Saint Petersburg. Russia

A Dream. Something you fantasise about, wish upon, think about before you fall asleep and when you wake up. It had been a dream since as long as I can remember to come and be part of the biggest sporting event in the world, to cheer a team, be a fan, and to be part of a rollercoaster of emotions, laugh, yell, party on the street and dance all night. It was a dream to come to the FIFA World cup, and it was just about to come true.

Months of anticipation, ballots, bookings, planning and it was all coming to a head. This time the Captain had a new sidekick, General Nuj. His brother in arms and brother in blood, had decided to join the Captain on his mission to Valhalla.

General Nuj and the Captain set off on what was going to be one of the longest of journeys the Captain had ever experienced. The in air flight time totalling up to 23 hours and the total travel time hitting 28 hours. Transiting twice in China, in Guangzhou and Urumqi, the venture got interesting when we were asked to show our Chinese Visa in Guangzhou. We didn’t have one.

The combination of stress, sleep deprivation alongside a language barrier as big as the great wall of China were getting the better of us, although all was well in the end, our negotiation skills and showcasing our desperation resulting in a transit visa being applied.

Popping two sleeping tablets we awoke in Urumqi groggy and jet-lagged. The great wall popped it’s head again, this time as a mechanism blocking our debit cards leaving us paralysed to purchase even bottled water.

Finally the last Seven hour stretch was to be completed, getting us to our first destination in the Sporting Mecca. Saint Petersburg, Russia.

A nervousness loomed over our heads as we crossed the border control unit, doing our best to contain our excitement.

Waiting on the other side of the gates in the arrivals area was Commander Ollie!

To a huge shock the Captain saw the Commander holding a sign saying ‘Raggie gets Bucked’ he ran to him and hugged him, leaving General Nuj wondering why the Captain is hugging the taxi driver. He later realised it was Ollie. After buying our Sim cards, we inquired with our hotel the status of the car we had organised, it was running late. This was our first glimpse of what madness awaited is in the city of the Saint.

Arriving at our apartment we had a quick shower and a change of clothes, the time was hitting 10pm although outside resembled a 6pm summers day – the brightness and sunlight shining through.

Heading out we marvelled at the city strip. The life in the city was incredible it was 11pm and the sidewalk strip full, the buildings glimmering, in the still evident Suns glare. Finally, we found a place for dinner and most importantly chilled beverages. Refuelled and (de)hydrated we continued our adventure, the three amigos exploring the mysterious city scape. The General deciding that Shisha session was required and after some interest intense googling we found a place hidden away behind a security gate, inside a building with a second doorbell to get in. Here we had possibly the best Shisha I have had in my life. We relaxed had some tea then headed back. The time now creeping up to 2am what shocked us was that the sun had started to rise. The Commander in his haste had not booked any accommodation. It was 2am and the city had the same amount of life it did at 10, simmering with activity. Looking for accommodation for the Commander we stopped at a few hostels hoping that we could get Ollie a bed for the night. After visiting some very questionable hostels in some very rough buildings (very scary experience) we were lucky enough to find him a place right across the road from the Captain and General. We said our goodnights and headed home. It was 3am the sun had lit up our rooms, a sign of the lit times to come.

The next day started early as both the General and Captain could not sleep. This was clearly due to the excitement levels running very high. We left the room and walked down to DuNord, a coffee shop we had seen the night before. The walk along the strip was amazing. We admired the architecture and the sheer royalty of the city scape. Reaching DuNord we smashed one of the most delicious Apricot Danish and patisserie items ever. Carb loaded we continue our tourist attack on the town. First up “The Hermitage” – one of the best art galleries in the world. Although it was a hours walk away we decided to continue our stroll, and along the way seeing many other things such as the markets, vape shops, bars. fan zone and a very extravagant chocolate shop.

At this point is important to point out that the stereotypes of Russia are BS! The people had been very friendly, helpful and hospitable. The place is friggin beautiful. Every building has character and is architecturally stunning. We could walk around for days next admiring the city. Everyone is accommodating and nice, we often found ourselves lost and people would be more than willing to help point us in the right direction – even if at times they couldn’t speak any English. I loved this piece so much at this point that I rate it one of my favourite cities – to describe it I would say it felt like a mix between Prague (for its beauty) and Barcelona (for is vibe – it even felt safer then both of them).

