It’s cold here.  Like really cold.  And when it comes to cold, I am usually one of the last people to complain.  It’s really really cold.  90% of the population has strapped some sort of dead animal to themselves to keep warm.  It must be working because me and my Thinsulate / GoreTex / Down / Primaloft clad outdoor buddies are the only ones grimacing in the face of this arctic blast.  But then again, it could be the lack of vodka running through our veins.. but we can work on that.

I am here to have a look at the russian market as it pertains to my job.  Most of this ‘work’ will take place in Moscow starting on Monday.  Over this weekend, and before the real work begins I am very lucky to have a chance to simply be a bit of a tourist.  The local distributor of our product here has arranged a guided tour of St. Petersburg, Russia’s most beautiful city.  I think it may pay off.  The design inspiration value of seeing all of these beautiful places and things is immeasurable.

This is the northernmost city with over a million people in the world.  And aside from being really really cold this week, it is stunningly gorgeous.  I love it here.  This may be one of the most photogenic cities I have ever seen.  That golden “end of the day” light... well that is the light you get for 5 hours straight.  The sun doesn’t get too high in the St. Petersburg winter sky.  As soon as I thaw out my camera hand, I plan on taking many more pictures.  Today I took 130 in fact so rather than endlessly blab about it, I shall post a few.

HERE are the pics