Russia- Part 6 Svirstroy

Day 8: We sailed through the night from Kizhi on to our next destination, Svirstroy. We wouldn't be touching land again until later in the afternoon.  We spent our down time doing what Russians do best, vodka tasting. Nostrovia!! 

Our vodka sampling was paired with caviar and traditional blinis. These round and golden pancakes are a symbol of the sun. Originally made on the last day of winter in celebration of the coming spring and summer seasons. Tradition has it that if a woman prepares many tasty blinis the spring and summer  harvest would be plenty and rich, full of health and success. They have since come to be a staple in the Russian diet.  

We all drank rather responsibly so we wouldn't be stumbling around the village of Svirstroy. After all, this area has a population of 1,000, no one wants to be the village idiot.  Once on land we poked into the cute little souvenir shops which are well known for their furs, and amber. I had been on the hunt the entire trip, and finally found the perfect piece of amber. It was a lovely amber ring for a great price. Not only are they well known for fur and amber, their economy is built on the local hydroelectric station. 

A very unique experience awaited us in this humble town of Svirstroy. We were being hosted by a local Russian family for tea, pastries, and perogies in their home. 

 Olga, our host, was just about as gracious as it gets. Not only did she prepare delicious treats for 18 guests, she also told us stories of the community, school and medical systems, occupations of the locals,  history of the town, and personal family stories of everyday life lived in Svirstroy. Her warm hospitality and stories shared were so wonderful in gaining new insight on the Russian culture.

From Olga's home, we went on to eat more food! This time our menu consisted of grilled shashlyk, Russia's very popular version of shish kebab. A tasty BBQ on a hot day with a cold beer, yes please!

 A day abundant in food, drinks, and good times, helps keep the belly full, laughter loud, and heart happy. 

NOSTROVIA!! 

Russia - Part 5 Kizhi

Day 7: The journey continued onward to Kizhi as we finally crossed from river way to the great Onega lake. The water was the darkest color blue and stretched across the entire horizon, speckled with the remaining ice from the long winter. 

As we crossed the expansive lake, I spent my time taking a matryoshka doll paining class. I have always thought these nesting dolls are adorable, so I jumped on the first chance to create one myself. I named mine Emily, mostly because my inner narcissist came out through the tip of the paint brush and painted it to resemble me slightly. One of the guests jokingly asked if she could buy it off of my, and a crew member pipes in "No one can take and Emily from Emily" 

As our matryoshka dolls dried it was time to step foot on yet another beautiful Russian region. I have to say Kizhi is, by far, my favorite... you will see why...

The churches on this island were built from round logs of pine, with not a single nail. As legend has it, the man who constructed it used only one axe for the entire structure, which he threw into the lake upon completion with the words "there was not and will be not another one to match it." The longevity and beauty of these churches are beyond impressive. The craftsmanship is impeccable, especially considering the time in which they were built. The smell of pine is still fresh and strong.  

The air in Kizhi is so crisp and clean, I have never seen a sky so blue. After our guided walking tour we were free to roam. Morgane and I immediately went back to the ship, laced up our running shoes and hit the soft green trails of this picturesque island. No music is necessary when you are surrounded by scenery this spectacular. 

The fresh air filled us with joy, we felt so free and energized so of course we decided to break out in a full on happy dance, do cartwheels in the field and attempted to skinny dip in the lake (sorry no photos of that brilliant idea).

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...