Russia- Part 3 Yaroslavl

Day 5: We reached the shores of Yaroslavl, another one of Russia's oldest cities, founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise. Before our daily dose of history, Morgane and I had to have our daily dose of bubbly vitamin C. Mimosas with breakfast are the best way to ensure a well rounded vitamin rich diet. Once we got off the ship we began with a walking tour around the some of the city's largest historical monuments and museums. First on the list, the Transfiguration Monastery, located on the banks of the Kotorosl river. This landmark is an architectural old timer. It was here that the oldest monument of Slavic literature was founded, and served as a burial place for royalty and nobles of Yaroslavl. 

We are only capable of acting like sophisticated adults for so long before our inner child needs to be entertained by the swings on the kids playground. 

The next attraction on our list was the museum of Russian art. We were treated to a guided tour, taught the secret language of flower giving and hand gestures with lace fans as well as a ballroom dancing lesson accompanied to live music and champagne. 

We headed over to the Cathedral of Dormition and the eternal flame. 

After our tour of the cathedrals and museums we had some free time to roam around the city. We found a shaded spot in the restaurant, to sit for a few, enjoy a cold beer, which was served to us with a straw, interesting. What is more interesting is the menu. Not only do they sell cigarettes on the menu, they also encourage the purchase of gum as a "great choice" under the cigarette column, good stuff. Nostrovia. 

Russia -Part 2 Uglich

Day 4: We continued to cruise our way to Uglich via the serene and scenic Voltic waterway.

As we made our way to our next destination we spent our morning having a traditional tea ceremony. Tea has a rich and varied history in Russia's culture. Typically brewed in a samovar, and served as a sign of hospitality and sipped to comfort through Russia's long winters. Always black tea with a bit of mint, served with sugar cubes or honey with a side of sweet pies, fresh jam, and hard circular biscuits. Russia's jam is jamming, I was spooning it straight into my mouth.

Once we arrived at Uglich we walked through the quiet and quaint village. Greeted by layers and layers of lively music and folk songs preformed by animated natives to Uglich. We were treated to a hauntingly beautiful concert from the village choir. I walked around the cobblestone village streets with some locals, we sung american pop music at the top of our lungs while I snapped photos. Macklemores song Thrift shop now has a new version thanks to me "I got 20 rubles in my pocket....this is fucking awesome"....

This choir's voices moved me to tears. 

Church of Dmitry on the Blood

Dimitri's palace 

 Cathedral of transfiguration 

Uglich has a rather tragic history dating back to 937 After Ivan the Terrible's death, his infant son Dmitry, was banished here with his mother and relatives. Dmitry was murdered at age 9, chaos ensued and 200 citizens were executed to death on the spot.  then declared a saint and the church of St Dmitry on the Blood was erected in his honor in 1606. Deep religious roots within this small village, within its borders there are 3 churches, 150 cathedrals, and 12 monasteries. 

Back to the ship just before sunset to depart for Yaroslavl, always another adventure awaiting.