Lermontovo
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 287: Greetings from Lermontovo, where it’s a nippy 16.34°C. Feels like 15.07°C on my gnome skin, which isn’t much considering I’ve been naked since ’76. Clear skies up there, while I’m down here, squinting like a mole in sunglasses. Humidity’s at 40%, just enough to keep my beard frizz-free. But this 0.72 m/s breeze is threatening to topple me over. I haven’t been this off-balanced since the great gnome party of ’82. Stay upright, my friends. Adventure awaits!
From Samovars to Siberia: Gnome-stop Journey!
As I journeyed through the lush Russian landscapes, one thing really caught my eye. I spotted a group of самовары (samovars). These traditional Russian tea urns were being used by a family having a picnic, filling the air with the scent of strong, hot tea – a perfect companion for the chill in the air. I was tempted to join in, but alas, the travel-bug bit me again.
Now, I haven’t just been wandering aimlessly, oh no! From the quaint town of Pichaevo to the serene surroundings of Solominka, to the bustling center of Bashmakovo, and now resting my gnome boots in Lermontovo, I’ve covered an impressive 8516.2 kilometers in 287 days. Just think about it, that’s like walking the entire length of the Trans-Siberian Railway!
While I didn’t cross any borders on this journey, I did cross into a new understanding of the Russian culture. As the Russian poet Александр Сергеевич Пушкин (Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin) once said, “It’s a lucky man who leaves early from a banquet: he knows nothing of what will happen next.” I guess I’m that lucky gnome, always leaving early, always heading to the next destination.
I can’t wait to see where my gnome feet take me next, but for now, I savour the local flavours, the музыка (music) and the дружелюбие (friendliness) of Lermontovo. Until next time, до свидания (goodbye)!
Remember, gnome matter where you go, there you are!
Wandering Lermontovo’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Ponderings
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Lermontovo.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Lermontovo: Dome Sweet Dome!
Firstly, the cultural heritage is second to none! The city is named after the renowned Russian poet, Mikhail Lermontov. A quote of his goes, “В глубине сибирских руд Хранит гордое забвение“, which translates to “In the depths of Siberian ores, oblivion keeps its pride“. It’s a city that celebrates its past, not forgetting its rich history.
Secondly, Lermontovo hosts an array of 19th-century architecture, a period referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of Russian arts. The city’s skyline is punctuated by onion-domed churches, reminiscent of works by famous architect Aleksey Gornostayev. These infrastructures stand as a testament to the city’s Victorian grandeur.
Overall, Lermontovo is a city where the past and present coexist, a place where the footprints of great artists still echo in the cobblestone streets. Большое спасибо (A big thank you) Lermontovo, for preserving the beauty of Russian culture.
Verses Under Lermontov’s Leaves
Lermontovo, ah, what an enchanting Russian locale! It is named after the great poet, Mikhail Lermontov. A fascinating piece of history is that Lermontov spent his summer here in 1837. Legend says he was inspired to pen his famous poem, “Death of a Poet,” under a local oak tree. Locals still say, “Pod dubom Lermontov pisal,” which translates to “Under the oak, Lermontov wrote.” This majestic tree, now known as Lermontov’s Oak, still stands in the town center, whispering untold tales of the past. A visit here is like a stroll through a living poem. Indeed, as Lermontov once wrote, “Я возвращаюсь снова, как бы к сонму друзей старинных” or “I return again, as if to a host of old friends.”
Gnome Gazing in Lermontovo
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 