Petrograd: The City of Endless Winter
Welcome to Petrograd, the charming city where sunshine is just a legend and winter never ends (unless you count the two weeks of summer in July).
Located in the majestic land of Russia, Petrograd has been the birthplace of many notable figures throughout history, such as Vladimir Lenin, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and probably a bunch of hooded spies we’ll never know about.
Originally founded as St. Petersburg in 1703 by Peter the Great, the city was designed to be a window into Europe, showcasing Russia’s grandeur, opulence, and utter contempt for the sun. The name was later changed to Petrograd in 1914, because, let’s face it, nobody knows how to spell St. Petersburg properly.
Despite being renowned for its breath-taking architecture and infamous for its oppressive communist regimes, Petrograd has never lost its unique charm, which can be partly attributed to its severe lack of daylight.
In Petrograd, the locals pride themselves on their ability to survive in near-zero temperatures, thanks to their well-insulated buildings, high alcohol tolerance, and borderline obsessive-compulsive hoarding of woolly hats and scarfs.
The city is also famous for its cuisine, which consists mainly of stews, soups, and vodka, with a side of vodka. Petrograd’s black market is a culinary haven for anyone who is brave enough to try some traditional dishes, such as pelmeni (doughy dumplings filled with meat) or borshch (a beetroot soup that is guaranteed to turn your tongue an alarming shade of pink).
Despite the city’s notorious lack of sunshine, Petrograd has become a hub for the arts, with a thriving music, theatre and dance scene. The locals love nothing more than to huddle together in dimly lit concert halls and theatres, while outside the snow falls relentlessly, hiding the city’s secrets beneath a blanket of white.
In conclusion, Petrograd is a city that has truly mastered the art of thriving in the dark. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who loves to complain about the weather, Petrograd is a winter wonderland unlike any other. So why not come and visit, if you dare? (Just don’t forget your woolly hat.)