Приветствую, мои дорогие друзья! (Greetings, my dear friends!) Here I am, your favorite gnome Oliver, reporting from the heart of mother Russia. The last leg of my journey took me on a fascinating 30.1km journey from Pichaevo to Solominka. The Russian landscape, with its lush, green fields and quaint old-world charm, has been a sight for sore eyes!

The highlight of my journey was when I stumbled upon an old Babushka (Grandmother) in a village midway who was singing a local Russian folk song. “Подмосковные вечера” (Moscow Nights). It filled the air with nostalgia and a certain magic that words can’t quite capture. Translated, a line from the song goes like this, “Evenings near Moscow, the rustle of golden meadows”. Quite poetic, isn’t it?

Overall, I’ve been on this fantastic journey for 285 days, traveled over 8441.3 kilometers and my recent stops have included the likes of Volkhonshchina, Pichaevo, and Bashmakovo.

As I keep moving from one place to another, I am reminded of a Russian saying, “Дорога ложка к обеду” which translates to “The road spoon to dinner”. It’s a peculiar way to say that the journey is as important as the destination. Quite fitting for a travelling gnome like me, don’t you think?

Пока! (Bye!) Until the next update, keep wandering and wondering, just like your gnomish friend here. Remember, the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

Keep up with me on my journey, and who knows, I might be hobbling into your city next!

Solominka, a city steeped in rich culture and history, has a charm that is uniquely Russian. One fascinating aspect of this city is the House of Artisans (“Дом ремесленников” in Russian), a hub for local craftsmanship that speaks volumes about the city’s vibrant creative scene. It’s a place where you can see artists perfecting techniques passed down through generations, from lacquer painting to woodcarving. A visit to this place is like stepping into a poem by Alexander Pushkin, Russia’s most famous poet, and immersing yourself in a world of tradition and creativity.

Another remarkable feature of Solominka is its annual Music Festival (“Музыкальный фестиваль”). This is not just any music festival, it’s a tribute to the city’s rich musical heritage, a testament to Russia’s love for music and an homage to renowned composers like Tchaikovsky. As the famous Russian saying goes, “Музыка в каждом из нас“, which translates to “Music is in each of us”. This festival truly brings that saying to life.