A trip to st. Petersburg

It is the 4^thof February today. I have just come back from St. Petersburg where I spent my holidays. I had a very good time there and I am full of impressions. St. Petersburg is simply a wonderful city!

Founded in 1703 by Peter-the-First it remained the capital of Russia for two centuries. Now we call St. Petersburg the second northern capital of Russia.

I am sure St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its great art treasures, its historical and architectural monuments and remarkable collections of art are known all over the world. A great many visitors from foreign countries come to St. Petersburg to admire its beautiful sights, its magnificent buildings and outstanding art treasures.

I came to St. Petersburg on the 25^thof January and the same day we went sightseeing. I saw various places of interest connected with the history of Russia and the Great Patriotic War. The city made a great impression on me. I admired its straight streets, beautiful palaces, squares and outstanding monuments. I especially admired the Palace Square surrounded by beautiful buildings, with the Alexander Column in the middle. Great historical events took place on this square and are connected with this place. Now holiday manifestations and meetings take place here.

I am fond of art and my friend took me to different art museums and exhibitions. I could see many wonderful works of Russian and world realistic art collected in the museums. We spent a few days in the Hermitage famous for its masterpieces. It has the richest collection of classic and modern painting and sculpture. It numbers more than 2,000,000 exhibits.

We were also able to see different places of interest situated in the suburbs, such as Peterghof and others where one can admire wonderful masterpieces of art and architecture.

Of course I haven’t seen much of St. Petersburg and its suburbs yet. There are still many places of interest to see, that’s why I decided to spend my next summer holidays somewhere near St. Petersburg again.

Though my friend and I were very busy visiting various places of interest we found some time for sports and fun. We went skating, skiing and dancing. I had a very good time during my holidays and I greatly enjoyed my trip to St. Petersburg. I’m thankful to my friend for his kind invitation.

3. Ответьте на вопросы:

1. Where did Nick spend his holidays? 2. Did Nick book his ticket in advance? 3. (At) what time did the train start? 4. When did Nick come back? 5. Did Nick have a good time in St. Petersburg? 6. Who did Nick go sightseeing with? 7. What places of interest could he see? 8. Did the city make a great impression on him? 9. What did he especially admire in St. Petersburg? 10. Did the two friends find time for sport? 11. Did Nick enjoy his trip? 12. Do many visitors from foreign countries come to see St. Petersburg? 13. Who founded St. Petersburg and when? 14. How long did it remain the capital of Russia? 15. When did Moscow become the capital of Russia again? (in 1918)

1. Кратко перескажите текст на английском языке: