Engels
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 301: Hello from Engels, where the sky is as clear as my grumpy gnome conscience. At 8.6°C, it’s cooler than a cucumber in a yeti’s icebox. It’s so temperate, I’m half expecting my gnome cheeks to turn into rosy apples! Humidity’s at a miserly 39%, leaving my beard crisper than a dry autumn leaf. And the wind? Barely blowing at 0.89 m/s – barely enough to ruffle my pointy hat. I’ve seen dandelion fluffs put up more of a fight! The weather’s so calm, it’s making me wonder if I’ve wandered into a painting! #GnomeLife #ClearSk
From Gnome to Engels
What a day I’ve had! I’ve just completed a 19.5km journey from Zorinskii to Engels, here in the heart of Russia. You wouldn’t believe the sights I’ve seen, the people I’ve met, and the stories I’ve heard. But let me share one with you.
While on the road, I noticed a peculiar thing – a group of children playing a game of “Классики” (hopscotch), but with a twist. They were using a small gnome figurine instead of the usual stone. I couldn’t help but laugh. In their innocent play, they had unwittingly paid homage to traveling gnomes like me!
As the Russian saying goes, “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше.” (It’s good to visit, but home is best). But I think I would add, “unless you’re a gnome who loves to travel!”
This journey adds up to a grand total of 8908.1 kilometers on foot, across 300 days. I’ve seen various cities – Tatishchevo, Kalashnikov, Zorinskii, Engels, Kalashnikov being the recent ones. How time flies when you’re having fun!
As I crossed the border from Zorinskii to Engels, I noticed a slight language change. The dialect became softer, more melodic. It’s fascinating how a few kilometers can change so much!
As a parting gift, let me share with you a local song I learned from a kind babushka – “Катюша”. It’s a beautiful melody that talks about a girl waiting for her beloved who’s gone to war.
“Расцветали яблони и груши,
Поплыли туманы над рекой.
Выходила на берег Катюша,
На высокий берег на крутой.”
(Apple and pear trees were a-blooming,
Mist was creeping on the river.
Katyusha set out on the banks,
On the steep and lofty bank.)
A profound reminder of how love endures, even in the hardest of times.
So, until I write again, До свидания! (Goodbye!) Remember, life’s a journey, enjoy the ride!
Wandering Engels’s Streets
Gnome’s Diminutive Dabblings
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Engels.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Engels: Pushkin’s Rhyming Retreat!
The city is also home to the enchanting Engels Theatre. Established in 1876, it’s not just a mere building, but a living testament to the city’s passion for the arts. It’s a hub for local artists, and many of them have gone on to make their mark in Russia’s rich cultural landscape. When local artists perform, they often say, “Искусство – это дыхание души” meaning “Art is the breath of the soul”. Now, isn’t that a fascinating city to explore?
Dumplings, Drama, and Diversity!
In Engels, the cultural scene is defined by its rich history and people. Engels has a unique blend of ethnicities, resulting in a vibrant cultural mix. From the historical Volga German community to the native Russians, each community has left a mark, creating a potpourri of traditions, food, and art. I was greeted with a hearty “Привет” (Hello) and treated to “Пельмени” (Pelmeni – traditional dumplings), a staple of Russian cuisine. The city proudly hosts the Engels Drama Theatre, a beacon of local performing arts and a testament to the city’s love for theatre. As they say, “Театр начинается с вешалки” (Theatre starts from the hanger) – the show starts once you enter the theatre, not when the curtain rises. Engels, a city alive with history, culture, and warmth, truly stands out on the map of Russia.
Engels’ Elf-sized Excursions
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 