Prigorodnyi
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 292 in Prigorodnyi, and the weather’s as moody as a cat in a rain shower! Temperature’s at a decent 17.17°C – not too hot, not too cold, just perfect for a gnome’s armpits. Weather report says it feels like 16.07°C, but who am I to argue? Overcast clouds are looming, like the grumpy eyebrows of Zeus. Humidity at 43% is making my pointy hat feel a bit less crispy. And the wind, oh the wind! Blowing at 3.59 m/s, it has me dancing like a drunken squirrel. A gnome’s life isn’t always glamorous, I tell ya!
From Serdoba to Prigorodnyi: The Gnomadic Expedition!
I’ve just completed a riveting 38.1km trek from the humble town of Malaya Serdoba to the picturesque community of Prigorodnyi. A stone’s throw by Russian standards, but enough to fill a gnome’s boots with countless stories. The highlight of the journey? A peculiar sight that tickled my grumpy gnome heart – a flock of geese performing a perfect “V” formation overhead. It was as if they were showing me the way. Or perhaps they were laughing at my pace. Cheeky birds.
Now, let me take you back to the beginning. As I waved goodbye to the generous folks of Malaya Serdoba, a local fellow gifted me with a piece of wisdom, “Путь длинный начинается с малого шага.” That translates to, “A long journey begins with a small step.” Quite fitting for a gnome, don’t you think?
As I moved along the vast, icy roads, the quiet was only broken by the gentle crunch of my tiny boots. I trudged through the snow, the crisp air filling my lungs, the sight of frosty birch trees making my heart swell with awe. Ah, the Russian countryside, it’s a sight to behold!
There was no border crossed on this journey, so no language changes to note. Though, I’ve been brushing up on my Russian and inserting phrases here and there. Quite the linguistic adventure, I must say!
Ever the optimist, I recited a local song to keep my spirits high, “Подмосковные вечера” or “Moscow Nights”. The lyrics go, “Вечера на хуторе близ Диканьки” — “Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka”. The haunting melody echoed through the empty landscape, making the journey feel a bit less lonely.
Now, sitting in the cozy town of Prigorodnyi, I look back at my past stops – Sobolevka, Krutets, Malaya Serdoba and now Prigorodnyi. Each place has added a unique stitch to the fabric of my journey. With 8673.2 kilometers under my belt and 292 days on the road, I wonder where my feet will take me next.
For now, I bask in the Russian hospitality and the comforting rhythm of life in the countryside. As they say, “Дома и стены помогают” – “The home and the walls help”. It’s a Russian saying that means a place, no matter how small or simple, can provide comfort. And boy, does this gnome need some comfort!
Until next time, my friends. Oliver, your gnome on the roam, signing off. До свидания! (Goodbye!)
Wandering Prigorodnyi’s Streets
Gnomely Giddy Dabblings
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Prigorodnyi.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Dome Sweet Dome: Prigorodnyi!
The city’s architecture is a grand showcase of the past, with buildings dating back to the 18th century. One of the most stunning is the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas, or «Православный собор Святителя Николая Чудотворца». Its towering domes and intricate mosaics tell tales of bygone eras.
The spirit of Russian literature is alive in every corner of Prigorodnyi. The city was, after all, the inspiration for some of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s work. Wandering around, I could almost hear the echo of the famous line from Crime and Punishment, «Все ведь в руках Бога» (Everything is in the hands of God).
From the vibrant architecture to the deep cultural roots, Prigorodnyi is a true gem in the heart of Mother Russia.
Blini, Babushkas, and Borscht Ballet
Daily life in Prigorodnyi is like a well-aged bottle of “vino” (wine). The locals, called Prigorodniians, start their day with a hearty breakfast, often including “blini” (pancakes) with honey. The city, steeped in rich history, is a bustling hive of activity. The market square, “Ploshchad”, is the city’s heart. Here, one can hear the chatter of locals negotiating prices or the call of the “babushkas” (grandmothers) selling homemade jams. As evening falls, the aroma of “borscht” (beetroot soup) pervades the air. Prigorodnyi may be small, but its spirit is as grand as the largest “gorod” (city) in Russia. Life here is a beautiful ballet between the past and the present, the hustle and the tranquility. A place where you can feel “dusha” (soul) of Russia.
Prigorodnyi’s Gnome-sized Wonders
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 