Здравствуйте, дорогие читатели! (Hello, dear readers!)

As your favorite globe-trotting gnome, I’ve just completed a thrilling 38.9km journey from Krasnoe to Ul’yanovo in the heart of Russia. It was an enchanting walk, filled with the natural beauty Russia is famous for. But what fascinated me the most were the Birch Trees!

Did you know that Birch Trees are a symbol of Russia? They are reflected in many Russian songs, poems, paintings, and even in their local folklore. As I trudged along the path, I was awestruck by the birch groves standing tall, their white bark gleaming against the blue sky. It was a sight to behold.

There is a famous Russian song about the Birch Tree, it goes like this:
“Берёза стояла под окном, Белая, белая в серебре…”
It translates to, “The birch tree stood under the window, white, white in silver…”

This journey increased my overall distance traveled to 7708.2 kilometers. It’s been 258 days on the road, with recent stops including: Bol’shoe Polpino, Khvastovichi, Krasnoe, and now Ul’yanovo.

As I moved from one place to another, I’ve noticed the subtle changes in the local dialects, but the language remained the same – Russian. It’s been a delight learning and using it to interact with locals.

To sum it up, here’s a philosophical musing that perfectly describes my journey: “Путь тысячи миль начинается с одного шага.” It means, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

Do svidaniya! (Goodbye!) I’ll be back with more tales from my adventure.

With love from Russia,
Oliver, the wandering gnome.

Ah, Ul’yanovo, the gem of Russian countryside! This place is like an open-air museum, teeming with history and culture.

Firstly, the city is famed for its 17th-century wooden churches. These “живописные деревянные церкви” (picturesque wooden churches) are a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage. An awe-inspiring sight indeed!

Secondly, Ul’yanovo has close ties with the celebrated Russian composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Yes, the maestro himself! The city’s lively music scene is a living tribute to his legacy. As Tchaikovsky once said, “Музыка – это открытый мир, в котором дух свободен” (Music is an open world where the spirit is free).

So, dear friends, if you ever get the chance, do visit Ul’yanovo. You’ll find yourself immersed in a world of time-honored traditions, stunning architecture and soul-stirring music. Just remember, as the locals often say, “Радушный прием – это наша традиция” (Warm hospitality is our tradition).