traveltales: ST SAVIOR CHURCH OF SPILT BLOOD

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

ST SAVIOR CHURCH OF SPILT BLOOD

St Petersburg, Russia Highlights

We moored at a pier in the Neva River about 45 minutes from the heart of the city. There was a subway nearby and we were cautioned to be careful with our belongings when using it. Most of the many trips we made we used a bus shuttle which besides being comfortable gave us a chance to view the scenery along the way.

You may remember my post on the Yusopov Palace months ago(You can locate it in the blog archives in July 2012). St Petersburg is such a fabulous city.

St. Savior Church of Spilt Blood, also known as the Church of Resurrection or Assumption Church, is a takeoff on St. Basil’s. A local guide told us, “In 1881 Alexander II, age 63 and after a 26 year reign, was assassinated on the site of the church. After a parade, Alexander was riding in an English built bulletproof carriage when a bomb was thrown at the carriage. No damage was done to the carriage, but Alexander stepped out of the carriage just in time to take a second bomb that blew off both his legs causing him to bleed to death.

“The church is very unusual architecture for St. Petersburg. His son, Alexander III, refused numerous church designs as he wanted something truly Russian. This Byzantine design church won his approval. Funds for the church were raised by the people. It took 24 years, 1883-1907, to build.”

We had to walk down a street the bus could not navigate to get to the church. Both the outside and inside are covered with incredible mosaics, wall to wall and floor to ceiling. It really is quite beautiful. The Church contains over 7500 square meters of mosaic pictures. The intricate detailed main pictures are biblical and each is surrounded with a finely patterned border, setting it apart from the next one. The artistry and workmanship was mind boggling.

The church was closed in 1930 and remained closed for 30 years when churches were being destroyed in Russia. A massive 27-year restoration project was completed in 1997. When in St. Petersburg it is a must see.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.