We leave Russia and "do Prague"

It was wonderful cruising along the waterway although we didn’t get much rest at all. Mother Volga is a huge river and at 2500 miles in length it is actually the longest in Europe. In Russia the river has mythological status and has been serenaded in poems paintings and music. Itinerant labourers known as burlaks hauled the boats along the riverbank and it is these hard working folk that are commemorated in the song of  the Volga Boatmen.  When we were in Yaroslavl; where the river reaches a width of 2600 feet we were entertained by a quartet who sang this wonderful song magnificently.

Yaroslavl is one of the oldest provincial Russian cities and belongs to The Golden Ring. We were duly impressed by the red brick Church of the Epiphany with its 5green domes and the Church of Elijah the Prophet.  Then we wandered around for a while and Helen and I managed to find a bride and groom celebrating the traditional toasting and glass smashing in the street. Brides are everywhere!. We turned back again at Yaroslavl to enter the direct waterway towards Moscow and headed for Uglich. Uglich saw us visiting more churches including The Church of Demetrius on the Blood which marks the spot where 9 year old Dimitri was murdered.

Just past Uglich is a lock built between 1935 and 1940 along with a hydroelectric power station and a pressure dam. The reservoir thus created is 96 miles long and a famous symbol of the area is the 230 foot high tower of the church at Kalyazin rising out of the water. This is all that remains of the town.

From there it was into the Moscow Canal. The project to link Moscow to the Volga was a huge undertaking and consists of 11 locks ( a height difference of 161 feet) 8 power stations, 5 pump stations and 15 bridges  We passed the outskirts of Moscow , under the St Petersburg Highway Bridge and reached the river Terminal in the Khimki Reservoir beside the old Northern River Station building which is about 280 feet high.

The Russian emphasise the foundation dates of cities and it was often mentioned that the city had been founded by Yuri Dolgoruki and the first written reference to the city dates to 1147.

So we began our round of visits - The Kremlin, Red Square (fenced off) the Metro, the canal system, the streets, shops, boulevards, statues and parks. We attended a folk concert and paid a visit to a monastery 70 kilometres to the north. This is the heart of The Russian Orthodox Church and it was a great day. We lunched in a little restaurant – salmon wrapped in foil and potatoes. Beer and wine were the drinks of the day. Souvenirs here were cheap as many were made in the town.  Now we have lots of bit and pieces and the bags are getting heavier. One pair of shoes has gone!

We did a fabulous tour of Moscow lights by night which culminated with being at Red Square in the pouring rain at midnight. But we saw it through the raindrops and managed some photos of St Basils. While in Moscow we visited the Treasury and saw the fabulous Faberge eggs – wouldn’t mind one of those! All too soon it was time to leave our boat and head to the airport for our flight to Prague.

Memories and impressions of Russia and our cruise

·                     Russians have a great sense of the ridiculous and can deliver the most outrageous statements with a straight face.

·                     Russians speak excellent English

·                     Russian food is very good.

·                     People pop up singing all over the place – it is a land of much music and song.

·                     The grass in many of the park is mown weeds and dandelions are made into head bands by many. People pick bunches of them -  all a matter of perspective.

·                     The city of Moscow does not sprawl  - high rise apartments dominate the residential scene.

·                     Very high heeled shoes are popular.

·                     The rich are rich!!!!!!

·                     Many people fish from the shores of the waterways and there were lots of campsites.

·                     People who complain are a pain and they should be thrown overboard.

·                     Robert was a good companion for the trip!

 Making rock candy at the Chocolate Museum in Prague

 Marzipan fruits at the Museum - they were beautiful

 See Prague in style!

 Inside Prague Castle

One of the many brides.

Prague.

Thank goodness we have now been there! The Czech transport system is excellent and it is very easy to negotiate. The language skills of the people put us to shame – most people spoke excellent English. We did the touristy things and spent hours at the Castle. We walked along the river, laughed at the penguins, enjoyed the architecture, drank much wine and beer, saw thousands of tourist shops, crossed The Charles Bridge 5 times, visited several restaurants, looked at the famous non working clock, walked down Wenceslas Square (a bit disappointing!), watched the football, attended a wonderful and classy concert with dinner at The Mozart Café, explored the Old Town and almost died of the heat.

I was abandoned by Tony and Helen as Tony did not listen to what I said – they returned to the hotel without me!!! Not impressed – but I made it back without any trouble.

We got misplaced! This was due to the fact that the train failed to proceed, the lights went out and the doors were opened. We got off!

Our accommodation at The Bishops House was extremely well located, quite a nice room, an excellent and modern bathroom, a satisfactory breakfast and friendly desk staff. Our room was a tad dark and the one chair a bit uncomfortable. Helen’s room was much brighter and she had a chair and desk as well as a jug. I think they must have given her my room!!!! It was a good choice (thanks Raechel) but ask for Room 106 not 104! I’ll do a review for Trip Advisor when I get a chance.

Remembering Margaret’s tales of jam and cream on meat we hoped to find it. Bingo – first meal that we ordered. Didn’t seem too silly to us as it was exactly as described on the menu! Had a couple of excellent Czech meals in other places as well as some good salads. Prices are pretty good in this part of the world. I now have added reindeer (Russia) and goose (Czech Republic) to the things I have eaten.

Photo tally – about a million!

And my opinion of Prague – I liked it. Is it the most beautiful city in Europe? – each city has its own beauty and style. Prague is one of many wonderful places which really cannot be compared.

 One for Margaret to revive her memories!

 Wandering down Wenceslas Square

 The chocolate is pretty good in Prague

 Impressive stained glass in St Vitus Cathedral. Prague Castle

 View from the top of the hill. It was quite a walk in the heat!

We are now on the train heading through the Czech Republic to Vienna! The country side is rich and green. I just saw the first set of solar panels on a farmhouse. It all seems very peaceful and pleasant. Actually we have arrived as it is now later at night.