On-board entertainment

Quick note about the Captain's farewell dinner.  There was a talent show planned for that evening, one for each dinner sitting.  We were in the first sitting, so we went to the first talent show.  The majority of it was in German, as the majority of the ship was populated by Germans, but at the last minute Marina, our interpreter, pulled me up on stage and insisted I sing the American national anthem.  I'm a singer, but I hate singing "The Star Spangled Banner" because it's way out of my range - I'm a mezzo soprano through and through.  I get up, start on too high of a note, and struggle through the end of the song...only to hear the room erupt in applause.  The Germans apparently thought I had the "voice on an angel," and I got called back for an encore performance for the other two talent shows. =)

Just thought I'd brag a bit.

One of the more beautiful spots in the world that I've been to.  Valaam is a secluded island on the northern reaches of Lake Ladoga, reknowned for its Transfiguration Monastery, accessible only by hydrofoil on the far side of the island.  However, if you opt not to go to the monastery (like us), there are still many incredibly beautiful sights on the island, such as the Resurrection Skete, Transfiguration Cathedral and Assumption Church of the Gethsemane Skete.  As all of these are located up a hill, you're offered unparalleled views of the island and the lake - absolutely breathtaking.