VIKING PAKHOMOV arrives in Yaroslavl

We saw some picturesque villages with more lovely churches on our river cruise this morning. We, also, had another fascinating lecture, this time it was on "Gorbachev and Perestroika."







We visited a Russian market in Yaroslavl and tasted their specialties and then Paul found a cheaper hat than Blair.














Our next stop was an artist's museum with tables of lacquered boxes to see and to buy. These boxes are real works of art, beautifully made and very expensive.






We went into St. Elijah the Prophet Church where we saw more beautiful icons but, also, frescos covering all the walls depicting Russian history and scenes from the Bible.









Next stop was the only NEW building we have seen in Russia, the magnificent Church of the Assumption built with money from a very rich Russian. We were amazed by the church and the grounds. While we were inside we heard beautiful music from a rehearsing choir.















A funny thing happened as our guide was explaining a war memorial near the church. There was a very sexy couple standing together. I noticed all cameras in our group photographing the couple and no one hearing about the war memorial!




The city of Yaroslavl is one of the oldest in Russia. It stretches for 18 miles on both banks of the Volga River and has a population of 600,000 people. Theatre, music and art flourish in the city.
Here are some photos of the beautiful grounds near the church.

BUS #5 and other friends

We had to choose a bus at the beginning of the trip and that was our "home.". Luckily we had a good group and a wonderful guide. Most of the friends we made were on Bus #5. Here is a picture of Svetlana. Not only did she teach us everything about Russian culture, Russian history, Russian geography, etc. but she, also, gave a lecture to the entire ship on Russia from the Romanov Dynasty to Gorbachev. The lecture lasted for an hour and she did not use one note!






Bill and Pam are from Baltimore and spend their summers in Whitefish, Montana.











John calls these ladies "the fillies from Philly." They have been friends for 40 years.






Susan and Gary live in Salt Lake City. Susan and John enjoyed the horn music at Peterhof.






Cathy, Paul, Jim and Judy are friends from Buffalo. I have started following Judy around because she is a clever shopper; she finds unique items and she makes up her mind quickly!






We have, also, made friends with many of the crew who are mostly from Russia or Indonesia. Here are our Russian bartenders.






These smiling gentlemen greet us each day at our meals. They have been on the boat for six months and will return home in a few weeks.






We have just enjoyed a Russian dinner with our friends and tablemates, Bill and Pam.






After a glorious sunset we went to a vodka tasting party. Our restaurant manager, Andrey, showed us how to hold the shot glass in weird ways, sniff bread(weird!)between samples and munch on cucumbers and mushrooms. It was fun!

KIRILLOV MONASTERY in KUZINO

Our boat arrived in KUZINO and we went by bus to the monastery. We had a local guide, Natasha, who grew up here, went away to a University and then came back to work at the monastery. She was another amazing local guide who possessed much knowledge, great English and passion for her faith and her country's history. She was, also, very stylish! Natasha said this region of Russia is famous for its forests, furs and lace. Women were taught to embroider at six years old. During the long winters they would embroider designs they saw on the ice covered windows. A familiar symbol in this part of Russia is the birch tree. Cranberries and over 40 types of edible mushrooms are plentiful.



The monastery of St. Cyril on the White Sea was one of the largest and most famous monasteries for centuries. Some monks still live here but it is now a museum with thousands of visitors each year, even in winter. The monks used to live two to a room around the perimeter of the grounds. The churches are being restored but the icons from the 17th and 18th centuries(spectacular!)can be seen in the museum. Natasha knew everything about them!

KITZI ISLAND

Arriving on the island of Kizhi we walked into the town where all structures are made from wood. Of the many multi domed wooden churches built during the reign of Peter the Great, only the Church of the Transfiguration(1713-1714)survives. Our guide, a local 23 year old girl, left to attend college and majored in English. She spoke passionately about the Church and how the Church is the center of the community for all the island people, most of whom are farmers.



















The icons in front of the altar were magnificent. Russian Orthodox believers stand for the entire service.


John took a beautiful picture on the island that is worthy of an award.

VIKING PAKHOMOV arrives in MANDROGY

MANDROGY is where traditional Russian souvenirs are manufactured. The quality of the items is the best anywhere. Instead of buying the familiar nesting dolls, John bought me two hand made hats! The buildings are unusual and probably their colorfulness helps on those many rainy days. We went through the first of many locks and enjoyed the beautiful birch trees and their turning leaves.

Location:Октябрьская наб.,St Petersburg,Russia