VF sauna weekend in St. Petersburg

[Kati]

Got this idea yesterday of arranging a trip to St. Petersburg for Vegan fitness people. Main theme to get to know the Russian sauna, (Soviet style?). But St. Petersburg is also full of fitness places I think + good nightlife so anything that people wish can be arranged. Almost.

And to meet local vegans. I'll meet some Russians this weekend so will be discussing this with them.

There's already several people both from Finland and elsewhere who've said they'd be interested. This would happen in November or December, and would be a long weekend. Depending if we find time that is suitable for many enough.

It is easy and pretty cheap to go there from Helsinki. Around 200 e including arranged transport, accomodation + visa.
From other countries you'd need to find your way there or join us to go from Helsinki.

St. Petersburg is about the best city where I've been to. Definitely recommend it to ala.

Tell , if you'd be (at all) interested to join and if you have any suggestions.

[bronco]

I would be interested.

[Kati]

I would be interested.

So cool, you're the ninth by now!

[krisu]

I'm so excited about this! I just started learning Russian like three weeks ago! Count me in!

[Pekka]

I and Elina are interested, if the date happens to suit us. The whole autumn is quite booked.

[dublin dave]

I'm tempted...

[erske]

I'm a maybe... depending on date!!

[violetti]

I am interested in this, too. I feel I am interested in too many things and don't know if I really do have afford. Have select which is difficult

[osric]

ooh I'll be in the neighborhood (doing a run through London/Istanbul/Bishkek) in October so I'd love a sauna break if I can fit it in... My Russian is really bad but it's better than my Finnish! Maybe we could squeeze in some vegan Finnish baseball practice in St Petersburg?!?

[Sue]

I was thinking the other day that it would be nice to go to St Petersburg, so I'll definitely go if I happen to have both time and money at the same time.

[KaliBaby]

I spent a semester studying abroad in St. Petersburg and enjoyed every minute of it! The city is so beautiful with all of its different architecture, statues, parks, bridges and canals... bring your cameras!!!

As far as the 'Russian sauna' goes, go to a real Ваня house and have people whip you with birch branches. I know that sounds a tad painful but it's what real Russians do. You sit in a small room with a stove sweating your ass off, then get whipped with branches, then step out and get freezing water poured all over you. It cleanses and shocks your body unlike anything you've experienced!

I'm jealous for those who can attend this weekend getaway. I would do anything to go back to Russia

[Kati]

Russian guys said they'd arrange some winter forest orienteering and animal rights action the Russian way. But going to a Russian sauna.. a crazy idea.

[Kati]

21-23.11 (or 20-23.11) looks like the best option now. Me and Pekka (I hope it was ok to say this) are both having a birthday party in Russia in this case. Which really doesn't sound too bad.

[barnz2k]

possibly.. if the date works.. why not?

[visitorq]

Great idea, I'm interested too. Maybe we can even arrange some Dancersizing