Bol’shoe Polpino
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 253, Bol’shoe Polpino: As a gnome, I’m built stout, but this humidity! Feels like I’ve swallowed a sponge. It’s a cool 19.81°C, feels more like 19.67°C… not that a gnome can tell the difference! The clouds are more broken than my last relationship and the wind’s whistling through my hat at 3.81 m/s. On the bright side, at least my complexion enjoys this moist weather – never been smoother!
Gnome Away from Home: From Suponevo to Bol’shoe!
On my way, I trundled past vast, luscious fields, the aroma of freshly plowed earth tickling my gnome senses. But it was the singularly arresting sight of an old Babushka, sitting on a wooden bench in front of her dacha, that held my attention.
There she was, in the middle of nowhere, knitting away with such fervor as if each stitch was a prayer sent to the heavens. She hummed a local folk song – “Подмосковные вечера” (Moscow Nights). The melody, though simple, seemed to carry with it centuries of stories, hopes, and dreams, echoing the human spirit’s resilience. I felt a profound connection with this land and its people, all thanks to one old lady, her knitting needles, and a hauntingly beautiful song.
As of today, I’ve been on the road for 253 days, traveled 7577.7 kilometers, with recent stops in Vygonichi, Vygonichi again (I loved it so much the first time), Suponevo, and now, Bol’shoe Polpino.
In the words of the great Russian author, Tolstoy, “Все, что я знаю, я знаю благодаря путешествиям” – “Everything I know, I know thanks to traveling.” So here’s to the next kilometer, the next town, and the next adventure!
Until next time, друзья – friends!
Wandering Bol’shoe Polpino’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Puzzles
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Bol’shoe Polpino.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Domes, Tunes, and Russian Moons!
Firstly, the city is renowned for its Orthodox Churches dating back to the 17th-century, proudly standing with their golden domes against the sky. They whisper tales of old, echoing the words of the famous Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin, who once said, “История – судья жизни, свет истины“, which translates to, “History is the life’s judge, the light of truth”. Indeed, the churches of Bol’shoe Polpino are living testaments to the city’s past.
Secondly, the city is the birthplace of the revered composer, Vasily Kalinnikov. His music, like the city itself, is a rich tapestry of emotions that captures the Russian soul. As the locals would say, “Музыка – это душа России“, meaning “Music is the soul of Russia”.
Visiting Bol’shoe Polpino is like stepping into the pages of a living history book, filled with majestic architecture, mesmerizing melodies, and the resilient spirit of the Russian people.
Pirozhki, People, and Polpino Progress!
In the heart of Russia sits the vibrant city of Bol’shoe Polpino. Life here is a beautiful blend of the old and new. The locals, or “местные” (locals in Russian), bustle about their day with the backdrop of historical buildings. There’s a common phrase, “Жизнь идет своим чередом” (Life goes on), which perfectly frames the steady rhythm of daily life. The marketplace, or “рынок”, is the epicentre of activity with chatter, laughter and the scent of homemade Pirozhki. For a visitor like me, it’s a treasure trove of experiences – a true testament to the city’s rich history and culture. It’s no wonder I’ve chosen to visit Bol’shoe Polpino twice!
Gnome’s Guide to Bol’shoe Brilliance
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 