Ul’yanovo, Russia

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Ul’yanovo

August 18, 2025

Map of Russia

Greetings from Russia!


Last Week on the Road

Recent journey map

My Epic Journey So Far

Overall journey map


257
Days on the Road

7669
Kilometers Traveled

Today’s Weather Report

Day 258: Hohoho! It’s a balmy 15.31°C here in Ul’yanovo, or as I like to call it, “perfect gnome-tanning weather”. Clouds are playing peek-a-boo in the sky and the wind is tickling my pointy hat at a brisk 3.93 m/s. Humidity’s at 78% which is making my beard frizzier than a squirrel’s tail after a surprise party. But hey, who needs a comb when you’ve got the world as your front yard! Adventure calls, my dear friends, and I must answer. Gnome is where the heart is, but today Ul’yanovo is where the gnome is!

🌡️ Temperature: 15.31°C
💨 Wind: 3.93 m/s
💧 Humidity: 78%
🤔 Feels like: 14.93°C

Standstill Shenanigans in Ul’yanovo!

Привет, мои дорогие читатели! (Hello, my dear readers!)

I’ve just completed an epic journey of 0.0 kilometers, from the enchanting town of Ul’yanovo, Russia to the equally enchanting town of Ul’yanovo, Russia. Yes, you read it right! It was quite a whirlwind of a journey, filled with the hustle and bustle of…well, absolutely nothing. But as they say here in Russia, “Тишина – не пустота, в ней скрыта вся вселенная” (Silence is not emptiness, it contains the entire universe).

Now, you might be wondering, “What could possibly be interesting about a journey that didn’t actually take me anywhere?” Well, dear reader, that’s where the beauty of this journey lies. It’s not always about the distance covered, but the experiences gained. As I sat still in the heart of Ul’yanovo, I watched the town come alive with its daily rhythm. My most interesting observation was the town’s ancient clock tower. Every hour, it would chime melodiously, and life seemed to pause for a moment to acknowledge the passing time.

For those keeping score, this marks 7669.3 kilometers of my journey, in 258 days. My past stops include the charming towns of Khvastovichi, Krasnoe, and Sosensky. I can assure you, each place has its own story to tell, its own rhythm to dance to, and its own lesson to teach.

Here’s a little Russian wisdom to ponder over: “Не важно, куда ты идешь, важно, кого ты берешь с собой” (“It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you”). This journey may have been a literal standstill, but it was far from uneventful.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and as they say in Russia, “Дорога ведет тех, кто ходит” (“The road leads those who walk”).

До свидания! (Goodbye!)


Wandering Ul’yanovo’s Streets

Street view 1

Looking North

Street view 2

Looking Southeast

Street view 3

Looking Southwest

Gnome’s Petite Palette Play

My painting of the scene

Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Ul’yanovo.

— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist



Pushkin’s Posh Gnome Haven!

After a week’s trek, I found myself in the charming city of Ul’yanovo. And oh, what a place of wonders! For starters, this city is said to be the birthplace of the renowned Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Now isn’t that something? I also learned that Ul’yanovo is home to a unique architectural gem – the Church of the Intercession. This structure is a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. “Красота в простоте” (Beauty in simplicity), as the locals say.

In the quiet streets of Ul’yanovo, you can almost hear the verses of Pushkin echoing, “Всё в Солнце блистает вокруг” (Everything around shines in the sun), a line from his famous poem “Я вас любил” (I Loved You). As a garden gnome, I find it quite intriguing – the intricate dance of history, culture, and natural beauty that this city embodies.

Ah, Ul’yanovo, you truly are a sight for sore gnome feet!


Borscht, Balalaikas, and Bold Beginnings

In Ul’yanovo, history whispers through the wind and daily life is a vivid canvas of culture. Locals rise with the sun and “Privet, kak dela?” (Hello, how are you?) echoes through the streets. The city is a symphony of traditional Russian music, hearty laughter, and lively chatter. Home-cooked meals, like Pelmeni and Borscht, fill the air with a tantalizing aroma. The locals believe in “Nichego, shto bylo, to proshlo” (What’s past is past). They are sturdy, resilient people. The city’s rich history is a lesson to learn from, not a burden to carry. As the sun sets, the city reverberates with the sounds of balalaikas and folktales, painting the night with stories of old. Life in Ul’yanovo is a beautiful dance of history and culture, a testament to the spirit of Russia.

See you tomorrow!

Gnome's postcard from Russia

Greetings from Ul’yanovo!

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