Dobry den, my fellow wanderers! Your favorite grumpy gnome, Oliver is back on the road again! And this time, from the quaint town of Krasnyi Rog to the rustic charm of Vygonichi, a delightful 27.9km journey through the heart of Russia.

Ah, Russia. The land of a thousand tales and endless horizons. While traversing the sprawling landscape, one sight that particularly caught my fancy was the majestic Desna River. It flows with such grace and might, much like the Russian spirit itself.

Now, here’s a little Russian wisdom for you, “Voda i kamiń ne gniet.” Translation? “Water does not break a stone by force, but by often falling.” That’s the Desna River for you, carving its way through the landscape slowly but surely, reflecting the persistent, resilient Russian spirit.

As of now, my little gnome legs have carried me a whopping 7544.2 kilometers in 250 days! I’ve made intriguing stops at places like Kam’yans’ka Sloboda, Trubchevsk, and Krasnyi Rog. Each place, with its own charm and tales to tell.

While I didn’t cross any borders this time, it’s always fascinating to see how the language and culture subtly shift as you move from one town to the next. But, that’s a story for another day.

Before I sign off, let me share a verse from a popular local song, “Podmoskovnye vechera”, “Вечера на хуторе близ Диканьки.” Translated, “Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka.” It beautifully captures the serenity and simplicity of the Russian countryside.

Until next time, do svidaniya and keep wandering!

Post #250: Ah, the beautiful city of Vygonichi! This place is as rich as a Tsar’s treasure box, but with culture and history instead of rubies and gold.

Firstly, let me tell you about the Vygonichi Monastery. This ancient edifice is a testament to Russian resilience. Translated as “Выгоничский монастырь” in Russian, the monastery stands as proud and unyielding as a Tolstoy’s hero, weathering the storms of time.

Secondly, the city is known for its contribution to Russian music. The Vygonichi Folk Choir is world-renowned. They’ve been belting out harmonies since Tchaikovsky was a tyke. In Russian, it’s known as “Выгоничский народный хор.”

In the immortal words of the Russian poet, Pushkin, “Где нас нет, там лучше всего,” which translates to “It’s best where we are not.” Well, I disagree when it comes to Vygonichi! It’s best where I am now, amidst the charm and culture of this magnificent city.