State Hermitage Museum

One of the largest and oldest museums of the world, it was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. Its collections, of which only a small part is on permanent display, comprise nearly 3 million items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The collections occupy a large complex of six historic buildings along the Neva River, including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors.

We spent almost 10 hours touring the museum over the course of two days!  This is a personal record for us.  It was worth every minute.  The collections on ancient Russian cultures and ethnology were outstanding.  Or how about the oldest known existing Turkish style rug in the world (almost 1400 years)?  But, if I had to pick my favorites, they would be the collections of European, Japanese Samurai and Moghul Indian armor and weapons.  Absolutely perfect couple of days of travel.  My legs and eyes will hurt for a week, but oh so good!

My personal favorite photo of the trip.  Note the similarities with the painting.

A Finnish Sauna

My cousin, Sean Lecoultre, and his "Sweet Lil' Finn" Laura Puhakainen suggested that we should go for a sauna.  No, in fact, thats an understatement.  They actually said "You haven't been to Finland until you've had a sauna!".  I couldn't agree more after a couple rounds of sitting in a 180 degree, wood-fired cabin style sauna and then jumping directly into the ice cold lake.  Thanks for the experience guys!  Life can be quite simple, in fact.  I've come to appreciate that!

Danish Bikers

The bicycle rules the road in Denmark.  So many types.  Here's a few.

Swedish Fish

I like smoked fish (esp. mackerel and kipper).  I like Sweden.
I like Swedish Fish. Thanks to Felicia and Loa for all of the hospitality!