Caught Between the Horrifying Weather and Bad Hotel Customer Service in Russia

When I went to Russia a few months ago, I never expected that the weather could shift very instantaneously. The sky started to appear dim, so I took out my scarf, wore it around my neck, and zipped up my goose down jacket to prepare for a clash with nature. I had to immediately get a hotel accommodation without even thinking of the superior charge because in a killing weather, all I had in mind was to find a place to stay.

But to make matters horrifying, the check-in took longer than I expected because for some reason, the front desk personnel seemed to be somewhere else. Also, there was a series of technical and not-so-technical interruptions: other customers getting in the line, hotel staff snubbing other guests, and of course, my terrible Russian.

I waited for almost an hour before I was given a common room where I could rest away from the killing weather. I laid on the bed, took out my guide book, and showed myself the most attractive sights in the city. Then I thought of availing a ticket for another destination because of the awful experience I had. Probably I was in the ideal place but it was just the terrible time.

Having a Fantastic Time in Ice Cream Parlors and Post Offices in the Alluring Russia

When we arrived in St. Petersburg, the most recognized and the most lovely city in Russia, I hurriedly went to the post office to send some cards back home to let mom know of my safe arrival. From the outside, the building is known for its gleaming arches, which are in contrast to the business-like setting created by the somber walls and cold behavior of the people inside the office. Inside the post office are some classy wooden cabinets which display some nice stamps. Stamp collectors are sure to have a terrific time looking at the stamps, and if those in display are not enough, some unique ones are available upon special request.

After my significant visit at the post office, I immediately went to the ice cream parlor to try some savory Russian ice cream. Russians are known for their indescribable appreciation for ice cream, and they don't seem to mind the biting coldness of winter and the firm winds blowing at their faces as they eat their ice cream. A funny anecdote about this Russian habit of eating ice cream is that Winston Churchill, while staying in the country right after the Second World War, noticed a long line of people painstakingly waiting outside a regular ice cream parlor. Churchill then joked that undoubtedly, these hardy Russians will be difficult to destroy in a war.