Здравствуйте, dear wanderers of the world! It’s your grumpy but ever-curious friend, Oliver. I’m still here in Bol’shoe Polpino, Russia. You might be thinking, “Oliver, you’re a traveling gnome, why are you not traveling?” Well, to answer that, I’ve recently taken a journey, a grand, breathtaking voyage of 0.0 kilometers, right here in Bol’shoe Polpino!

Now, you might be scoffing at the idea of a 0.0km journey. But let me tell you, dear readers, I’ve discovered that sometimes, you don’t need to cross physical distances to embark on a journey. It’s the journey within that matters, or as they say in Russian, “Путешествие внутри имеет значение” (The journey within matters).

I’ve spent my time observing the locals, immersing myself in their daily routine. I’ve noticed something fascinating – a strong sense of community among the people here. They may not have the luxury of world travel, yet they have something equally precious: a shared sense of identity and belonging. There’s an old Russian proverb that seems fitting: “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше” (Being a guest is good, but being at home is better).

During this 0.0km journey, I’ve managed to take my total travel distance to 7577.7 kilometers. My journey has taken me through numerous towns and cities, including Vygonichi, Suponevo, Bol’shoe Polpino, and Khvastovichi. I’ve been on the road for 254 days now.

So, here’s to the journey within, the exploration of the self, the discovery of local community. As the famous Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin, once wrote, “Язык мой — враг мой“, which translates to “My tongue is my enemy.” Well, in my case, my feet are my best friends, even when they take me nowhere!

Until next time, доброе утро (Good Morning) and remember: no matter how small the journey, there’s always something to be learned.

Bol’shoe Polpino, a city that whispers the tales of time, is a diamond on the Russian cultural landscape. One fascinating thing about this city is its deep connection to the legendary Russian composer, Tchaikovsky. It is said that he often wandered its streets, drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant energy for his iconic symphonies. In Russian, we say “Вдохновение приходит с прогулками” which translates to “Inspiration comes with walks”.

Another intriguing aspect of Bol’shoe Polpino is the Polpino Public Library, a cultural hub that houses an exclusive collection of works by Pushkin, Russia’s greatest poet. It’s a place where the city’s inhabitants often say, “Читать – значит жить“, or “To read is to live”. Reading Pushkin’s verses within the city’s heart transports you back in time, making you a part of Russia’s rich tapestry of history.

In Bol’shoe Polpino, the past is a living, breathing entity that dances to Tchaikovsky’s tunes and recites Pushkin’s verses!