Day 10 – Kizhi Island in the middle of Lake Onega is not only one of the most ancient sites of habitation in Russia, it also hosts a huge open air architectural museum. I joined the slower paced walking group to see over 80 wooden monuments from grave markers to the 22 timbered onion domes on the Church of Transfiguration plus other cultural items of Karella’s ethnic groups which have been brought from other parts of northern Russia.
Day 11 – On our way to Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe, we spent some time in Svinstroi where the highlight was a home visit with a lively 66 year old great grandmother who had baked a large variety of pastries and sang “Moscow Nifhts” for us. Her entire front and back yards were planted with flowers and a vegetable garden.
After the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, Kathy and I wearing our black boas sang “Peace Is Flowing Like a River” in Russian and English for the talent show.
