Children's Island

[Laura Mabee]

I took about three or four dozen of the island and the house. Many more close ups of the house detailing, etc.

I apologize, I think I underestimated how many photos I took. Many of this next set of are from a week or so later when I traveled there on my own. I'm sorry, but I am about to bombard this board with photos. When I take photos I take a lot of photos...... In all, when I was done with Russia I went home with over 17,500 photos. Thank God for digital cameras. I think I have a trigger photo finger.

Love those pictures, Laura! I'm jealous you got get on the island itself. When I went it was summer and there was no way to cross the pond unless I wanted to be soaking wet the rest of the day. Hopefully next time I visit I will.

Jealousy is returned! I had so hoped to have visited the palace in the summer. So that is on my "next time" list too! I love your photos though! They are awesome! It's crazy to see how much the weeds/etc grow up during the summer. Hopefully with this new restoration, they will maintain the grounds around the AP a bit better. *fingers crossed... probably in vain*

So jealous Laura!  I visited in winter as well, but was too scared to walk across the pond, especially with no one around, save for some kids sledding in the distance.  With my luck, the ice would've cracked and I'd have fallen in!  Curious, did you peek inside the windows?  If so, what did you see?

Thanks Ena! I was a little nervous of the ice as well, but found a well traveled path that gave me a *probably false* sense of security to pass
In regards to the windows, EmmyLee and BlessOTMA are right, they are boarded up. Believe me, I would have busted my butt to get interior shots if I could have.


So I found the CD with all the images and it also had a bit of video!
Let me first link to an embarrassing tour video I made of Children's Island back in 2009. Please accept my apology for the heavy breathing and cheesy commentary. In my defense, walking around all day does a number to someone of my girth Additionally, you will all get to witness me as I was just learning Russian, and attempting to pronounce words! Hahaha! Scary Thought! In all honesty though, I figured if everyone saw the video they would have a better perspective of the island and its surroundings. That way the photos might make more sense. So without further ado:

Click Image for Video:

Stay tuned for pictures!

[Laura Mabee]

Round One!

[Laura Mabee]

Round Two!

[Laura Mabee]

Final Round!

[blessOTMA]

OMG it's a feast!! Thank you!!!!

[EmmyLee]

Yes! I love it when someone with a particular eye for detail takes pictures of the AP and its grounds and shares them with us. There's no need to apologize for loading us up with photos, Laura. Thank you!

[Laura Mabee]

Thanks guys!
I think I am a little over the top when it comes to things I like.  I also did half of a walkthrough of the AP too (with videos) on my blog during my trip.
I have hundreds of photos inside the AP. I actually ended up setting off the alarm three times in the AP.

Edited to add:
Here is another shot of me beside the house on children's island. It's more for size comparison of the house. (I'm 5'7)

[EmmyLee]

Haha, how did you set off the alarm? Did you take photos of the vestibule and other areas that those of us who can't make a trip to the AP rarely see?

[blessOTMA]

I actually ended up setting off the alarm three times in the AP.

Only three times!? Clearly you were restraining yourself that day! lol! Love the photo of you with the playhouse!  Laura, in so many ways you have helped countless Romanov enthusiasts gain a better experience of the family. We are so grateful.

[Laura Mabee]

Haha, how did you set off the alarm?

Inside of most the rooms they have barrier strings placed so that visitors cannot venture to far into the rooms. Should a few inches of camera/finger go over the rope this LOUD alarm sounds. I was taking some photos in the Mauve Room, and I had a really crappy camera, so I tried to step forward to get a better shot and without realizing it, my camera lens was just over the rope. Alarms rang out loud, and me being an idiot didn't think it was me who caused it. So I went in for another photo and they alarms went off again. Finally I realized what I was doing, so I made sure to watch where I put my camera. Even so, I accidentally tripped the alarm again in NII's New Study.  Lucky for me, I had been a frequent visitor at the AP, and the lovely ladies who worked each room were very kind and understanding.

Did you take photos of the vestibule and other areas that those of us who can't make a trip to the AP rarely see?

I did try to take as many non-typical shots as I could (including the basement) but not all turned out well. (bad lightning)
I'm going to sound like an idiot, but which vestibule are you thinking of specifically?

Only three times!? Clearly you were restraining yourself that day! lol! Love the photo of you with the playhouse!  Laura, in so many ways you have helped countless Romanov enthusiasts gain a better experience of the family. We are so grateful.

Thanks BlessOTMA. I think you're giving me a more credit than earned, but I appreciate the comments. I don't think I am doing anything different than the rest of us would do in Russia. It's really nice to share such a similar passion for history with everyone here. : )

[blessOTMA]

and without realizing it, my camera lens was just over the rope. Alarms rang out loud, and me being an idiot didn't think it was me who caused it. 

We never do! lol!

I don't think I am doing anything different than the rest of us would do in Russia.  : )

...oh I agree! lol! I  was speaking about your work with frozen tears as well . It means alot

It's really nice to share such a similar passion for history with everyone here.

So true! 

[EmmyLee]

Wow, I had no idea that they had that sort of an alarm system!

I did try to take as many non-typical shots as I could (including the basement) but not all turned out well. (bad lightning)
I'm going to sound like an idiot, but which vestibule are you thinking of specifically? 

Not to be a bother, but would you consider sharing some of your non-typical shots? I should have been more specific about the vestibule. What I meant was the entrances to either wing, with the stairs leading up into the hallway. I believe the ticket booth is in that area.

[blessOTMA]

All this time I thought the decorations  in that half dome above the door was painted...but it's tiles!  and gorgeous ones too!

[Cathy]

At least they have painted the little house since I was there in 2008 - it looks quite pretty now. The window frames may have even been repaired. I think that the inside is quite bare and the whole house is in need of extensive repairs.

[blessOTMA]

Is the building the play house? The three windows on the side makes me wonder...thanks