Russia 2019 (33) YAROSLAVL - Hand in the Bag

Rather than reading an email of this blog, go here for a better view:
www.TrippingWithMikeAndDeb.blogspot.com. To follow this travelogue, sign-up at the bottom of the web page to get email alerts when new blog entries are posted.

Next we were directed to the old town square for some free shopping time. On the way we met this very serious cat, although she did let us pet her. She had one of the most beautiful cat coats I've ever seen. Kind of a tortie-calico mix. Look at those checker-board toes!

Also, spied this cutsie wannabe jail-breaker.



Yaroslavl's population was 600,000 in 2013; Uglich's was about 33,000. So it makes sense that is this downtown was bigger, more lively, and more modern than Uglich's. Here's a lovely outdoor cafe on the main avenue.

Some areas were decorated for the celebration and added even more color to the street vibe. Notice the fine decorative fencing.

Mike found a spot in the sun to people-watch, while I wandered toward the outdoor flea market...mostly clothes and shoes.

The only thing of interest for me was the dry fruit and nut stand. I debated buying some pistachios, but the vendor was a little too pushy, so I passed.

Next I entered the indoor market and was impressed by the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Unawares by me the nut guy had followed me in, He quickly lifted my arm and threw a bag of nuts under my arm pit. Turns out he was trying to distract and pick-pocket me, as I discovered a few steps later. The flap on my purse which was facing my body had been opened.

Ha, I was prepared for that situation. All that was in my purse was a comb and some used tissues. My money and cards were safely protected in my front jeans pocket. So there, you creepy crappy guy!! I didn't want to get involved with the police and he had not been successful, so I continued on my way. Looking back, I should have reported it to the ship personnel.

I continued by the meat, cheese, and dry goods counters. It was a very nice place for locals to grocery shop. There was red caviar from Iran, but none of the famous black caviar from Russia.

My last stop was the chocolate shop, quite up scale. I bought some Russian candies to take home for our cat-sitters, family, and friends.

There was a hot chocolate and coffee counter, too. It smelled sooooo good, but I was out of cash.

Normally at this port a tour of the Volkov Theater is included, but due to celebration security, the theatre was not open today. Instead we hopped on the bus to return to our ship.

On the way, we drove past the impressive structure. Yaroslavl is proud to say this is Russia's first national professional theatre, founded in 1750. It is named for Fyodor Volkov, an actor and stepson of a patron merchant at that time. Currently it operates as a Russian State Academic Theatre. Just beautiful from the outside.

I wondered what all the electric lines were (reminded us of Thailand) and discovered there was a town trolley system.

Passed a modern shopping center. It looked my like a car factory from the outside.

Russia 2019 (32) YAROSLAVL - Art Scene

Rather than reading an email version of this blog, go here for a better view:
www.TrippingWithMikeAndDeb.blogspot.com. To follow this travelogue, sign-up at the bottom of this page to get emails when new blogs are posted.

In Yaroslavl, beautiful architecture, art, and artistic gardens abounded. The sunny-shiny day enhanced the charm experienced here. And everything was spotless! (Little graffiti or litter and no homeless anywhere in Russia that we noticed.)

A local government building faces a large Soviet-style square. They were readying for the birthday celebration.

On the other hand, apartments and most other buildings looked like this. More gingerbread, more flourish, more color, more quaint.

Lots of public sculpture. Here's a whimsical sitting statue of Don Quixote. He is about to blow the poof from the top of a dandelion as he enjoys a lovely afternoon in the park. Wish we would have had time to sit with him and enjoy the sun and scenery.

This was a memorial to World War II, known as the Great Patriotic War in Russia. On one side is a sculpted soldier and the other is a civilian woman with an eternal flame between. The Church of Elijah is in the background.

In 1995, in the original location of the altar of the Dormition Cathedral, this sculpture was unveiled and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It represents three angels and is similar to the famous Trinity Icon by Andrey Reblev, a rare exception of no religious sculptures. The church was later re-constructed in place and the sculpture was moved to just outside the new Dormition Cathedral.

Some beautiful tile work. Lots of color throughout the town to stave off the 50 shades of grey of winter in Russia.

A sculpture on the embankment overlooking the Volga. Off to the right is the "1009" amusement garden park.

A gazebo on top of the embankment. We understand lots of wedding photos are taken here. Again, the Volga flows off to the side.

These gargoyles guard property behind the high brick wall.

Not sure what this clever billboard was all about! It was interesting and I liked it, but it didn't seem to fit the ambiance of the city. A bit too modern...and sexy.

Even window curtains were beautiful and artistic.

And then there was the ever present monument to Vladimir Lenin. Seems the population has a love/hate relationship with him. We have heard both good and bad points of view, but the Russians are not quite ready to give up his statues.