Russia 2019 (43) MANDROGI - More Mandrogi

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There were lots of other things to see and do here. Even the ship's crew had free time to play soccer with the locals in their little stadium.

Log ramps led up to second story museum lofts.

Showing tools, dried herbs, and other items used in earlier and current times.

A two-person swing made from a log. Nice use of natural resources.

Cross a river on a tow-line ferry and find a park with giant wood carvings. The next trip over was in a half-hour and we didn't think we had time to wait and then wander the park. Did not want to miss the ship's departure.

Here's one sample of the giant carvings, seen from across the river. Felt bad about missing this side-trip.

Then we saw the world's largest felt boot, protected in a big plexiglass case. We two could have easily snuggled inside to keep warm and cozy on a cold Russian winter day.

Next we came across the Vodka Museum bear logo.

In the museum (one of the village's star attractions), we heard there are over 3,000 brands of vodka displayed. We didn't go in, but took this pix from the open door. An impressive display.

There was at least one restaurant, with mostly pastry selections at this time of day.

There was a horse farm and Zoological Center (vet office for pets, farm, and wild animals). All these guys looked happy and healthy.

Lots of kitties around, too, but most of them were grumpy.

This was the only friendly one we found.

Besides nesting-doll painting, there was one other organized option to experience--a traditional Russian banya ritual. Here you could have a dry sauna, steam bath, 5-10 minute therapeutic birch broom "massage," and a bracing cold water plunge / Svir River dip (about 59 degrees). They called it a "complete purification." One advertised caveat: A visit here may carry health risks for people with certain medical conditions. We decided thumbs down on this one, but a few cruisers tried it and said it was really fun and refreshing.

That morning felt so good to walk on our own without a big group, enjoying the flora and fauna and low-key activity of a small village. No crowds, no souvenir hawkers. Alas, at 1145 we reluctantly headed back to the boat...through two last chance gift shops, one on each side of the colorful canopy.