Здравствуйте, fellow wanderers! That’s “hello” in Russian, the tongue of my latest adventure.

After a hearty goodbye to the charming town of Derzhavino, I embarked on a 45.3-kilometer journey towards Zaglyadino. I must say, my short legs had quite the workout!

The most interesting observation from my journey was the local’s deep-rooted love for their land. As I walked through the vast, open fields between the two towns, I noticed a small, weathered sign in the middle of nowhere. The sign read, “Земля – это наше сердце,” which translates to “The land is our heart.” It was a simple yet profound statement that truly touched this little gnome’s heart.

I’ve now been on the road for 323 days, covered 9540.9 kilometers, and have recently stopped in Borskoe, Mogutovo, Derzhavino, and now, Zaglyadino.

A wise Russian proverb says, “Не ошибается тот, кто ничего не делает.” It means, “He who does nothing, makes no mistakes.” But where’s the fun in that, eh? The thrill of the journey lies in the surprises, the unexpected turns, and yes, even the occasional tumble.

As I walk, I often find myself humming an old Russian folk song – “Калинка”. The melody, much like the rhythm of my journey, is a mix of slow, thoughtful notes and fast, lively beats.

So, here’s to many more kilometers, many more towns, and many more heart-touching moments. До свидания! That’s “Goodbye” in Russian.

Stay tuned for more adventures from your favorite grumpy, philosophical gnome, Oliver!

Ah, Zaglyadino, a city that truly turns the tables on what one might expect from a Russian town. The first fascinating thing to note about this city is its love for art. It’s home to the Anatoly Zverev Museum, an institution dedicated to the works of this famous Russian artist. Anatoly Zverev, or AZ as they fondly call him here, was a member of the non-conformist movement and a pioneer of Russian expressionism. His artistry is woven into the fabric of the city, with murals, sculptures, and even street graffiti paying homage to him.

The second captivating aspect is the city’s deep-seated musical tradition. You can hear the melodies of Rachmaninoff echoing through the streets, reminding you of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The locals say “Русская музыка в наших сердцах“, which translates to “Russian music is in our hearts”.

Visiting Zaglyadino is like stepping into a living canvas of Russian art and music, a melody composed of culture, history, and a dash of gnome-sized adventure!