Добрый день, дорогие читатели! (Good day, dear readers!)

With my gnome-sized feet, I have trudged 37.3 kilometers from the sleepy town of Detchino to the historically rich Zhukov, here in the heart of Russia. Along this journey, I’ve been fascinated by the sheer expanse of the Russian landscape, its vastness made me feel even smaller than I already am!

Now, I’ve always been a gnome of culture, and this journey made a deep impression on me. You see, I managed to cross paths with a local babushka (grandmother) who introduced me to a beautiful saying. “Поспешишь – людей насмешишь” or “Hurry and you’ll make people laugh”. This proverb spoke to me profoundly, as it’s true – rushing through life, or in my case, my travels, would only make me miss out on the beauty around me.

My journey so far has been nothing short of extraordinary, having traveled 7882.9 kilometers in 264 days. From the old-world charm of Peremyshl’ to the quiet solace of Vorotynsk, then on to Detchino, and now Zhukov, each city has etched its unique mark on my heart.

Being in Russia, I have even picked up a local song along the way, “Калинка, калинка, калинка моя!” (Kalinka, kalinka, kalinka mine!) – a lively tune that makes the journey seem lighter. Isn’t it wonderful how music can make time and distance seem insignificant?

As I continue on my way to the next destination, Balabanovo, I look forward to new experiences, cultures, and people. As they say here, “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше“. “Visiting is good, but home is better”. But for a gnome like me, the entire world is my home, and I’m eager to explore every corner!

До свидания (Goodbye)! Till the next update, stay curious and keep exploring!

Ah, the city of Zhukov! A place where history whispers through the ancient buildings and vibrant culture pulses in every corner.

Firstly, it’s hard to ignore the significance of its namesake, Marshal Georgy Zhukov, the most decorated general in the history of Russia and the Soviet Union. The city is a living tribute to this great military leader. An impressive statue of him stands in the city center, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to reflect on his courage and strategic genius.

Secondly, Zhukov is home to the “House of Creativity” – a haven for artists, poets, and composers. This establishment was once frequented by Andrei Tarkovsky, one of the greatest film directors in Russian history. It is said that the serene environment of Zhukov inspired some of his masterpieces.

In Russian, we say “История живет в каждом кирпиче” (History lives in every brick) and Zhukov truly embodies this sentiment. Here, you can not only see but feel the rich tapestry of Russian culture and history.