Packing tip # 2

If you have bangs- or want straight hair- you need a round brush . In my effort to consolidate and pack effiently, I thought I had a multi purpose brush- I was wrong.

We took the high speed train to St Petersburg. This is very easy. To enter Russia, Americans require a visa. Not necessarily difficult, however you should use a connected travel agent. If on a cruise, you will not need one, however, you can only exit the boat on cruise tours. No dinners out, no wandering, groups of 50 following woman with stick/umbrella and a sticker announcing tour #- fun.

The travel agent can make or break your trip. I had a good recommendation; however, the level of service varies, and I would not recommend mine since he almost lost my passports, I had to refine the itinerary many times and the information was never complete. My " A" type personality with his Russian ego- not so good. I would like to thank all my neighbors, Jessie and Katia that went on the find my passport adventure when it was delivered without a signature and when I was away.

On the train, your documents are checked all the time. I didn't mind the Finnish side, the Russian border control had a lack of deodorant issue- which was worse than most nasty infections I encounter.

The train was 3.5 hours and a cool experience.