Paris is every girls dream. What's more romantic than having some macaron while sitting in a chic Parisian cafe with the Seine flowing behind you? Surrounded by ancient waters and stunning architecture.

How about a place that has been home to numerous Kings and Queens. The land that is half in Europe and half in Asia. A place of immense culture and beautiful architecture. That mystical place is Russia.

I've always had a fascination with Russia. I love the language and culture, Privet! (my meagre attempt in spelling "Hi") It also has a long and intricate history. All the same, I love it and have always known that I wanted to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. Two of Russia's most well known cities, the past and present capitals.

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simmons is a not so well known book that is set in St. Petersburg, Russia during the Second World War. Nevertheless, the places it mentions are timeless and unsacthed.

First on the list is the beautiful Summer Gardens. It's located on an island in the middle of the city flanked by canals on either side. The garden is home to many sculptures and fountains. It also shares the island with the Summer Palace of the Czar Peter with which it shares it's name.

This beautiful garden is home to many sculptures, including the sculpture of Saturn eating his own child. This one clashes with the theme I'm painting but bear with me. Sometimes unpleasant statues bear pleasant memories as it does in The Bronze Horseman.

All those who've seen a picture of the magnificent churches in Russia would agree that it's a crime to visit Russia and not visit one of them.

St. Isaacs is an aesthetically pleasing building that holds some great memories to fans of the series. Also, lovers of architecture can't miss this one. Built in the 19th century, it is the largest church in the city and in front of it is the famous Statue of The Bronze Horseman!

The statue is of Peter the Great, the founding king of St.Petersburg from whom the city got it's name and the names of many gardens and palaces. This statue is more well known due to its being the subject of one of Alexander Pushkin's poems. 

The Brazen Horseman rides him after –

On his steed of the ringing hoofs.

And all the night the madman, poor,

Where’er he might direct his steps,

Aft him the Bronze Horseman, for sure,

Keeps on the heavy-treading race. (source)

Palaces, gardens, fountains, statues, churches, all beautifully made and presented. St. Petersburg is the ultimate destination for a romantic or historical read. After all what makes a book, if not culture, architecture, setting, atmosphere and a hint of Versailles in Russia?

-MARI

Have you ever read a book and felt like you were there? Across the ocean, on an ancient bridge surrounded by foreign scents and languages; engrossed in a culture different from yours, and basking in the sense of adventure. 

Reading tends to do that; whisk you away and introduce you to the most beautiful things. I've experienced this and every time I make a mental note to hopefully, sometime in my life, visit that place that sounded so fascinating or that my favourite characters really enjoyed. 

The first place that pops into my head is always Shakespeare and Company from Anna and the French Kiss. 

Source

This antique bookstore is in Paris, France right on the river and across from Notre Dame. I was taken after the words Paris, no need to add the Seine and Notre Dame, I’m already there!

Interestingly, Shakespeare and Company actually served as an artist reprieve in Paris. The bookstore was first opened in the 1920s by an American and it was where authors like Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote their books. However, it closed due to WWII and never reopened. In the 50s, another bookstore was opened and dedicated to it. This one stands to this day and it continues to be overflowing and cozy.

I would love to go for a scavenger hunt in there. Some fascinating books are sure to be found. Also the fact that this place has been left untouched, in virtually the same state it was 50 years ago is fascinating. We readers always read about those scenic little bookstores tucked away from sight; well here it is the real thing. Also, the fact that it's an english bookstore in Paris doesn't hurt either!

Sometimes one needs to go to places other than the usual tourists attractions in order to get the full taste of a foreign place. What better than a bookstore an ocean away housings thousands of pages of culture and adventure?

-MARI