day two of my russian adventure: two imperial estates that can be summed up in three adjectives - opulent, ornate and magical.  

catherine's palace  

elaborate bright blue, white, and gold exterior facade.  once upon a time those accents were gilded in real gold!

pistachio-colored walls with pops of pink in the formal dining room (i die for the moldings).

the great hall, otherwise known as the hall of light.  the room measures 1000 square meters and runs the entire width of the palace.  

 strolling around the lush gardens with a view of the bath houses.

not pictured: the amber room where photographs are not allowed.  every carving, mosaic, and panel is covered with rare amber pieces.  amazing.

the grand palace at peterhof; peterhof park and gardens

gorge.

64 different fountains and over 200 bronze statues!

caviar time (vodka not pictured).