Life on the road

Hitchhiking is not about a big risk in Russia, especcialy, when you move in a pair. It is more about picturesque crazy views of the fields & forests in their true festival spring. Adventures in the rain and in the sun. Then it is a lot about totally different drivers: intelligent, smart and cute or sheely dull and a bit rude, but funny anyway. Sure, hitchhiking is a lot about exhausting movement along the highways or staying at some doubtful position with your thumb, when nobody wants to stop and lift you. And you begin to lose your patience, self-confidence, and belief in this world. But it's like a small model of the life. Wait longer, or go ahead on the road, or do anything else to change situation, try another way and other position, and smile more - then you will definitely catch your luck again. This week I went to a forest & lake.Beautiful relaxing nature is the best prize for a tired megapolis mouse :) So, it was about 300 km East from Moscow + 40 km South from the main highway. We didn't know much about this lake. Just went at random. And it seems great.

May days - to take a deep breath & travel

On the threashold of May all Russian people are looking forward to their legal additional days off. This is a present from our Past and it seems will never change in the Future. Everybody likes this May weekends.
It's an interesting mix of relaxing practices and visiting some serious ceremonial events dedicated to the Second World War End.
Normally we have 3 days off at the very beginning of May (can vary 30th of April - 2nd of May, or 1st-3rd of May). These are the holidays of our Soviet and Socialistic past, when the working class gathered for festival marches and parades to show their class strength, unity and solidarity. The USSR had fallen into oblivion more than 20 years ago, but nation still enjoys festival atmosphere during these days and like previous generations of working class people, they don´t like to work on these days, too. That´s why nobody replaced, removed or canceled these holidays. And we still have them.
Another 3 days off come to 7-9 or 8-10th of  May. This is our Heroic age holidays. Second World War and millions of our ancestors - grandmoms and grandfathers died during this cruel struggle with nazi. We will never forget (at least try) their feats of arms and all those scary stories left from that terrific war. So, these days are still considered the main holidays in Russia, may be - the main sacred holidays. Their honor and popularity is obvious.
Sometimes when we have a late Easter - all three parts of  these spring holidays that go one after another coincide together - into a big  sparkling and tempting bulk of holidays. For doing nothing - or, for doing everything. That's a real luck. An anormous space for travellings and weekend creativity  - for everyone, especially for those who are tired to sit in the grey office.

This May Day weekend, I made a small holiday trip on the car with my friend and visited just a nice place. We've been there only for a sunset time. But it was really nice and full of deep breath of spring nature. The High bank of river Klyazma, around 200 km East from Moscow.

Sudden surprise

You never know what you can meet in the place that seems completely known to you.

It was like a sudden surprise today. I decided to have a refreshing walk somewhere through Moscow. The sun and warmth outside were so delicious and inviting, that it was irresistible to stay at home any longer. First, thought to go to Kremlin and somewhere to historical center. But then went straightway to Kolomenskoye – a huge historical park, quiet and silent, a former land and one of the residences of Russian Kings (Tzars).

 Here is more nature and less people.  Though going to Kolomenskoye is not very interesting, cos we’ve been here for thousands of times: winter, spring, summer and autumn.

 Every path seems to be walked all over, every corner is known there. And no new view for my camera, Kolomenskoye is very popular place for walks in our life. So I went there and just enjoyed starting spring, sunny space and people.

 

Calm and wide River Moscow, ancient churches, empty fields and freedom. These buildings are so ancient, alive history. 1532 year – this church was built just at the time when America’s continents were discovered and had started to settle by Europeans. And in Russia severe frosts changed severe wars, peasants were poor and Kings as usual struggled for throne.

 This land has magic energy and atmosphere. A big piece of well-preserved land and wild forest along the river in the heart of a huge industrial overpopulated city. 

 

Then I went to abandoned apple garden. It is very poetic and beautiful place, when it is captured by blooming spring. But now the trees are still sleeping. They are waiting the right time to blossom out.

 And then was a surprise. I have never walked farther then this garden and decided continue my way to see what’s there after trees. The alley was long, near-empty with great shadows on it. I thought 15-20 minutes more – and the park will just finish. Imagine my surprise when I sow some ancient roofs and buildings again. 

 

A miracle wooden castle stood in front of me. There were almost no people. And everything looks like great decorations to historical movie. 

I was puzzled and amazed. Have never seen it before, never heard about it before! The place which I considered completely familiar to me. It turned out to be a recently restored wooden palace of one Russian King, that live here in 1673-75. 

 The building had been rebuilt for several times since its construction, when 100 years later, in the 18th cent. Queen Catherine II made a decision to destroy this palace, because it was spoiled and out of good state. 

  Before pulling down the castle masters decided to copy architectural diagrams and building plan – to save the image of this palace for future Russian progenies. Thus, it was left for centuries. 

  Only in 2007 Moscow authorities decided to start reconstruction of these buildings. Recently it was completed. And now astonishing style and image from the 17^th century make us glad again. It is worth visiting and admiring! Very fresh and original.