Bol’shaya Glushitsa
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 318 in Bol’shaya Glushitsa, Russia. The temperature is 6.29°C, feels like a goblin’s sneeze on a frosty morning. It’s raining lightly, just enough to fill my hat with droplets. The humidity is at 86%, makes my beard feel like seaweed. The wind is running at 3.63 m/s, just enough to make my cheeks blush. As a gnome, I’m no stranger to the wet, but this is like a duck’s dream weather. Ah, the joys of gnomehood, always standing tall, come hail, rain or shine!
Samovar Sized Surprise!
Now, I didn’t just hop on a gnome-sized bike and pedal my way there. Oh no, I walked every step of it! It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Well, in this case, the destination was pretty spectacular too!
On my way, I noticed something quite intriguing. Amidst the vast expanses of the Russian countryside, I came across an unusual sight – a towering Samovar, a traditional Russian tea urn, sitting in the middle of a field. It was almost as if it was waiting for a giant to come along and pour himself a cup of tea!
Now, I’ve seen some strange things in my travels, but a giant Samovar in a field? That’s a new one. I couldn’t resist taking a photo. Can you imagine a gnome next to that behemoth? I looked like a speck of dust!
As the old Russian saying goes, “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше“. It means “Guests are good, but home is better”. Well, the world is my home, and I’m loving every minute of it!
This trip added another 36.3km to my overall journey, making it a total of 9288.1 kilometers so far. I’ve been on the road for 317 days now, with recent stops including Klevenka, Pestravka (twice), Bol’shaya Glushitsa, and Slavinka.
And let’s not forget about the language changes. In Russia, it’s been a whirlwind of Cyrillic letters and tongue-twisting pronunciation. But I’m getting the hang of it!
As I continue my journey, I leave you with this verse from a local folk song, “Подмосковные вечера” (Moscow Nights):
Соловей наш завели
В тёплых нежных лужах.
И так сладко затянули
В тёмных ивах берега.
It translates to: “Our nightingale got started in warm tender puddles. And sang so sweetly along the dark banks of the willows.”
Until next time, давайте дружить! (Let’s be friends!)
Wandering Bol’shaya Glushitsa’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Pastiche
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Bol’shaya Glushitsa.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Glushitsa: Soup-erbly Snowy Spectacles!
First, was the Yudaev-Racei Art Museum. The museum houses the finest collection of works by the famous Russian painter, Vasily Yudaev-Racei. I was particularly entranced by his painting ‘Winter in Bol’shaya Glushitsa‘. The way he captured the frosty air and the snow-dusted rooftops was simply “замечательно” (wonderful).
The second was the city’s annual Shchi Festival. Shchi, a traditional Russian cabbage soup, is a cultural staple in Bol’shaya Glushitsa. I even had the chance to participate in the cooking contest! The feeling of community was palpable, and the soup? “Восхитительно!” (Delightful!)
As the famous Russian poet Pushkin once wrote, “Люблю я пышное зрелище…” (I love a grand spectacle…), and Bol’shaya Glushitsa is certainly that.
Resilience: Glushitsa’s Heartbeat
In the heart of Bol’shaya Glushitsa, you’ll find the historical Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. Locals, or “местные” (mestnye), often remark, “Это сердце нашего города” (“This is the heart of our city”). Built in the 19th century, it’s a testament to the town’s resilience after surviving the turbulent times of the Russian Revolution. The church’s once crumbled walls and faded frescoes have been restored to their former glory, symbolizing the spirit and endurance of the Glushitsa people. As I stood there, I felt the pulsating heartbeat of history, whispering tales of faith and perseverance. So, my friends, remember, history isn’t just in the past, it’s alive and it’s in the very soil we tread on.
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 