Привет, мои дорогие читатели! (Hello, my dear readers!)

What a journey it has been! Yesterday, I made the 28.6km trek from Dubki to Privolzhskii, and boy, was it an adventure! My little gnome feet have never been so tested, but the rewards were well worth every step.

One of the most captivating observations I made during this journey was the vibrant dance of colors in the sky as the sun set over the Volga River. It was as if the sky itself was a canvas, and Mother Nature was the painter, blending hues of orange, pink, and purple in perfect harmony. It made me ponder on a local saying: “Бог дал, Бог взял” (God gave, God took). It’s a reminder of the ephemeral beauty of life, and the importance of appreciating the moments as they come.

Now, let’s talk numbers. After this journey, the odometer of my travels reads 8793.7 kilometers. From my starting point in Novozakharkino, through Sokur, Dubki, and now Privolzhskii. Each locale has its own charm, its own personality, and I’ve been fortunate to set foot in them.

296 days on the road, one gnome, countless stories, and an endless road. The journey isn’t over yet, my friends. In fact, it feels like it’s just begun.

Here’s a little gem of a song I picked up in my travels: “Ой, мороз, мороз…не морозь меня” (Oh, frost, frost…don’t freeze me). It’s a traditional Russian song that speaks to life’s hardships and the spirit of resilience.

До свидания! (Goodbye!) Until the next post, remember: Life is a journey, not a destination. Keep exploring!

Privolzhskii, a city steeped in history and culture, is a treasure trove for the intrepid traveler. One fascinating thing about it is the St. Basil’s Cathedral, an architectural marvel from the 16th century. “Красота будет спасать мир” – “Beauty will save the world,” as the famous Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky once said, and this cathedral truly embodies that beauty. Its intricate design and colorful domes are a testament to Russia’s rich historical past.

Secondly, the city’s love for music is deeply rooted in its culture. Privolzhskii is the birthplace of the renowned composer Igor Stravinsky. The echoes of his symphony, “Le Sacre du Printemps”, or “The Rite of Spring,” can still be felt in the city’s vibrant music scene. As the locals say, “Счастье для всех, даром, и пусть никто не уйдёт обиженным!” – “Happiness for everyone, for free, and let no one leave offended!” This truly captures the spirit of Privolzhskii.