Messages

46

The Imperial Family / Re: Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, discussion and pictures Part 2

« on: March 31, 2010, 08:48:37 PM »

The quote that she was favourite came from the Ian Vorres book. The fact that Olga had tiffs with her mother did not make her less a favourite in her eyes. Interesting if you investigate further in the "Nana" (aka Miss. Franklin) case, you would understand that Minny tried to fire her because she felt Olga was too devoted to her old nurse and was jealous. Would Minny took the trouble if she wasn't that attached to her daughter ? In fact if you read Charlotte Zeepvat's excellent nanny book "From Cradle to Throne", Miechen did the same thing to her daughter Elena, when she discovered that the governess Miss Fox had not only her granddaughters affection but also her daughter's confidence. She fired the governess much to the distress of her daughter's family.

Nowhere in Vorres' book does it say that Olga was her mother's favorite.  On page 28 (2001 edition) it clearly states that Xenia was her mother's favorite.  It's even in the index, on page 260 under the heading Xenia, Grand Duchess - "mother's favourite, 28".  

The points you illustrate - MF's treatment of Miss Franklin and Miechen's treatment of Miss Fox - display extreme selfishness and insecurity, not attachment.   

47

The Imperial Family / Re: Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, discussion and pictures Part 2

« on: March 25, 2010, 07:30:08 PM »

I think it first came out from the Ian Vorres book. Xenia married early and that took her out of the favourite list. Dagmar held on to Misha & Olga more tightly after Sasha died.

Vorres' book states otherwise.  On page 25 (2001 edition):
"The Grand Duchess admitted the existence of a gulf between her mother and herself....'as a matter of fact, going to her rooms was a duty laid on me by Nana.  I never felt at my ease. I tried to be on my best behavior. I could never bring myself to speak naturally. She had a horror of anything beyond the frontiers of etiquette and propriety'".

48

The Imperial Family / Re: Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, discussion and pictures Part 2

« on: March 25, 2010, 09:48:05 AM »

Actually Olga resembled her father more and that is why she was the favourite of Dagmar. Misha looked more towards the Danish side of the family.

Just curious.  Where was it documented that Olga was Dagmar's favorite? I was under the assumption it was Xenia (although that's what I've gleaned off the forum).

49

The Imperial Family / Re: Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, discussion and pictures Part 2

« on: March 25, 2010, 09:28:45 AM »

Great pictures .... Olga was so cute.... she resembled Tsar Nicholas ....   I was wondering are any of Olga's grandchildren still living in Toronto or Canada?  I loved her biography but am wondering where her grandchildren currently live.

If you're on Facebook, Olga's granddaughter, Olga Kulikovsky Cordeiro, has a fan page on there called "Olga Kulikovsky Cordeiro, Granddaughter of Grandduchess Olga of Russia".  It looks like she's living in the Toronto area.  Olga A.'s great-grandson, Paul Kulikovsky, has a FB group devoted to his great-grandmother.  It's called the "Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna Appreciation Society".   

Both are open for any members of Facebook to join. :-)

Olga's also on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/coacholga

50

Q&A and Interviews / Re: Travel to Russia  - Exeter International

« on: March 21, 2010, 01:12:29 PM »

Thanks, OTMAAfan! You'll get a chance.

Does anyone happen to know of any inexpensive but decent places to stay in St. Petersburg?

I stayed at the Nevsky Hostel on Bolshaya Konushennaya.  Cheap, clean, and a supermarket across the street.  They have a kitchen so you can save money by cooking most or all your meals there.  You'll meet tons of travelers, but it's not "party central" like some hostels.  I stayed here and met so many people.  I also LOVED the location.  It's right off of Nevsky Prospect and the courtyard empties out onto Palace Square.  It's 1 1/2 blocks from Church on Spilled Blood, and a block from Kazan Cathedral.  The Nevsky Hotel Group has regular hotels too, which might be less costly if you're sharing a room with others.  There's also the Cuba Hostel behind the Kazan Cathedral.  My friend stayed there and loved it.  Whatever you choose, make sure it's between the Fontanka Canal and the Winter Palace and close to the Nevsky Prospect.  That way, you'll be close to a majority of the sites.  Being anywhere else kind of sucks and the time it takes to get anywhere will eat into your schedule. 

If you have any questions, please do feel free to PM me.  I'm excited for you and know that although you've expressed some anxiety about this trip, that you'll come back a seasoned traveler!! :-) 

51

Books about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: Twenty-five Chapters of my Life

« on: March 14, 2010, 07:43:17 PM »

As much and I like and respect Paul Gilbert, his prices can be overwhelming.

I just checked his site and he wants $35 USD for the book and $15 for s/h.

