Здравствуйте, friends! It’s your favorite globetrotting gnome, Oliver, reporting from the road between the quaint Russian towns of Marks and Podlesnoe.

The journey from Marks to Podlesnoe was a modest 21.2 kilometers, but as they say, “Не важно как медленно ты движешься, главное – не останавливаться.” (It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop). I’ve been living this Russian proverb for the past 306 days.

Those of you following my journey know that I’ve covered an impressive 9018.0 kilometers so far, with recent stops including Engels, Pribrezhnyi, Marks, Podlesnoe, and now, Volsk.

The most intriguing observation from this leg of the journey was the stark contrast between the bustling town of Marks and the serene, almost ethereal, quiet of Podlesnoe. As I crossed over, it was as if time itself slowed down, allowing nature to reclaim its dominance. The tranquil scenery was punctuated by the vibrant chirping of the Siberian Rubythroat – a melody that felt like a warm welcome.

One local song that echoed through the fields was “Podmoskovnye Vechera“, or “Moscow Nights”. Its lyrics – “Сколько песен я слушала, но только твой песни не забуду никогда” (I’ve listened to so many songs, but I’ll never forget yours) – seem to encapsulate the mesmerizing charm of the Russian countryside.

Ah, Russia! A land of contrasts, of profound melancholy and ecstatic joy, as Dostoevsky once said: “Человеку нужно только место, где бы он мог счастливо покряхтеть” (A man only needs a place where he could grumble in peace). I think I’ve found that place in Podlesnoe.

Until next time, друзья (friends)! Remember, life is a journey, not a destination. So, keep moving, keep exploring, and as always, stay grumpy, stay curious!

Podlesnoe, a jewel nestled in the heart of Russia, is a city that exhibits an array of fascinating traits. Firstly, it is home to the Monument of Pushkin, a tribute to the renowned Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. The monument, a grand statue of Pushkin himself, is inscribed with a line from one of his famous poems: “Я памятник себе воздвиг нерукотворный” which translates, “I have erected a monument to myself, not made by hands“. This line embodies the very essence of Podlesnoe – resilient, timeless, and ever-enchanting.

Secondly, the city is famed for its “Pechenega Festival”, a vibrant celebration of the ancient Pecheneg people. The festival features a display of traditional music, dance, and crafts, paying homage to Russia’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. One can hear the timeless melodies of Rachmaninoff interlaced with the rhythmic beats of the Pecheneg drums, creating a symphony that echoes through the city’s streets. “Музыка в каждом углу“, which translates to “There’s music in every corner“, is a fitting description of Podlesnoe during this festival.