As it happens, Novgorod turned out to be the highlight of my trip, because I got to experience some of the REAL Russia, through the eyes of the REAL people on Trafalgar’s Be My Guest dinner. We visited Irena and her family of six who welcomed us to their restaurant with traditional ‘lucky bread’ and tea from the Samovar.
As Irena told us about their life and interests, Grandfather Vladimir offered us three kinds of home-made liqueurs or ‘nastoykas’ to try and we had to guess what they were made from – quite surprising! The whole family were so charming and we learnt so much about their lives and customs just chatting with Irena.
Dinner was scrumptious – especially Irena’s pancakes, for which she happily shared her family recipe. And of course, everyone really got into the spirit at the end when Irena led us all in a traditional Russian toast and song. A wonderful night!
Moscow! I still get goose-bumps thinking of that first encounter when we finally reached Red Square. It was one of those moments when I truly felt I had ‘arrived in Russia’ – just an amazing feeling! Of course, The Kremlin Armoury was just amazing, steeped in history, and now I know why they say the Metro is one of the wonders of the world… SO worth a visit.
One of the most delightful sights we saw in Moscow was a bridge where newlyweds attach padlocks with their names inscribed as a symbol of their wedded bond. There must have been thousands of them – just incredible! A real Hidden Treasure as Trafalgar calls them.
Melanie Dryden
One Stop Touring Shop, South Africa
Trafalgar - Tasting some of Irena's 'lucky bread'
Trafalgar - The Bridge of Padlocks