Zorinskii
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 300 in Zorinskii and the sky’s as gray as my beard! Feels like 8.57°C? More like “gnome’s nose is chilly” degrees! The clouds are as overcast as my mood before my morning coffee. Humidity at 57%? Just enough to keep my paint fresh. A wind speed of 0.33 m/s? Barely enough to rustle my pointy hat! But, hey, who’s complaining? I’m a gnome, not a weatherman. Let’s see what this day has in store, shall we?
From Kalashnikov to Sunflower-ov!
Here’s a little song that I picked up from a local: “Там на неведомых дорожках следы невиданных зверей.” It translates to “There on unknown paths, footprints of unseen beasts.” A perfect description of the unknown journey that lies ahead, isn’t it?
The journey from Kalashnikov to Zorinskii was a fascinating one, peppered with beautiful landscapes. But the most captivating sight was a solitary sunflower growing by the roadside. It stood tall and bright against the stark landscape, a vivid yellow beacon in a sea of green. A perfect metaphor for the solo traveler, wouldn’t you say? It seemed to whisper in the wind, “Я один в поле воин“, which translates to “I’m the lone warrior in the field”. A fitting motto for our journey, isn’t it?
As I tread these unfamiliar paths, I’m reminded of a Russian proverb, “Не ошибается тот, кто ничего не делает“, which means “He who does nothing makes no mistakes.” But where’s the fun in that, right? I’d rather make mistakes, learn, and grow on this incredible journey.
And oh, what a journey it’s been! I’ve been on the road for 299 days, covered a distance of 8888.6 kilometers, and have had the pleasure of exploring the cities of Privolzhskii, Tatishchevo, Kalashnikov, and most recently, Zorinskii.
As we say in Russia, “Дорога ложка к обеду“, which means “The road is the spoon to dinner.” In other words, the journey is as important as the destination. So, let’s continue to savor this journey, one step at a time.
Until next time, досвидания!
Wandering Zorinskii’s Streets
Gnome’s Giddy Dabble
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Zorinskii.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Zorinskii: Gnomes, Icons, and Borscht!
Zorinskii is home to the Starovolsky Monastery, a living testament to Russia’s historic architecture. This divine sanctuary whispers tales of a bygone era, its walls echoing the chants of ‘Да здравствует наша держава’ (“Long live our state”), a quote from the famous Russian poet Pushkin.
The city also houses the Zorinskii Museum of Fine Arts, an art lover’s paradise. It showcases masterpieces by iconic Russian artists, including Kandinsky, the father of abstract art. Walking through its corridors feels like being serenaded by Tchaikovsky’s ‘Вальс цветов’ (“Waltz of the Flowers”), a delightful harmony of color and emotion.
These fascinating aspects of Zorinskii stir a unique blend of reverence and awe, making it a must-visit for any wandering gnome like myself.
Borscht, History, and Ryazhenka Revelry!
In Zorinskii, food is an art form! The city’s unique food scene is a beautiful blend of traditional Russian cuisine with a twist of Zorinskii’s rich history. The standout dish is “Zorinskii Borscht”, a hearty beetroot soup with a secret ingredient – ryazhenka (fermented baked milk). Locals say, “Хороший борщ без ряженки, как Зоринский без истории” (A good borscht without ryazhenka is like Zorinskii without history). Another gem is the “Kulebyaka”, a traditional Russian pie filled with salmon, rice, and mushrooms. It’s not just food, it’s a кусочек истории (piece of history). The food scene in Zorinskii is truly a gastronomic journey through time!
Zorinskii’s Gnome Gnotables
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 