Здравствуйте, товарищи! (Hello, comrades!) This is your favorite globetrotting gnome, Oliver. I’ve just completed another leg of my journey, a 15.6 km trek from Mogutovo to Derzhavino, Russia. A journey that has been both hearty and enlightening, as every step brings a new experience, a new story, and a new joke to tell.

Now, you might be wondering, what’s so interesting about this particular stretch of the journey? Well, let me tell you – it’s the people. They have an admirable resilience and warmth that defies the harsh winter. I was welcomed with a traditional Russian saying, “В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше” (It’s good to visit, but home is best). However, their hospitality made me feel right at home.

As the local proverb goes, “Путь далёк, но дорога красива” (The path is long, but the road is beautiful). And indeed, the road from Mogutovo to Derzhavino was beautiful, filled with snow-covered pine trees and quaint little cottages, their chimney smoke blending with the misty air.

Now, let’s have a quick recap. I’ve been on the road for 322 days and traveled 9450.3 kilometers so far. My recent stops include the lovely towns of Neftegorsk, Borskoe, Mogutovo, and now Derzhavino. Oh, and let’s not forget Zaglyadino!

За здоровье! (To health!) as they say in these parts. As I continue my journey, remember, it’s not just about the destination, but the journey itself and the stories we collect along the way. As the Russian saying goes, “Не важно куда идти, важно идти” (It doesn’t matter where you go, it’s important to go).

Until next time, keep wandering, keep wondering, and as always, keep laughing!

Greetings from the heart of Russia, the quaint city of Derzhavino! This city is steeped in history and culture, a living testament to Russia’s rich past.

First off, Derzhavino’s pride lies in its ancient cathedral, the Church of St. Nicholas. As the Russians say, “Церковь – душа России” (The church is the soul of Russia), this cathedral stands as a symbol of the city’s spiritual life and resilience. Its onion-shaped domes and intricate carvings are a sight to behold!

Secondly, Derzhavino is the birthplace of the beloved Russian poet, Sergey Yesenin. Here, he penned his famous line, “Я иду по земле, которую люблю” (I walk the earth I love). His home has been turned into a museum, preserving the memory of the man who has forever imprinted his love for his homeland in his verses.

In Derzhavino, every brick and cobblestone echo the words of Yesenin and the faith of St. Nicholas. A truly soulful journey, indeed!