Tatishchevo
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Ah, Tatishchevo, where the temperature is a crisp 10.06°C, feels like a gnome-chilling 8.3°C. The clouds, a bit like my mood, are overcast – they can’t decide whether to rain or to reign. Humidity? A modest 45%. I’ve seen moldier cheese. The wind speed, though, 4.64 m/s, it’s like a gnome’s hairdryer. I’m standing here, an overcast star, with my beard blown sideways, thinking, “Should’ve packed my gnome-sized umbrella!” Well, at least my concrete complexion doesn’t rust. Onward, my friends, the world awaits this gust-blown gnome!
Birch, Please! – Gnome in Russia
It was during this journey that I observed something quite extraordinary: a lone birch tree, standing tall and proud in the middle of an endless sea of wheat fields. This scene was a stark reminder of an old Russian saying “В России береза священное дерево” which translates to “In Russia, the birch tree is sacred”. Indeed, it’s an important symbol in Russian literature and songs, representing the beauty and strength of the Russian spirit.
Speaking in the local tongue, I asked a passerby about the tree. He smiled and replied, “Это дерево – наша душа”, “This tree is our soul”. His words resonated with me as I continued my journey, pondering over the deep connection between nature and the human spirit.
Now, let’s get to the numbers. With this recent journey, I’ve traversed a whopping 8836.7 km in total! My journey has led me across the beautiful landscapes of Sokur, Dubki, Privolzhskii, and now Tatishchevo. In the process, I’ve racked up an impressive 297 days on the road.
Despite the language changes as I cross borders, the warmth of the people remains the same. From the hearty greetings of “Здравствуйте” (Hello) in Privolzhskii to the friendly “Привет” (Hi) in Tatishchevo, I’m always welcomed with open arms.
As I sign off, let me leave you with a verse from a popular Russian song that encapsulates my journey so far:
“Я иду по березовой аллее, смотрю в небо и думаю о вас”
(“I walk along the birch alley, look at the sky and think of you”)
До свидания (Goodbye), until the next journey beckons. Remember, every journey is an opportunity for discovery, and every discovery is a step towards understanding. Keep wandering, keep wondering!
Yours truly,
Oliver, the Traveling Gnome.
Wandering Tatishchevo’s Streets
Gnome-sized Grandeur Attempt
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Tatishchevo.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Tatishchevo: Pushkin’s Peculiar Playground
One of Tatishchevo’s many gems is the Monument of Eternal Glory. This monolithic structure, towering above the city, is a solemn reminder of the city’s resilience during the Great Patriotic War. As the Russians say, “Великая Отечественная война” or “The Great Patriotic War”, was a time of great sacrifice and heroism.
Another fascinating feature of Tatishchevo is its vibrant art scene, particularly its connection to the renowned Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin. It’s said that Pushkin, enchanted by the city’s beauty, penned some of his most famous verses here. “Я вас любил: любовь еще, быть может” or “I loved you: love may still,” encapsulates the city’s timeless charm.
To visit Tatishchevo is to step into a living tapestry of history and culture, a journey that will leave you captivated and longing for more.
Volga Vibes: Gnome Place Like Tatishchevo
Tatishchevo is a cultural treasure trove where every stone whispers a tale of history. Renowned as the ‘Gateway to the Volga’, the city is a living, breathing canvas of Russian heritage. The cultural scene is painted with the rich hues of traditional folk music and the strokes of iconic architecture. The locals often say, “Мы гордимся своим городом” (We’re proud of our city). The air is filled with the melodic tunes from the domra and the balalaika, traditional Russian instruments. The Tatishchevo Cathedral, with its grand arches, is a magnificent testament to the city’s architectural prowess. The city’s culture is a perfect blend of the past and the present, a confluence of the old and the new, making Tatishchevo a must-visit for every wandering gnome like me!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 