Winter 2007- Spring 2008 ~ My dacha ~ Summer 2007 Part 2 ~ 2007, mostly Staritsa, horses, and trips between St. Petersburg & Staritsa ~ Spring & Summer 06 ~ Winter '06 ~ October to Dec. '05 ~ August & Sept. '05 ~ Typical residential Moscow ~ From Vovchik's camera ~ Staritsa, Summer 2005 ~ Zamoskvorechye district of Moscow, May 2005 ~ Ryazan to Krainka, Tula region, Summer 2005

 

August 2005, Dubrovki, Tver region. These photos will work their way to www.staritsa.info or www.russian-horse-rides.com  
 

Jennifer Lalvani, an artist from Germany, at my Dubrovki dacha, heading out to camp in the woods, with Sur (Surprise).

Jennifer exemplifies an ideal guest. Clear about her needs, likes my food (possibly because of her Indian heritage), washes dishes etc. One of the main things in order to enjoy our dacha stay is ability to employ yourself, or to enjoy doing nothing. Although trips and tours are possibly, we are not strong at organizing activities. For $25 a day you get a roof over your head, abundant food, and all you want riding for $25 bucks per person per day. 

 
  Note the size of the sugar scoop. I'd guess 4-5 standard teaspoons, no less.. Normally, in small-town cafes, you will get your "norm" of sugar without being asked.

Once I was even refused my request not to have my tea turned into syrup. City of Kryazsk, somewhere between Moscow and Ryazan, aroung '96 or '97. Yes, it turned out there is a semblance of a rational reason for inflicting your sugar on you: "What if you are a government inspector and will fine us for not giving you your norm?". Now the times are gentler, and you are allowed some choice if you speak your preferences loud enough.

This photo was taken in Staritsa, in the cafe with "Weddings, anniversaries, knife and axe sharpening, ditch digging" sign. Recently this all-inclusive service offer was shown on national TV. August 2005.

To be added to Russian Misery Travel --> Russian Food Torture

 
  "Have you petted the cat? Pay up."

The Veresk Liquor Store in Staritsa. August 2005.

I was allowed to take this picture on assuring the owner that it will not be published locally, or else the health inspectors will be after then for keeping a cat on the counter.

 
  Feeding a horse from a stick for the fear it may bite. The paradox is that rural dwellers are afraid of horses much more then the Moscow folk. Also note that feeding others emerges as one common these. Note bird feeders, stray dog dishes, or pigeon-feeding scenes that are still common in provincial towns.  
  Collecting limestone at the Kholokholenka river

Before   and after

Join us for a physical rehabilitation program. No extra charge for carrying stones.

Move to Horse Riding --> Labour Therapy

 

Winter 2007- Spring 2008 ~ My dacha ~  Summer 2007 Part 2 ~ 2007, mostly Staritsa, horses, and trips between St. Petersburg & Staritsa ~ Spring & Summer 06 ~ Winter '06 ~ October to Dec. '05 ~ August & Sept. '05 ~ Typical residential Moscow ~ From Vovchik's camera ~ Staritsa, Summer 2005 ~ Zamoskvorechye district of Moscow, May 2005 ~ Ryazan to Krainka, Tula region, Summer 2005

Back to
Main Index ~ Accommodation in Moscow ~ Business Services ~ Horses & Dacha ~ Between Moscow & St. Petersburg
CONTACT