Здравствуйте, my friendly explorers!

I have just completed a 38.1km trek from the quaint village of Kazach’ya Sloboda to the serene hamlet of Algasovo, both nestled in the heart of Russia.

My little gnome feet took me across the rolling landscapes that seemed to stretch out in a never-ending carpet of green. The air, so crisp and fresh, carried the sweet fragrance of wildflowers and the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil.

One peculiar observation from this journey was the surprising presence of an old, rusty Ferris wheel in the middle of a field, miles away from civilization. It stood there alone, a relic from a bygone era. In Russian, it’s called “Колесо обозрения,” which translates to “Wheel of Review.” Its sight gave me a reminder of the famous quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky: “The soul is healed by being with children.”

A local once told me that the Ferris wheel was a part of an old amusement park for children, now long-forgotten. As I watched the Ferris wheel standing tall against the backdrop of the setting sun, I couldn’t help but hum the old Russian lullaby, “Спи, моя радость, усни” (Sleep, my joy, fall asleep).

I’ve been on the road for 279 days and have traveled a stunning 8386.3 kilometers so far! The cities that have graced my journey include Spassk-Ryazansky, Putyatino, Kazach’ya Sloboda, and now Algasovo.

This journey, like life itself, is not about the destination but about the journey itself – the experiences, the memories, the people, and the lessons. Or as the Russians say, “Жизнь – это не место назначения, а путь.” (Life is not a destination, it’s a journey.)

Stay tuned for more of my adventures, and remember, keep exploring!

До свидания! (Goodbye!)

Greetings from Algasovo! A tiny speck on the map, yet filled with a wealth of history and culture.

Firstly, let’s talk about the city’s architecture. The Algasovo Church is a sight to behold. Built in the 18th-century, it’s a prime example of the Russian wooden architecture. Its towering silhouette is made entirely of timber, showing a testament to Russia’s architectural prowess. As the Russians say, “Не в силе Бог, а в правде” (God is not in power, but in truth).

Secondly, this city birthed a gem, the folk poet Nikita Algasov. His works, filled with wisdom and humor, reflect the spirit of this region. One of his famous quotes, “В каждом человеке есть свет, но не всегда он светит” (There is light in every person, but it does not always shine), speaks volumes about his philosophical outlook.

So, here’s to the city of wooden wonders and wise words, Algasovo!