Здравствуйте, дорогие читатели! (Hello, dear readers!)

I’ve just completed an 18.9km trek from the quaint village of Marusino to the historic town of Volkhonshchina, Russia. These Russian roads can be as frosty as their winter, but it’s the warmth of the people that keeps a gnome like me going.

The journey might seem insignificant on a world map, but for a gnome, it’s a grand expedition! My boots are worn, my beard is tangled, but my spirit is as fresh as a newly bloomed sunflower.

One particularly interesting observation during this journey was the striking contrast between the hushed silence of the Marusino’s birch forests and the bustling activity of Volkhonshchina’s marketplace. Here, I found a babushka selling handmade Matryoshka dolls. These intricate dolls are a symbol of the Russian spirit – resilient, complex, and richly decorated. As the Russian proverb goes, “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше” (It’s good visiting, but home is better). Each doll, nestled within the other, is a testament to this sentiment.

I’ve been on the road for 282 days, traveled 8403.9 kilometers so far. From the peaceful calm of Algasovo, the serene beauty of Ust’e, the vibrant life of Marusino, to the historic charm of Volkhonshchina, each city holds a special place in my gnome heart. And as my journey continues, I’m off to Pichaevo.

Before signing off, here’s a line from a popular Russian song that I’ve been humming on my journey, “Подмосковные вечера” (Moscow Nights): “А вдали, мелькают огни, Подмосковные вечера” (And afar, lights flicker, Moscow nights).

Until the next city, keep wandering, keep wondering!

Счастливого пути! (Safe travels!)

Ah, Volkhonshchina! A city that would make even the most well-traveled gnome’s heart skip a beat. A place where every corner echoes the rhythms of the great Russian composer, Rachmaninoff.

One of the most fascinating things about Volkhonshchina is its icon painting school. The intricacy with which each icon is painted is astounding. It’s as if every brush stroke whispers, “Тщательно и с любовью” (carefully and with love).

The second gem of this city is the Сказочный парк (Fairytale Park). It’s a magical place where one can find sculptures of characters from the tales of the beloved Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin. Walking among the statues of Ruslan and Ludmila, I couldn’t help but recite, “Я помню чудное мгновенье” (I remember a wonderful moment).

In Volkhonshchina, the past and the present collide in a beautiful symphony, just like the music of Rachmaninoff. And as a gnome who has seen many corners of the world, I can tell you, it’s utterly незабываемо (unforgettable).