Ryazan
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 276 in Ryazan, the mercury’s at a mild 17.95°C – feels a smidgen chillier to my ceramic skin. The clouds are playing hide and seek today, scattering across the sky like dandelion fluff. The wind, at a mellow 3.56 m/s, is just enough to rustle my beard. You’d think with 62% humidity, I’d need a gnome-sized dehumidifier, but nah, it’s good for the complexion. Helps keep the moss off, ya know?
Ryazan Reruns: Gnome-gone Moves!
Now, you might think there’s not much to say about such an, ahem, extensive journey. But, let me tell you, there’s a certain charm in not moving at all! I found myself plunged into the depths of the local culture, spending my time observing the hustle and bustle of the Ryazan life, joining the locals in their daily routines.
One particularly striking observation was the resilience of the Ryazan people. As they say in Russian, “Волка ноги кормят” which translates to “The wolf’s legs feed it”. This proverb perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the local people. They are industrious, always on the move, and fiercely independent – much like the wolf!
So far, I’ve been on the road for a grand total of 275 days, traversing a distance of 8164.5 kilometers. My recent stops include the picturesque towns of Beloomut, Ryazan, Ryazan, Ryazan and Spassk-Ryazansky. Yes, I do have a soft spot for Ryazan, in case you hadn’t noticed!
During my travels, I’ve crossed many borders, and with each crossing, I’ve experienced a shift in language. But, here in Ryazan, the language remains consistently Russian. The rhythm of the language, the depth of its poetry, it all adds to the allure of this place.
And speaking of poetry, let me leave you with a verse from the beloved Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin: “Язык мой – враг мой“. It means, “My tongue is my enemy”. A reminder, perhaps, to speak less and observe more.
So, until our next adventure, до свидания (goodbye) from your favorite globetrotting gnome! Keep wandering, keep exploring, and remember – the journey is just as important as the destination!
Wandering Ryazan’s Streets
Gnome-trotter’s Quirky Canvas
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Ryazan.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Ryazan: Kremlin, Verses & Vodka!
The second intriguing fact is Ryazan’s connection to the world-renowned poet Sergey Yesenin. His words, “Я иду по России широкой” (I walk across the vastness of Russia), were likely inspired by the city’s boundless landscapes. His childhood home in the nearby village of Konstantinovo is now a museum, a homage to the man who captured the soul of Russia in his verses. Ryazan, truly a place where the echoes of the past meet the rhythm of the present.
Zdraste to Zdravstvuytes: Ryazan Ruminations
Greetings from Mother Russia, my wandering companions! Here, in the heart of Ryazan, I’m immersed in the richness of Russian culture and language. Let’s jump into a mini lesson, shall we?
First, the greeting “Здравствуйте” (Zdravstvuyte), which translates to “Hello”. It’s a mouthful, I know! But don’t worry, locals often shorten it to a friendly “Здрасте” (Zdraste).
Second, “Спасибо” (Spasibo), meaning “Thank you”. It’s a must-know for any polite gnome!
Thirdly, “Где туалет?” (Gde tualet?), that’s “Where is the bathroom?” You’ll thank me later!
Here in Ryazan, you’ll notice a softer pronunciation of the letter ‘g’, almost sounding like ‘h’. So, “хорошо” (good) sounds more like “horosho” than “gorosho”.
Remember, in Russia, language is not just words, it’s an expression of the soul. So, speak with heart! Or as they say, говорить с душой (govorit’ s dushoy)!
Gnome Roaming Ryazan Relics
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 