Suponevo
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Well, as a gnome on the roam in Suponevo, I must say it’s a balmy 20.89°C today. Feels more like 20.44°C to my gnome cheeks, though. Thank heavens for my pointy hat, the clear sky is a scorcher! Humidity is at a bearable 54%, not enough to frizz my beard. The wind, though, that’s another tale. At 4.65 m/s, let’s just say I’ve had to plant my gnome feet firmly on the ground. Don’t want to end up a flying gnome! Remember, gnomes prefer their feet on the ground, not their heads in the clouds!
Samovar Sojourn: Gnome Brewed!
I’ve just completed a short but sweet journey of 21.1 kilometers on foot from the town of Vygonichi to the village of Suponevo in Russia. “Why?” you might ask. Well, because a gnome’s got to do what a gnome’s got to do!
During my travel, I couldn’t ignore the peculiar sight of Samovar shops lining the roads. Apparently, these large, bulbous kettles are a significant part of Russian culture, used for brewing tea during social gatherings. I’d say it’s quite a sight to behold – not unlike a gnome in the wild, if I may say so myself!
Жизнь как чайник, мой друг. Пока не станешь горячим, ничего не вылетит! (Life is like a teapot, my friend. Until you get hot, nothing comes out!). A local shared this philosophical musing with me.
You’ll be excited to know that my tiny gnome feet have carried me a total of 7586.4 kilometers in 253 days so far. I’ve seen many places, from the red beauty of Krasnyi Rog, the cozy charm of Vygonichi (twice, because why not!), the hidden secrets of Suponevo, to the vast landscapes of Bol’shoe Polpino.
As I move further, I’m eagerly looking forward to the language changes. I’ve packed my gnome-sized phrasebook just in case!
В путешествиях, как и в жизни, главное не конечная точка, а сам путь. (In travel, as in life, the journey is more important than the destination.). That’s one of my favorite Russian quotes.
And let’s not forget this charming verse from a local folk song that goes: “Под небом голубым есть город золотой, с прозрачными воротами и яркой звездой.” (Under the blue sky, there is a golden city with transparent gates and a bright star.)
Until next time, keep wandering, keep wondering!
With gnome-sized love,
Oliver
Wandering Suponevo’s Streets
Gnomadic Dabbler’s Delight
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Suponevo.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Suponevo: Dolls, Dishes, and Drama!
Firstly, I have to mention Suponevo‘s long-standing tradition of Matryoshka doll making. It’s said that every doll tells a story, and if you listen closely, you might just hear the whispers of the past. “Каждая матрёшка рассказывает историю” (Every Matryoshka tells a story).
Secondly, the city is famous for its grand monuments, especially the Monument of Gzhel. This monument pays homage to the Gzhel style of ceramics, a true testament to Russian craftsmanship. The detail on the monument is exquisite, a tribute to the intricate designs that have defined Gzhel ceramics for centuries. “Это памятник искусству Гжель” (This is a monument to Gzhel art).
The city’s love for the arts isn’t just limited to crafts. The spirit of Russia’s greatest poet, Alexander Pushkin, seems to permeate through the city streets, breathed into life by the locals who still recite his verses with a touch of great pride and nostalgia.
Suponevo, a city where the arts come alive!
Borscht Bells and ‘Zdravstvuyte
In the historic heart of Russia, lies the quaint settlement of Suponevo. Here, the pace of life is more “Medlenno” (slow), punctuated by the tolling bells of the local church. You’ll often hear locals greet each other with a friendly “Zdravstvuyte!” (Hello!). As the sun sets, the aroma of freshly cooked Borscht fills the air, a hearty soup that’s a staple in every Russian home. The locals gather at the community center for a round of cards, their laughter echoing through the crisp air. Suponevo is a slice of authentic Russian life, where tradition meets tranquility.
Suponevo’s Gnome-sized Wonders
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 