The Bailliage’s Grand Chapitre was held in St Petersburg this year. However, the programme came with an option for international visitors to extend their stay by travelling on to Moscow.

Besides members and their guests from Russia, Chaîne members from 11 countries participated: Canada, Finland, France, Great Britain, Malaysia, Malta, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, and the USA.

As is the tradition, the “Welcome Dinner” on Thursday was held in the Russian Vodka Room where, before dinner, we had a guided tour of the unique vodka museum. The tour included tasting three Russian vodkas (out of the 200 on display) accompanied by Russia-themed appetizers. During the dinner there was unexpectedly a big surprise: a huge bear, 10 years old, arrived and made all kinds of acrobatic movements in the restaurant to the great pleasure of everyone on our huge table.

The second day brought a visit to the Catherine Palace for our Chaîne members and guests followed by lunch in the Podvorye Restaurant. The palace visit included the world-famous Amber Room.

In the evening, there was the choice of a performance of the “Bronze Horseman” at the Mariinsky Theater (a ballet with music by Reinhold Gliere), or “Cinderella” at the Mikhailovsky Theater (a ballet with music by Sergey Prokofiev). Afterwards a late dinner in the new The Repa Restaurant.

Saturday, the third day, saw a city tour with a visit to the Hermitage Art Museum and experience of the farmers’ market. Lunch was taken at the new Lotte Hotel with its beautiful rooftop view of the Isaac Cathedral and the city’s Duma. Unfortunately it was very windy therefore the meal was moved downstairs after a visit to the 6th floor rooftop restaurant.

In the afternoon, the Induction Ceremony in the Golden Room of the Musical Comedy Theater was presided over by Inducting Officer Carl Wachtmeister, Member of the Conseil d’Adminstration from Sweden. He inducted and promoted 35 new members, including a member from the Bailliage of Finland.

Before the ceremony a glass of champagne and appetizers were served. Afterwards the celebratory cocktail reception took place in the Lidval Room of the historical Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, built in 1875. The Gala dinner followed in the hotel’s Restaurant L’Europe.

On Sunday, September 30th, a visit to the unique Fabergé Museum was followed by lunch at the Stroganoff Steak House - one of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg.

In the afternoon some of the attendees, including Inducting Officer Carl Wachtmeister and his wife, Anna, took the Sappsam train to Moscow to continue their Russian experience.

Henri Everaars
Bailli Délégué