4th of July in St Petes

The weather on the 4th wasn't exactly what you would expect in the middle of the summer. At least it wasn't raining (yet anyway).

The spring and fall jackets were definitely in order.

We went to the other side of the river to experience the cannon firing from the top of the wall surrounding Peter and Paul cathedral. (Click here to learn more about Peter and Paul Cathedral)
The cannon is fired everyday promptly at noon, on the 4th of July the city government agreed to allow the US Consulate General (The senior representative of the US Government in St Petersburg) fire the cannon in celebration of the 4th of July. It was somewhat embarrassing to me that almost every Russian acquaintance I know wished me a happy independence day, I found this embarrassing because I hardly know the US Holiday schedule and I certainly do not know the Russian Holiday calendar, as is evident by my twice showing up at School for class to learn later that class was cancelled because of a Russian Holiday.

Anyhow above is the view from the wall around the Cathedral and below is the CG Firing the Gun.. The explosion was unimpressive (hey I am still a tanker at heart, fixed position artillery is rather unimpressive in the shock and awe department)

Also very reminiscient of 4th of July festivities in the states there was a boat race on the Neva river, quite exciting to watch the speed boats flying by.

We also watched a military parade, which happens every Saturday, as much as we would like to think it was for the 4th of July you can see this demonstration every Saturday (at leas tin the summer, not sure about the winter) For you drill and ceremony buffs out there, yes that is on cobblestone, (ouch) yes bayonets are fixed, (scary) and yes there was a lot of rifle throwing. (Danger) I was quite impressed.

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th yourselves...