traveltales: AN UNUSUAL SIGHT

Sunday, March 6, 2011

AN UNUSUAL SIGHT

A Sunken Church

One noontime while cruising Russian waterways the loud speaker alerted us to grab out cameras and get on deck. It was a surprise to suddenly see a lovely church tower standing in the middle of the river! What a photo op!

As we passed over what once was Kalyazin’s market square, we learned that, “The city of Kalyazin was flooded when the Uglich hydroelectric plant was built in the 1940s. The city originally sprung up around a 15^th century monastery. By the 16^th century the monastery was one of the richest in Russia. The flooded belfry was part of St. Nicholas Cathedral, built in 1800. At 210 feet high, it was considered one of the finest structures along the Volga.

“Ivan the Terrible visited and donated rare manuscripts to the monastery and in the 20^th century Stalin dynamited the monastery to ruins.”

The present town of Kalyazin, with a population of about 12,000, lies around the mouth of the Zhabnya River.

By late afternoon we docked in the charming city of Uglich. More about the city another time but first about an outstanding evening we had visiting a Russian family.

An old van traveled over rather rough roads taking four of us to a housing development of Stalin-era concrete apartment buildings. Ludmilla, our hostess, rode with us. A schoolteacher, she spoke some English and was delighted to be hosting a dinner for us. We walked up two flights of stairs to her small three-room apartment. Her daughters Natasha and Nadia (25 and 27) plus her 79 year old mom, Maria, were waiting for us.

This family made us feel at home. Conversation flowed all evening as the girls spoke good English. Both the mom and grandmother were widowed. It was interesting to hear about their life. I can’t remember what we ate for dinner, but I do remember it was all good. Grandma had done a great job making the outstanding vodka, and one of the daughters had made the delicious apricot sweet buns for dessert.

It was a delightful evening with very gracious people. As we left to return to the boat the girls gave each of us a bookmark they had made using dried flowers. What a lovely gesture and wonderful end to a memorable evening!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.