Back in town (Petersburg)!

Arrival at 7:46 am, after a calm night in the sleeper car in St. Petersburg.

The day before departure was another last tour of Vologda. We visited the museum, which Helmut was so excited about. A really great exhibition, with impressive art and stunning jewelry art by an artist.

A call from Anatoli raised our adrenaline level a bit: he announced the visit of another journalist from a Vologda internet portal. We are now sought-after interview partners - or at least we feel that way. After all, it's the third interview within a week... We are very proud of that. Which means that the topic of memory is not completely ignored.

During a thunderous thunderstorm and the start of a roaring wedding celebration (which we naturally had little to do with...), we gave an interview. Papa was asked about the details of his story and that of his father. The journalist took a lot of time to ask questions that concern this special topic and at the same time the reason for our trip. Papa told the whole story in detail. Papa also pointed out again that the trip to Voschega and the visit were also intended to make amends and to express his and also my gratitude with the donation. I was also allowed to answer questions about dealing with history and how it is taught in my schools. The thunderstorm was over, the journalist disappeared with her bicycle in the rain to go home, and we, without rain, took the bus to the train station accompanied by Anatoli. We have spent a wonderful, intensive and emotional time in Vologda. I was very moved by how the two men who have accompanied me for a week have prolonged the farewell. During this time, we felt very comfortable and above all safe, especially through the presence and constant effort of Anatoli! The farewell was also difficult for me because this trip and the time in Vologda were a piece of coming home for me, getting to know myself and especially understanding my own family's story and that of many unknown people a bit better.

We regretted very much that we could not say goodbye to "Knutschi" and our "Frühstücksfee" (more on that later!)... We arrived in Peter on time (see above). After getting lost, we finally arrived at the hotel completely exhausted and sweaty. To our dismay, we were only able to check in and take a shower from 2 p.m.

We passed the time by walking up and down Nevski Prospekt. We found out that this weekend is the Harley-Days in St. Petersburg and also a half marathon will take place tomorrow (the city is full!). So, out of frustration, we had a delicious breakfast in a nice café and kept ourselves alive through various teas. Culture shock after the quiet Vologda! Even I couldn't be friendly to people anymore... Sorry! Nevertheless, we smiled because it was just an unusual start to the day and not to life as a whole...

Now we want to enjoy the big city and have come up with a little plan for the next few days with a well-deserved after-work beer and a final fit of laughter in a shop.

By the way, the art we saw in Vologda is still on my mind and rattatatatat...

You'll hear from us, see you soon - Radio tutudelüt St. Petersburg says goodbye (maybe with a little dance...) and see you tomorrow!