I just ordered it from eBay for $20.19 USD including s/h.  That is a much better price for me.

Thanks for the heads up, Alixz.  I just purchased this book through (probably) the same seller on eBay.  Much cheaper! :-)

52

Books about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: "The Romanovs: Love, Power & Tragedy"

« on: March 13, 2010, 04:20:42 PM »

This book is now on ebay, with one day left over on the auction.  Looks super cheap, unless someone steps in and bids high.  It's also bundled with Nicholas & Alexandra, the exhibition album. 

http://tinyurl.com/yjaeure

53

Books about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: Exhibition Catalogues

« on: March 13, 2010, 11:03:56 AM »

The book sounds very interesting...Can you tell me where one might order a copy in english?

Many thanks

dca

Dominic,

You might order a copy in English on this site:
http://www.hoogstraten.nl/theshop/product_info.php?cPath=21_22_42&products_id=383&language=nl

Ordered my copy through Van Hoogstraten.  Gorgeous book!  Worth every penny.  When I ordered it on-line a few weeks ago, I got a personal e-mail from someone at the store.  She was visiting my city soon and offered to drop it off personally to save on shipping fees, which were expensive for the weight of the book.  I have to say, I never got to shop there when I was last in The Netherlands, but I am firmly behind this store for their customer service, and I can't wait to make a visit there soon.   

54

The Imperial Family / Re: Grand Duchess Ksenia and Grand Duke Alexander

« on: March 05, 2010, 04:22:53 PM »

I agree. I find the resemblence striking as well, and never thought to put Xenia and Thyra together looks wise.   I also think Xenia and her cousin Elena Vladimirovna share similar features, especially their dark eyes.

55

The Imperial Family / Re: Grand Duchess Ksenia and Grand Duke Alexander

« on: March 03, 2010, 10:03:22 PM »

The painting on top was Princess Thyra of Denmark, Duchess of Cumberland. Therefore Aunt of Xenia.

Eric, she knows.  Read her post.  Grandduchess Valeria posted the pics because she was making a comparison between Thyra and Ksenia in looks.

56

Books about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: Charlotte Zeepvat's books

« on: March 03, 2010, 09:58:09 AM »

Try abebooks.com.  Right now, I see several copies of the Prince Leopold book for under $20

57

Their World and Culture / Re: Royal & Imperial Mourning Customs & Funerals

« on: February 27, 2010, 10:45:17 PM »

Yes, my last visit was shortly after the IF burial and the temporary superstructure of the tomb was wood with faux marble finish.  I believe that it has now been replaced with the genuine item.  You could take as many pictures of it, and indeed the main cathedral proper, as you wished.  I have not visited though since the burial of the Empress Marie F., however.   I do look forward to going back!  AP

As I as well!! St. Petersburg is one of my favorite cities.  I wish they'd either end the visitor's visa scheme or make the process cheaper and more simple.

58

Their World and Culture / Re: Royal & Imperial Mourning Customs & Funerals

« on: February 27, 2010, 10:10:47 PM »

Interesting, never knew you once could walk up to the last IF's tomb.  When I was there it was roped off.  I remember the bust and flowers on Peter I's tomb as well as palms and flowers around some of the other tombs.  Marie Feodorovna's tomb had flowers and a framed photo of her nearby. 

59

Their World and Culture / Re: Royal & Imperial Mourning Customs & Funerals

« on: February 27, 2010, 09:29:20 PM »

This is news to me as well, "rgt9w."   I have personally visited the tombs of Alexander II & III  and logistically presume that these were (floor) standing candle holders, rather than the suspended "lampada" type of differing size/s ?    Regards,  AP

They were standing candle holders.  I'm getting my information from photos in a book I have on burials in the P&P Cathedral.  I'm looking at different photos of AIII's coffin and it's difficult to tell from all the clutter on and around his grave, and the darkness of all the photos, but there is definitely a standing candle holder at the head of his tomb.  The book doesn't mention anything about the practice rgt9w mentions, but that doesn't mean anything because the book is light on information, heavy on photos.

The cathedral is quite empty today compared to imperial times when it was loaded with candles, palms, flowers, funeral wreaths, and other objects.

"In 1917 there were more than a thousand wreaths on the walls and pillars and by the graves in the cathedral; for example, at the grave of Alexander III alone they numbered 674.  Icons and icon-lamps were practically at every grave.  Silver, gold, and bronze medals, commemorating various important dates, lay on the tombs of Peter I, Alexander I, Nicholas I, and Alexander II."

60

Books about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: Your Input on Romanov Research

« on: February 17, 2010, 11:14:56 PM »

I've completed the survey.  I wish you lots of luck this semester, Laura!

Come on everyone, do the survey! :-)