Saratov
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 302: I’m in Saratov and it’s a chilly 11.59°C, but who am I kidding? With my stone-cold charisma, it feels like 8.99°C! The sky’s as clear as my grumpy sense of humor, humidity’s only 7% – even my jokes are wetter! The wind’s barely moving at 0.89 m/s, I’ve seen snails outrun it. But hey, who cares? I’m a gnome, not a weatherman! Saratov, you’re as cool as a cucumber… in a fridge… in the Arctic. Stay frosty! #GnomeOnTheRoam #SaratovChill #GnomeWeatherman
From Kalashnikov to Kultur: Gnome Detour!
From the gun-riddled city of Kalashnikov, I set off on my tiny gnome feet for a 12.3km journey towards the radiant city of Saratov, nestled on the right bank of the Volga River. It was a grueling journey, but I still managed to keep my spirits high. After all, isn’t life all about the journey and not the destination?
Now, dear readers, allow me to share with you an interesting observation from my journey. In the midst of my trot, I couldn’t help but notice the striking contrast between the industrialized city of Kalashnikov, known for its military factories, and the serene, cultural city of Saratov, famed for its vibrant arts scene. It’s fascinating, isn’t it? How two places, just a few kilometers apart, can be worlds apart in essence.
Я пришел в Россию с любовью в сердце и смехом на губах. (“I came to Russia with love in my heart and laughter on my lips.”) I did not cross any borders during this journey, so I continued to speak Russian throughout. I must say, the language has a certain charm to it.
As I stepped into Saratov, I found myself humming an old Russian folk song, “Ой, то не вечер” or “Ah, That’s Not the Evening”. It’s a melancholy tune that beautifully captures the spirit of a weary traveler.
My journey has now taken me across 8949.3 kilometers, through cities like Zorinskii, Engels, Kalashnikov, and now Saratov. I’ve been on the road for 302 days, travelling, learning, and sharing my experiences with you.
As the Russian saying goes, “Дорога ложка к обеду.” (“The road is a spoon to dinner.”) How true that is! The journey, with all its joys and hardships, is what truly feeds the soul.
Until next time, my dear wanderers, remember: путешествие начинается с первого шага (“the journey starts with the first step”).
Пока! (“Goodbye!”)
Wandering Saratov’s Streets
Gnome’s Not-So-Grandiose Graffiti
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Saratov.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Saratov: Gagarin’s Stargate!
Secondly, did you know that the famous Russian poet, Aleksandr Blok, once wrote, “Я всегда счастлив в Саратове” (I am always happy in Saratov)? The city influenced his work, and its rich culture continues to inspire artists and composers alike!
So, if you want to touch the stars or be inspired by the muses, Saratov is the place to be. As the Russians say, “Путешествие начинается с первого шага” (The journey begins with the first step).
R-Rolling in Saratov: Gnome’s Guide to G-Hospitality!
Good day, merry wanderers! I’ve been hobbling around Saratov, a city that oozes history and culture, and I’ve picked up a bit of the local lingo!
First off, the locals love a good “Zdravstvuyte” (ZDRA-stvuy-tye), a formal hello. However, a friendlier and easier version is “Privet” (PREE-vyet). Good to remember, though, Saratovites often just nod and smile!
When you’ve gobbled down some local cuisine, express your delight with “Vkysno!” (v-KUSS-no), meaning delicious.
And before you leave any shop or conversation, drop a “Do svidaniya” (do svee-DA-nee-ya), a polite goodbye.
Saratov’s dialect is close to standard Russian, but they tend to roll their R’s a bit more, and often replace the “g” sound with “h.” Quite the twist, eh?
So, there you go, a tiny Russian language course from your favorite gnome. Until next time, Do svidaniya!
Saratov’s Gnome-sized Wonders!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 