But first I needed to get to the hotel and have some rest.

Cronwell Inn is the 4 star hotel, very close to the Nevsky prospekt and not far from the station. In fact, it has become my favourite hotel while traveling to Saint Petersburg many times.

Luckily, at the hotel they are aware of the New Year, and they presented some delicious cookies with coffee. While watching the New Year movie (of course the Russian romantic comedy The Irony of Fate) and eating the pastries, I felt a little bit happier.

At night the city does not look so gloomy. Still, it is quite windy. And I am really jealous of people who are sitting in their armchairs around the table in the warm apartments. Hopefully, there is no rain or snow. 

I reached the Palace square with hope to see something grand there. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The Christmas tree is not so special for such special place as Saint Petersburg. It did not look grand at all.

It is a pity that all restaurants are closed, and you can order the food only for take away in the plastic plates. So, the dinner was bought in the local supermarket. It is not what I was dreaming of when imagining my winter holidays. I hope that  tomorrow I will orientate myself and will find the ways to have fun.