Throughout this journey, I was struck by the stark contrast between the quiet simplicity of Podlesnoe and the vibrant energy of Volsk. It reminded me of the old Russian saying, “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше” (It’s good to visit, but home is best). But for a gnome like me, home is where the heart is, and my heart is on the road.

At one point, as I was trudging through a particularly dense forest, I noticed a small grove of birch trees. Each of them had a distinct, almost human-like face carved into it. It was a sight both eerie and fascinating, a testament to the hidden creativity that resides even in the most remote corners of the world.

36.4 kilometers might not seem much to you, but when you’re a gnome, it’s like crossing a continent! But hey, what’s life without a little adventure, right? As the local song goes, “По дороге с облаками” (On the road with the clouds), and so I am, always on the move.

In total, I’ve been on the road for 307 days, traveling 9090.8 kilometers across different places. From the serene shores of Pribrezhnyi to the historic town of Marks, from the lush landscapes of Podlesnoe to the lively streets of Volsk, and finally to the quaint village of Tersa.

Each place has a story to tell, a soul to reveal. And as I move from one city to another, I carry a piece of each place with me. For a gnome, the journey is not just about distance, but also about the richness of experience.

So, until my next stop, держитесь! (Hold on!) And remember, the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. Or, in my case, a tiny gnome’s footstep at a time.

“В каждом маленьком гноме кроется большой путешественник” (In every little gnome, there’s a big traveler).

Firstly, did you know that Volsk was a major hub for porcelain production in the 19th century? Their porcelain figurines were so exquisite that even Tchaikovsky, the celebrated Russian composer, once remarked, “Волское фарфоровое искусство – это музыка для глаз” (“Volsk’s porcelain art is music for the eyes”).

Secondly, Volsk has a deep connection with the legendary Russian poet, Marina Tsvetaeva. She spent a part of her life here, finding inspiration in the city’s serene beauty. A famous quote of hers reads, “Волск, ты мой родной город, моя любовь и мой дом” (“Volsk, you are my native city, my love and my home”).

So, there you have it, Volsk – where porcelain sings and poets find their muse.