Super-Duper Wacky n' Tacky Euro Adventure

Was really fun and exciting. It was great to actually have a tour guide that had a proper grasp on the English language. Some cool aspects:
*The czars held a rediculous amount of wealth at the expense of the serfs. Really glad that all the wars allowed for most of the cool relics to stay intact.
*The czars and czarinas loved diamonds...on everything. I believe this is the origination of Russian tacky bling.
*It's actually Stary-Ruski, not Novi-Ruski.
*Stan, I hope you've seen the carriages. These are so pimped!
*Catherine the great had a 17 inch waste at the time of her marriage at the ripe old age of 16.
*She really let herself go as a few years later she had a 20 inch waste at the time of her coronation.
*I got super jealous of this kid that got to try on some armor. Why didn't they let us in on the fun?
*The curches are absolutely gorgeous. period.
*A certain birthday girl had a spiked fanta during the tour. I like your style.