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As we sailed further north our days got perceptibly longer and our nights shorter. Dusk lingered longer too and, as the wind died down, the water became smooth as glass and mirrored the sky. We were in the world of the White Nights. Our faithful gulls were still with us and seemed to enjoy the mood as much as we did.
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The period of the White Nights is important in this part of Russia. Although it is of some interest to those of us that live lower down on the spinning ball that is our earth, one has to exist through the winter in this part of the world to fully understand it's psychological importance. Winter days are just as short as summer days are long. People get up in the dark, go to bed in the dark, and spend most of the time in between in the dark. It can get to you and is credited with being one of the reasons for high levels of alcoholism in northern countries. In St. Petersburg the Festival of the White Nights is celebrated with a series of cultural events, but everywhere in this part of Russia the long days are greatly appreciated.
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