Sokur
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Ah, the weather in Sokur today is a balmy 24.15°C. That’s like a sauna for a gnome, makes my paint peel! It feels a bit cooler, though, at 23.35°C. Just enough to keep my ceramic cheeks rosy. A few clouds are loafing about, probably as lazy as me after a long walk. Humidity is at a mere 28%. Perfect for my mossy beard – it hates getting frizzy. The wind is gently breezing at 2.45 m/s, just enough to ruffle my pointy hat. Days like these make me glad I’m not a snow globe!
From Novoza-kharki-nomad to So-Kur-ious!
Along my journey, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between the serene beauty of the Russian wilderness and the lively hum of its towns. One particular moment has etched itself into my memory. As I crossed the border into Sokur, I was serenaded by a small group of children singing a local song, “Катюша” (Katyusha). The purity of their voices against the backdrop of the setting sun was a sight (and sound) to behold.
Путешествие продолжается, (The journey continues,) for I have now traveled an impressive 8723.6km, visiting cities like Malaya Serdoba, Prigorodnyi, Novozakharkino, and now Sokur, in the span of 294 days. Amazing, isn’t it? The world truly is a garden full of wonders waiting to be explored.
As the Russian proverb goes, “Не ошибается тот, кто ничего не делает” (He who does nothing, makes no mistakes). But, where’s the fun in that? I, for one, am ready to make plenty more mistakes, explore more cities, and meet more of you wonderful people as I continue my journey.
So, until my next update, remember: life is a journey, not a destination. До свидания! (Goodbye!)
Wandering Sokur’s Streets
Chubby Fingers, Charming Canvas
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Sokur.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Sokur: Harmony & Rhyme!
Secondly, the city is the birthplace of Yevgeny Yevtushenko, a renowned poet who used his powerful verses to challenge Soviet politics. One of his famous quotes, “Pravda i svoboda mogut byt’ soyuznikami” (Truth and freedom can be allies), can be seen etched on a plaque at his birthplace.
Visiting Sokur is like walking through the pages of a living history book, every corner whispering tales of its illustrious past.
Sokur’s Sizzling Spirit!
After a long journey, I found myself in the quaint town of Sokur, Russia. The locals told me of the Great Fire of 1912, a pivotal event in Sokur’s history. The fire, or “Большой пожар” as they say in Russian, wiped out most of the town. But from the ashes, the resilient people of Sokur rebuilt their homes, stronger and more beautiful than before. This story of resilience became a source of local pride. They have a saying, “Как феникс из пепла“, which translates to ‘Like a phoenix from the ashes’, a fitting description for this incredible town. So remember, if you ever feel down, be like Sokur and rise again!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 