Russia 2019 (33) YAROSLAVL - Hand in the Bag

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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.