Здравствуйте, my fellow wanderers! It’s your trusty gnome, Oliver, reporting to you from the frosty heart of Mother Russia. I’ve just completed another leg of my epic journey, a brisk 40.1km stroll from the industrious town of Voskresensk to the rural tranquility of Dedinovo.

Ah, Dedinovo! A place where time seems to have stopped, the locals still herd their sheep across the same pastures their ancestors did, a sight that is quite humbling. As I walked, I couldn’t help but notice how the landscape gradually changed. The towering chimneys and factories of Voskresensk gave way to the open fields and wooden houses of Dedinovo – a stark contrast, but a refreshing one.

The real highlight of my journey, however, was an unexpected encounter with an ancient babushka. As I trudged along, she beckoned me over to her small, wooden house. “Приходите, приходите!” she said, which means “Come, come!”. Over a steaming cup of самовар (samovar – traditional Russian tea), she shared with me an old saying, “Тише едешь – дальше будешь“. Translated, it means “The quieter you go, the further you’ll get”. Patience and perseverance, my friends, that’s the key.

Ah, but look at me, rambling on. To date, I’ve covered a whopping 8101.7 kilometers in my journey. In the past, I’ve visited bustling cities like Zhukovskiy, Bronnitsy, and Voskresensk, and I’ve been on the road for a grand total of 271 days. And the journey continues!

As I sit here, enjoying the hospitality of this little Russian village, a local song comes to mind. It goes: “Ой, мороз, мороз, не морозь меня”. Oh, frost, frost, don’t freeze me. Apt for this weather, don’t you think?

Well, my friends, until next time. Remember, as the Russians say, “Всё что ни делается – к лучшему!” Everything that happens, happens for the best.

До свидания! (Goodbye!)

Greetings from Dedinovo! I’ve been exploring this city with a rich history, and boy, have I had an adventure! First, I visited the Orthodox Church of the Nativity, a divine spectacle! It’s said that this church was the muse for many famous Russian poets like Alexander Pushkin. Standing there, I couldn’t help but mutter his famous verse, “Воскресну я, тогда ты услышишь” (I will rise, then you will hear).

Second, the Dedinovo Archaeological Site was a highlight. Uncovering artifacts from the Bronze Age, it’s a testament to Russia’s vibrant history. While I was there, a local whispered to me, “История – это зеркало прошлого” (History is the mirror of the past).

I’ve been enjoying a plate of Pelmeni at a local eatery, humming along to the tunes of Tchaikovsky, while penning this post. Dedinovo, you’ve been a delight!