Reaching the Hermitage we were taken aback at the size of the complex, at first we struggled to find the entrance, however after noticing a giant line we realised not only was this the entrance but, that we might be in a pickle for time. The line was moving slow. The Captain pulling out his phone and booking online. Accelerating to the front. What came after was like a child in a candy shop with his mother. The Captain wanting to see everything and the General trying to control him. Spending 4 hours (Only!… although seemed an eternity for the General) they left. They explored the winter palace of King Nicholas and the art gallery, the Captain crossing off Raphael and Leo DaVinci from his list – only 2 more ninja turtles to go! They were able to see some amazing works. It was just beautiful. Outside waiting for them was Commander Ollie, they meet him and visited the Aurora Russian war ship (the Captain felt at home), followed by Saint Isaac’s cathedral.

This is where this whole thing gets intense. Following our sightseeing adventure, the Captain suggests that they head to a local restaurant that he has come across in his research. This is a place that locals go to for a Russian/Georgian meal.

We order from the sole English menu they have in the restaurant. The food starts to appear and it was delicious. As we are enjoying our meals we notice the table next to us orders a second bottle of vodka. There is six of them and they have been drinking since before we arrived.

All of a sudden two of the men walk over to our table with vodka shots in hand. They ask us to shot with them. We signal at the beer we are drinking, they say ‘No’ in Russia we shot with friends for health. Who are we to disagree?

This followed with them buying us a pitcher of Georgian wine, then another pitcher of wine, another two shots with them on our table, then them asking us to sit with them and another two shots with them on their table.. drunk from the hospitality and from the copious amounts of alcohol we had just consumed we stumbled out of the restaurant, still not comprehending what had just happened.

The following events result in a blur. We somehow in our intoxicated states find ourselves heading to the pub crawl. It feels like it is somewhere between brunch and lunch time but in reality it’s 8 pm. Joining the pub crawl we are already loose, it is not long before the three amigos are off making friends and draining the bar. Shots, bar games, rounds of drinks. The time is soon 3am, the sun is out and the Captain is stumbling home. He is approached by a homeless man offering him booze. There is an indication the General is not far behind him and the Commander is lost. Reaching home, the General finds the Captain asleep outside the apartment on the footpath. The night ends. There is loads of missing blackouts that have been suffered by all three. The General has admitted to vomiting seven times at the club. The Captain spend his night in the bathroom regurgitating his soul.

The next morning is rough. Very rough. The Captain is struggling when he is awoken. it’s 2:30pm and a mad rush ensues. We have to get to the stadium. The time is against us as we rush to the train station and board the train heading there. The Captain trying very hard not to vomit on the journey. As they arrive the excitement starts to overcome them, it’s a long walk to the stadium from the station, we start to see it on the horizon. It is phenomenal. We enter the gates of footballs greatest competition. The atmosphere of indescribable. We witness magic. Everything just stands still as we are watching a World cup game. The Captain feels sick from the emotion and previous night’s festivities. It’s overwhelming. He goes and throws up once again. Life is returning to him and the feeling of a dream coming true his home when Belgium score. These words cannot do justice to what is felt by the Captain and General.

Just like that in what feels like seconds the game is over. Buzzing from the excitement we join the armies of fans and head back home.

Like beaten soldiers we return home and collapse into a slumber, only to wake up 2 hours later at 11 with an undying hunger. It seems the commander has gone missing, so the General and Captain venture out to get some Greek dinner and return home.

The final day, energized the Captain and General awake early, head out to see the last church on their itinerary – Church of our saviour of spilled blood. It is amazing, they realise that they are caught in a stare with the magnificent monument, with time running out the visit it cut short, they take some photos and head straight to the airport as the time has come to bid farewell to this magical city.

The adventures had in St Petersburg will never be forgotten, it is here that the Captain witnessed magic, had an opportunity to achieve his dream. The beautiful city has stolen his heart and broken every stereotype he had conceived about Russia. Hoping to return again we board the flights, one last time allowing our eyes to bask in the beauty of the city.