traveltales: MANDROGY, RUSSIA

Sunday, March 17, 2013

MANDROGY, RUSSIA

A Surprise Stop

Our final stop before St. Petersburg was Mandrogy. This small area was not on the agenda/schedule, but Lake Onega was still frozen over and we couldn’t get to Kitzi Island. In fact we had to lay-to and wait for an ice breaker to arrive to break up the ice for us to continue on our journey. That was a first! So this stop was a surprise.

A very cold wind blew on a cloudy misty day as we went ashore. The village is small but a guide took us on a walking tour and told us, “A good friend of President Putin bought this place and it is becoming an escape destination for the new rich Russian. This area is situated in deep dense forest.”

The wooden buildings were topped with steep metal roofs. Much wood carving was used as decoration. Some of the architecture was very unique, and I could definitely see a tourist flavor. The guide pointed out a building with decorated windows that she said was typically Russian.

The prices in the shops were astronomical and most prices were stated in Euros. Although Mandrogy isn’t on American agendas, it definitely is on European ones.

After warming up in one of the shops we walked down to a ferry landing where a hand turned cable ferry took us on a five-minute river crossing to Pushkin Island. Pushkin was a famous Russian poet of fairy tales. Walking a well-packed path through the woods we stopped every few yards to observe wood carvings illustrating a Pushkin fairy tales.

The misty rain abated, and it was most pleasant in the little forest, as the trees cut off all the wind. The entire circular walk took less than an hour and it was fun seeing all the wooden carvings and learning something about Pushkin. We even stopped to sit on the throne of one of his tales and of course took lots of pictures.

As soon as we left the little ferry again the wind hit us in the face. We headed for the vodka museum where 2600 different vodkas were displayed. I sampled the local Mandrogy vodka. I remarked, “I can’t believe I’ve been drinking vodka straight. This is quite good.”

In Russia one does not just ask for vodka. One names his brand, as there are 4000 of them!

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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.