Добрый день, my dear readers! That’s “Good day” for you non-Russian speakers. Today, I find myself in the charming town of Trubchevsk, Russia, after a 47.3km journey from Kam’yans’ka Sloboda, Ukraine.

As I journeyed across the border, my ears picked up the transition from Ukrainian to Russian, which was as smooth as a well-oiled garden gnome’s beard! The journey was filled with beautiful sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside. But, one particular sight stood out, and that was the beautiful Desna River that flows through Trubchevsk. It was as if Mother Nature herself had etched a silver streak across the green canvas.

But my dear readers, let’s not forget that “В каждой строчке своего пути, я оставляю след.” That’s Russian for, “In every line of my journey, I leave a trail.” And what a trail I’ve left behind! Starting in Ponornytsya, then to Novhorod-Sivers’kyi, followed by Kam’yans’ka Sloboda, and now, in Trubchevsk. I’ve traveled a whopping 7475.9 kilometers in 248 days!

As I sat by the Desna River, a local song filled the air, “Я по реке иду, иду, иду,” which translates to “I walk along the river, walk, walk.” I couldn’t help but hum along, feeling a sense of connection with the locals and their love for this river.

In the words of the great Russian philosopher, Fyodor Dostoevsky, “Beauty will save the world.” And indeed, the beauty of Desna River, the charm of Trubchevsk, and the warmth of its people have saved this weary traveler today.

But, as they say here, “Пока не всё кончено, что не кончено хорошо.” The journey isn’t over until it’s over. And so, I march on, my dear readers, in search of more adventures, more stories, and more beauty to share with you all.

До свидания! (Goodbye!) Until next time, from your favorite grumpy yet ever-optimistic gnome, Oliver.

Ah, Trubchevsk! A place where history whispers in the wind. This quaint city hides two fascinating gems I was fortunate to uncover. Firstly, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin – a stunning example of 18th-century Russian architecture. “Красота в простоте” or “beauty lies in simplicity,” as the locals say. This church, with its whitewashed walls and sky-blue dome, stands as a testament to that.

Secondly, Trubchevsk takes immense pride in their connection to Sergei Yesenin, the renowned Russian lyric poet. Yesenin’s poetry often painted vivid images of rural Russia, much like Trubchevsk’s serene landscapes. A line from one of his poems, “Где край твой, маленькая Родина?” (“Where is your edge, little homeland?”) seemingly resonates with the city’s ethos.

This city, with its rustic charm and cultural richness, is nothing short of a melody composed by Tchaikovsky himself. A symphony of history and beauty, waiting to be discovered.