Привет, мои дорогие друзья! (Hello, my dear friends!)

Let me take you on a fascinating 11.8km trek from the serene village of Ust’e to the vibrant town of Marusino in our beloved mother Russia.

This journey, oh, it was one for the books! I’ve seen a lot in my 281 days on the road, but never have I witnessed such an endearing sight as I did on the outskirts of Ust’e, where local children were joyfully playing a game of “Классики” (Hopscotch). The sight warmed my stone heart and left me contemplating a Russian proverb, “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше” (It’s good visiting, but it’s better at home).

As I ambled along, the landscape gradually transformed from the tranquil rural to a more bustling suburban, signaling my approach to Marusino.

Upon reaching Marusino, I was welcomed by the harmonious tunes of a local song “Катюша” (Katyusha), played by a street musician. The music, oh, it echoed through the streets, instilling a sense of unity and pride among the locals and a wandering gnome.

Now, let’s get down to some numbers. In my journey spanning 281 days, I’ve covered a whopping 8396.8 kilometers (don’t forget to add those 11.8km!). I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the charming towns of Kazach’ya Sloboda, Algasovo, Ust’e, and now, Marusino.

There were no borders crossed in this journey, so no language changes to note. But let me tell you, the richness and diversity of dialects and accents I’ve encountered in Russia is truly fascinating.

But as they say, “Каждый охотник желает знать, где сидит фазан” (Every hunter wants to know where the pheasant sits), so stay tuned for more tales of a gnome’s wanderlust.

До свидания! (Goodbye!)

Oh, Marusino, a place that makes my gnome heart flutter! Two things that stand out about this city: firstly, its rich history of birch bark craft, a tradition as deeply rooted as the ancient trees themselves. I attended a workshop and made a small birch bark hat, or as they call it here, “beresta shlyapka” – a true test of my gnome dexterity!

Secondly, the city is a haven for lovers of literature, being the birthplace of the famous poet Alexander Pushkin. There’s a beautiful quote of his that goes, “Ya vas lyubil: lyubov’ yeshcho, byt’ mozhet“, or in English, “I loved you: love may still, perhaps, be smoldering in my soul“. This city exudes the same lingering charm.

On the whole, Marusino is a blend of artistry, from the nimble fingers of birch bark craftsmen to the lyrical verses of Pushkin. Truly a city where culture thrives amidst the whispers of history.