Здравствуйте (Hello), my dear gnome-followers! Let me take you along the fascinating 42.3km journey I embarked from Putyatino to Kazach’ya Sloboda in the heartland of Russia.

While my stony feet thumped along the earthy roads, one thing caught my eye and warmed my little gnome heart. Amidst the vast stretches of evergreen forests and golden wheat fields, there was an old man, a local babushka, tending to his little garden. He reminded me of a quote by Russian author Anton Chekhov: “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy“. His contentment was infectious, an embodiment of the simple, earthly pleasures that the rush of life often overlooks.

But oh, let me not get too carried away! This journey added 42.3 kilometers to my overall trek of 8310.1 kilometers. My previous stops were in the cities of Ryazan, Spassk-Ryazansky, Putyatino, and Algasovo. It’s been 278 days since I started this journey, and every new sunrise brings a new adventure.

The local language remains Russian as there were no border crossings in this journey. But, did you know? Different regions in Russia have their own distinct dialects and accents. As they say here, “В каждом поселке свой язык“, which translates to “Every village has its own language”.

As I journey through the heart of Russia, a local verse continues to echo in my mind:
“Наши города и села,
С каждым шагом все ближе к цели”
Our cities and villages,
With every step closer to the goal.

I am Oliver, your wandering garden gnome, reminding you that life itself is a journey. Stay tuned for more tales from the road. до свидания (Goodbye) for now!

Kazach’ya Sloboda is a place where history and culture dance together like a pair of skilled ice-skaters. This charming city is home to the “Singing Fountains”, or “Poyushchiye fontany” in Russian. These fountains don’t just spout water, but also play melodies by the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky – a truly mesmerizing spectacle!

Even more intriguing is the city’s well-preserved tradition of crafting “Samovars”, a unique Russian tea urn. This art form is a legacy passed down over generations and is a testament to the city’s respect for the old ways. As the famous Russian poet Pushkin once mused, “A samovar is to a Russian what a hearth is to a home.”

In Kazach’ya Sloboda, you don’t just visit, you participate, and in doing so, you become a part of its rich tapestry of culture and history. As they say in Russia, “Puteshestviye eto ne destinatsiya, a put’.” (Journey is not the destination, but the way).