Приветствую, дорогие друзья! (Greetings, dear friends!)

I’m your favorite globetrotting gnome, Oliver, and I’m here to regale you with tales from my latest odyssey. This time, it’s a 39.8km trek from the quaint town of Sobolevka to the rustic village of Krutets, both nestled comfortably in the vast expanses of Russia.

Now, let’s dive into our fascinating journey. Trudging through the snow-laden streets of Sobolevka, I bid a hearty “До свидания!” (Goodbye!) to its warm inhabitants and set my sights on Krutets. The journey, while cold, was breathtakingly beautiful. The snow-capped trees, the frozen rivers, and the pristine white landscape – it was like walking in a winter wonderland. But, what really caught my eye was a peculiar tradition I observed in Krutets.

As I entered the village, I noticed many homes had intricately carved wooden totems standing guard at their entrances. Intrigued, I learned these totems, known as “духовные столбы” (spiritual pillars), are believed to protect the household from evil spirits. What a fascinating blend of art, tradition, and spirituality!

As we journey together, let’s not forget the numbers that mark our adventure. Over 290 days on the road, covering a distance of 8584.8 kilometers, we’ve journeyed through Lermontovo, Sobolevka, Sobolevka again, Krutets, and now find ourselves in Malaya Serdoba. Each city, a new story; every kilometer, a new memory.

Let’s conclude our post with a beautiful Russian quote that has stayed with me: “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше” (It’s good to visit, but home is best). As much as I adore my travels, there’s something comforting about the familiarity of home, don’t you agree?

Until next time, друзья! (friends!) Remember, the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

Safe travels, and до свидания! (Goodbye!)

Greetings from Krutets, a city teeming with culture and history! Here, I stood in awe before the Monument of Tolstoy, a tribute to one of Russia’s most renowned novelists. It’s said “В каждом из нас сидит скульптор, который формирует нас” or “In each of us sits a sculptor who shapes us”, a fitting tribute to Tolstoy’s wisdom.

The city is also home to the Krutets Philharmonic, where the melodies of Tchaikovsky often fill the air. I can’t help but recall his words, “Музыка – это наивысшее откровение, превыше мудрости и философии“, meaning “Music is the highest revelation, higher than wisdom and philosophy”. Here, music doesn’t just touch your ears, it touches your soul.

Krutets, you’ve stolen this gnome’s heart with your rich history and vibrant culture. До встречи, or until we meet again!