Your photos are so beautiful! I've never been to Russia, but a few years ago, we befriended a man from St. Petersburg (in Canada), and after seeing so many of his photos, it has been on my list of "places to go". The architecture alone is stunning, but the history encapsulated in your choices really tell a story.

I hear you regarding the Pay it Forward contest consuming so much time :) I'm so glad you found some extra time to post this! Thank you.