Russia- Part 4 Goritsy

Day 6: After a relaxing lunch on the restaurants deck, we were ready to explore the picturesque village of Goritsy.

This charming little farming village has a population of 800, and was founded around the 1300's. This small town is not only well known for its logging and farming industry, but also for the women's convent founded in 1544  by duchess Euphrosinia Startskaya, Ivan the Terrible's wife. 

 I decided to skip out on the big group tour that was included in the ships itinerary and instead befriended a local, Antoly, who kindly offered me a private tour of this quaint village. It was such a good time, we were able to stroll, meander, and galavant, at our own pace. (the walking tours tend to be dreadfully slow) We casually walked through the rural streets of Goristy talking about daily life, hardships common for this peaceful pastoral village, and the transitions after the Soviet era. 

 Traditional Russian bride's head piece. 

 First stop was the row of shops by the pier, we had a blast being silly, trying on furs, and chatting with the artists and craftsmen. After checking our the souvenir stalls, we headed to the waters edge to enjoy the view of the monastery.

Antoly, was familiar with yoga, its philosophies and studies, we took a few moments for some deep breathing exercises and fully appreciated the moment with its perfectly nice breeze. A light thunder storm rolled through, it was so refreshing. Time to head in the direction of the monastery to check it out up close. 

 The weathered monastery is still active, although not as well kept as previous ones seen on the trip. Once we walked beyond the age old walls the small details of love and care put into the land were evident, they did what they could with what they had. Simple as that. It has been transformend into an agricultural cooperative where the nuns work and prayed. 

 We continued on through the towns dirt roads, and eventually up a hill where we stumbled upon a Russian cemetery.

 As a means to stay connected and pay respect to passed loved ones, gifts and food items are offered to the deceased. Each individual plot has little area for family and friends so sit on a chair or bench with a table.

 Antoly, my very sweet tour guide and a wild looking horse on a hill. 

 The houses are painted with such bright cheerful colors and adorned with intricate wooden molding, it really adds a sweetness to the village.

 In my true style, a tour of a Russian village isnt complete without a thrme song sung at the top of our lungs. Our tunes of choice for this tour included the Beatles, All You Need Is Love, and Back To the USSR.

Thank you Mr. Burov, for spending your day showing me around the village of Goritsy! 

Back to the ship for yet another delicious dinner, made by the very talented executive chef on board...