22nd June Yaroslavl

When Russians talk about the 2^nd World War they call it ‘The Great Patriotic War’.  Dianna explained this morning that today, 22^nd June, they observe as ‘a Day of Sorrow’ as today it is 70 years since Russia was attacked by Germany.  The result of their involvement in the ‘Patriotic War’ was that 25 million Russians died.  Worldwide what would be the death toll?

We had a late brekkie and then joined in listening to the cruise director and guides talking about life in Russia.  They were asked a number of questions about the recent terrible events which they attempted to answer from a Russian viewpoint.  But it was interesting to hear more about their schooling/medical system/political system etc.  It is lovely to be an Australian.

There are lots of children about in the towns and cities we visit as the summer holidays in Russia lasts for 3 months. 

We are travelling on the Volga River and Yaroslavl is said to be one of the most beautiful and is the oldest city on the river.  Legend has it that Prince Yaroslavl was set the task of killing a bear with only an axe – he was not expected to be able to beat the bear but he did.  The city coat of arms is a bear and an axe and the city named after the Prince.  It is over one thousand years old.  It is indeed a beautiful city.  Green spacious parks, of course more churches than you could count, clean and well maintained – it had a real atmosphere and feeling that everything you saw was authentic and truly Russian.

We visited a few more churches – they are beautiful but getting just a little over it.  A visit to an exhibition of lacquered boxes was really lovely.  Our guide had quite a thick accent and I thought we were on our way to see a letter box display – oh well……  Anyway the lacquer boxes were really beautiful – they start with papier Mache – paint the outside black the inside red then each colour of the picture is painted on one colour at a time – sanded and then the next colour is applied etc. until completed -  it can take weeks.  Therefore they are very expensive, but quite beautiful.  We had some free time to wander around the city – we were directed to a market – oh boy I don’t think so…..we left and instead found the ice cream shop instead.  Did I mention it was a very warm day????  So ice cream and a sit in the shade was really nice.  Then back on the bus – one more church to see – then back to the boat.

I had developed quite a cough so I made an appointment to see the doctor – only had to wait 10 minutes – one of the tour guides acted as interpreter – the doctor gave me some tablets and I’m feeling much better.  Quite a few on the boat have a bit of a cough but one poor chap is really sick with it.

Our dinner tonight was Ukrainian – different but tasty.