After leaving Jukkasjärvi, Vidua goes back to Turin and after a few days of rest he is ready to leave for Russia. Tsar Alessandro’s empire doesn’t instill much appreciation in Vidua: the people are corrupt and thieving, the climate is unmerciful and a nobility with manners and habits most unlike his. He would like to leave immediately for Moscow, but the weather and the impracticability of the roads force him to stay for around four months. Despite staying in the best hotel in the city, Vidua is robbed and only his powerful connections allow him to receive compensation. He also receives the honour of being introduced to Tsar Alessandro in February 1818. Vidua has the chance to enjoy himself with the members of the royal family and after advice from the Tsar he decides to visit Egypt.
“Questa capitale è veramente magnifica. La Neva passa in mezzo alla città e forma vari canali bordati da bellissimi muri in granito e parapetti in ferro. I quais, le contrade, le piazze sono spaziose e regolari. Vi sono bei palazzi, qualche bella chiesa e soprattutto quantità di stabilimenti pubblici edificati dal governo sontuosamente.”
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