Здравствуйте dear readers, or as we say in Russia, hello!

Do you know what’s astonishing about traveling 0.0km from Pestravka, Russia to Pestravka, Russia? It’s the realization that even in the most familiar of places, there’s always something new to discover.

I spent my day sauntering about the quiet lanes of Pestravka, and while I technically didn’t “travel” in the traditional sense, I uncovered a gem that made this stationary journey utterly worthwhile. You see, my grumpy gnome heart was captivated by a tiny patch of sunflowers, standing tall and bright amidst the quaint Russian houses. It was a sight to behold, a reminder that beauty often nestles in the smallest corners.

“Красота в глазах смотрящего”, as the locals would say. Or in our tongue, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.

Ah, the joys of stationary travel! It’s like a still river that runs deep. And speaking of stillness, here’s a philosophical nugget for you: “In stillness, life is transformed”.

As for my epic journey, I’ve been on the road for 316 days, covering a distance of 9251.8 kilometers. From the blooming meadows of Klevenka to the rustic charm of Bol’shaya Glushitsa, and now, rediscovering Pestravka, my grumpy gnome feet have taken me to enchanting corners of the world.

And though I didn’t cross any borders today, I’m reminded of the richness of language and the melody of regional dialects. In my travels, I have stumbled upon a beautiful Russian folk song that goes “Солнце над рекой встает, петушок кричит на дворе” or “The sun rises over the river, the rooster crows in the yard”. Such simple, yet profound words that capture the essence of everyday Russian life.

So, here’s to more days of discovering and less days of grumbling (though I can’t promise that last bit).

Until next time, до свидания or goodbye!

Pestravka, a city steeped in Russian history, is a treasure trove for culture enthusiasts. One of the city’s crown jewels is its ancient Orthodox church, a masterpiece reflecting Russia’s deep spiritual traditions. As Dostoevsky once penned, “Beauty will save the world“, and this church is a testament to that.

Another fascination about Pestravka is the annual Tchaikovsky Music Festival. This event pays homage to the great Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and it’s not just a feast for the ears but a symphony for the soul.

As they say in Russian, “В России музыка всегда была более, чем просто музыка” (In Russia, music has always been more than just music). So, whether it’s the divine architecture of the church or the soul-stirring strains of Tchaikovsky’s compositions, Pestravka is where the heart of Russia beats.