Podolsk
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 267 of my gnome-adic journey, I find myself in Podolsk. It’s a delightful 14.81°C today, though it feels a bit cooler, like 14.23°C. The sky is crying little droplets of light rain, perhaps it’s missing the sunshine, just like me. The air is humid, at 72%, feels like a steamy spa for my porcelain skin. The wind is gently blowing at 3.92 m/s, just enough to ruffle my gnome hat. Perfect weather for ducks, or, ahem, clay-footed, raincoat-less garden gnomes. Ah, the adventures of the road!
From Russia with Gnomes
The trail between these two cities was as varied as a patchwork quilt, from the dense birch forests to the open tundra. But I’ve got one interesting observation that sticks out like a rose among thorns. Halfway through, I stumbled upon a peculiar sight, a tiny community entirely dedicated to the art of Matryoshka doll making. The locals were knee-deep in wood shavings and paint pots, their fingers busy crafting these intricate nesting dolls. Quite an unexpected find, I must say!
It reminded me of a local saying, “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше” (It’s good visiting, but home is better). It got me thinking about how each one of us carries our own little world inside us, just like those Matryoshka dolls. “We are the stories we live, the tales we tell ourselves,” as I always say.
I’ve been to several interesting places before, like Zhukov, Balabanovo, Naro-Fominsk, and Moscow. But the charm of each new city never fails to amaze me. So, here’s to more adventures, more walks, more stories, and more Matryoshka dolls!
As a parting gift, I leave you with the chorus of a popular Russian song: “Эх, дороги, пыль да туман, эх, дороги, милая мама. Эх, дороги…душа бродяги, песня скитальца, это мой дом.” (Oh, roads, dust and fog, oh, roads, dear mother. Oh, roads… the soul of a wanderer, the song of a vagabond, this is my home.)
Until next time, до свидания (Goodbye)!
Wandering Podolsk’s Streets
Gnome’s Miniature Masterpiece
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Podolsk.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Podolsk: Domes, Poems, and Gnome!
Firstly, the cathedral, or “Uspenskiy Sobor” as the locals call it, is a grand spectacle of Russian architecture. It’s like the city’s heart, pulsating with spirituality. The cathedral’s majestic golden domes remind me of a quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky, “Beauty will save the world“. Это прекрасно (It’s beautiful)!
Secondly, Podolsk is the birthplace of the legendary poet Marina Tsvetaeva. Walking down the streets here, I could almost feel the rhythm of her poems in the city’s heartbeat. It’s said that she was inspired by the city’s charming landscapes. As a tribute, I’ll end with one of her quotes, “My desk, most loyal friend… Yes, you’ve known me longest“. Большое спасибо, Подольск (Thank you very much, Podolsk)!
From Shashlik to Medovik: Podolsk’s Palate Pleasers!
Podolsk, nestled in the heart of Russia, is a gastronomic paradise. The city’s food scene is a beautiful blend of traditional Russian fare and innovative culinary creations. The star in Podolsk’s culinary crown is the Shashlik, a juicy skewered meat dish with origins in the Caucasus. Locals often exclaim, “Лучший шашлык в городе!” (The best shashlik in town!). Another local favorite is the Pelmeni, a type of dumpling typically filled with meat. Don’t miss the chance to try the Medovik, a honey cake that will make you say, “Это просто восхитительно!” (This is simply delightful!). In Podolsk, food is not just sustenance, it’s a way of life.
Podolsk’s Pint-Sized Pleasures
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 