Those who wish to experience a little of a more provincial Russia and immerse in its cozy atmosphere will love Kolomna, an old town 100 km away from Moscow. It is ideal for a one- or two- day visit. The town is relatively small but its cultural life is thriving. It...

  The good thing about travelling, even if to the same destinations, is that it is never the same, provided that you keep an open eye and are ready to meet, talk and listen to people. I hadn’t been to Suzdal and Vladimir for years, and quite honestly, was a bit...

I haven’t been to Suzdal for years, and was somewhat prejudiced towards its well-known cliché tourist delights and attractions. That was certainly a misconception. It’s worth coming time and again, its distinct local character is a joy for even the most sophisticated...

I love exploring the unexplored in Russia.  Places full of history and character, and people who sustain, cherish and foster local heritage. And more often than not, you needn’t go far to find it. My recent discovery was the town of Kimry (Кимры) in Tverskaya region....

The town of Kostroma in Kostromskaya region has been a place that I have harboured a deep desire to visit for quite a while. Its picturesque streets and cozy sidewalks on the bank of the Volga river were the settings for many of my favorite books and movies. This is...

The winter season is in full swing, meaning it is time to test the good old Russian ways of keeping warm and happy. And in the towns Myshkin and Uglich, located in the home county of Russian vodka king Petr Smirnov, they sure know how to make strong spirits, and these...

A while ago I received an exciting offer to join a group of artists and spend a weekend in the picturesque little town of Plyos (Плёс) painting and exploring local art. Alas, I had to pull out at the last moment for personal reasons. Yet, because the intention had...