Russia 2019 (30) UGLICH - Downtown & Shopping

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I know we have had a respite from Russia, but back on track now. This is the last entry for Uglich, our first little town along the Volga.

After the home visit, we bussed back to downtown. Along the way utility poles and wires reminded us of the cobweb electrical system in Thailand, but not quite as bad.

We saw mixed local housing. The first photo is the tallest apartment building we noticed. Pretty short after seeing all the high-rises in Moscow.

And a more traditional home.

Some in bad condition. Hopefully no one living here.

Back in the small downtown, we saw City Hall (the big blue building) among other shops and businesses.

In the 1940s, a women's watchmaking manufacturer was founded in Stalingrad. In 1956 the company changed its name to Chaika (meaning seagull). That honors of the call-name of Russia's first female cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova. Descendants of the workers of that company relaunched their own company in Uglich under the name of Colibrica Design Atelier. You can buy some Chaika watch styles on Etsy at:
https://www.etsy.com/market/uglich_watch_factory

Watchmaking is still a big profession here and there are several watch and clock stores in downtown. However, in one of our on-board lectures on souvenir buying, they advised this probably was not the best place to buy a watch unless you know what to look for.

 

On a nearby stage this gal was striking various poses, not singing or dancing, just posing??? Not getting much attention though.

There was also a clever pop-up coffee cafe set up in the back of a van. It was getting attention from coffee-craving Americans.

To get back to the ship, we browsed down this long block of outdoor shopping stalls. Again, our ship guides said to beware. There were all the typical items such as lacquer-ware, amber, and Russian symbols, clothes, stacked dolls, and memorabilia.

I loved this felt shop. However, between the lecture warnings, it being our first real shopping opportunity, and my yen to price compare, we didn't purchase anything today.

We walked through a greenway on our way back to the ship. We saw dandelions everywhere. I asked our guide about them and he said Russians love dandelions because of their luscious gold color. They are one of the first flowers to pop up in spring and help to brighten some otherwise overcast days. They don't cut them down or wage war against them like Americans do.
We also passed by a little babushka gramma selling bunches of lily of the valley flowers. Mike knows they are one of my faves and bought a bunch for me.

As we boarded the ship, one of the crew must have noticed this. About five minutes after we got back to our cabin there was a knock on the door and they supplied us with a little vase for the flowers. That's how attentive this crew was. Such a sweet gesture.

By the way there were always little fun surprises popping up along the journey. Today when we returned from sightseeing, we were offered a glass of champagne. I'm a very happy camper here.