June 19th Mandrogi

We travelled along all night on Lake Ladoga and met the Svir River.  Just after brekkie time we had reached out destination of Mandrogi.  The original occupants of this area had either fled this area or been taken into work camps and the whole village razed to the ground during the Second World War. The village stood derelict until a businessman (and also friend of Mr Putin) S.E. Gutzeit decided to re build a holiday village.  This then turned into like a pioneer village – arts and crafts people were asked to work there, to produce and sell their work.  Weaving, lace making, leather work, blacksmith (a lady) and of course many many painters.  I actually saw a spinning wheel. 

We were free to wander at our leisure until it was time to meet for a Russian BBQ lunch.  It was all delicious -  then we had a real treat with a Russian Folk Group coming to entertain us – they were brilliant – we all enjoyed it so much – even the crew.  We bought a CD which in the crush of people and the confusion we didn’t actually get it – we went back to the boat – I asked Den he had put the CD – he said I don’t have it – we realised what had happened and there was only one minute till we had to be back on board.  We spoke to the reception desk – a couple of phone calls by them and our CD was delivered to us by the Cruise Director.  Everyone is so helpful – they cannot do enough for you.

We then went to a ‘learn to speak Russian’ class.  Oh boy what a difficult language but had fun.  While we were on Mandrogi I had tried to say Good morning in Russian to one of the Russian artists – she looked at me confused and said ‘sorry no English’.  So obviously I don’t have any talent with language!!!

Our next item on the program was Russian History.  It was great.  He covered   1,200 years in an hour. 

Time to get ready for dinner and then we have just come back to our cabin from the Disco night.  We only intended to stay a short while but had such a great time we stayed for a few hours.  On our way back to our cabin we took photos of the sunset 11pm – still in ‘white night’ area.