Note the Bylina Cafe right by the end of the bridge, on the left (Rzhev) side of the river. "Bylina" means "Legend" but the locals call this cafe Shayba ("hockey pluck") for its round form. Bylina is our official meeting place in the city. Go down to the river and walk for 1.5 hours, and you'll find yourself in the vicinity of Dubrovki.

Bylina ("Legend") aka Shayba ("Hockey pluck") cafe right by the west side of the bridge. This cafe is a convenient place to meet in the city.	Asya, our favourite bartender and everything else. Of vodkas I presently recommend Mirovaya Lux which is usually available at Shayba.

Are you staying with me at my dacha? Although I can make no promise beyond that you will not go hungry, I normally cook quite well. Some examples:

List of typical dishes and sample menus are on the Russian version of my horse riding site - www.unclepasha.com/horses.htm

Please note that I am a vegetarian and find meat-eating somewhat distasteful, ethically and esthetically. I ask my guest to be so kind as to at least politely pretend to share my views on the subject.

Of drinks, I prefer and recommend to my my guests mulled wine, extra-spiced, in the winter especially, and as preparation for it, and to build up your strength when it is over, and in the summer not to fall out of practice.

Vodka, beer, moonshine, fruit wine..

It would not be Russian countryside without booze. Be assured that Staritsa is well supplied to support even the most serious exploration of the true depth of  Russian drinking. Recommended drinks will be added here soon. In November and December we treat the guest of our dacha to plum moonshine of our own making. On rainy days our horse riding guests are treated to mulled wine of my own making as a form of compensation.