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...

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.