The Quaint Russian Town With (Almost) As Many Churches As People
Suzdal, The Most Russian Of Russian Towns
With Coronavirus travel bans in full swing, lockdowns galore and just general danger every time you stick your head out of the front door (or so the media would have you believe) my world travelling adventure has taken somewhat of a backseat.
Throughout 2019 and 2020 we were travelling the pristine waters of SE Asia. Alas, Coronavirus put a firm stop to the majority of international travel. But, it didn't stop the travel bug from itching.
I have recently moved from the UK to reside in Moscow.
Moscow is an interesting place; I am not 100% sold on it currently, maybe it needs time, maybe it's the constant mask-wearing, maybe its the state of the world at the moment, or the grey concrete on grey skies.
I had had enough with the grey city and decided that it was time for somewhat of an explore.
To the North-East of Moscow, lies a band of historic cities. This is named the Golden Ring. It sounded like something that needed to be explored.
The first city visited was Vladimir, with its beautiful pristine white Churches. There was very little of the grey that you can find in Moscow, and the traditional cuisine is amazing.
With amazing sights and a skyline full of the famous domes of Orthodox Russian Churches, the night sky was really scratching that travel itch that 2020 has generated.
The following day was the real treat. Initially, we had planned to spend the day in Vladimir. However, we had a brief look on the map, and a small town called Suzdal caught our attention.
Suzdal was the capital of the area way before Moscow. Indeed Moscow at the period of time that Suzdal was booming was nothing more than a cowshed.
Its spectacular church domes transport you back in time. It's like an open-air nativity set.
The vibe of the place is so refreshing. Its old streets, void of any tourists (or very few people for that matter), really felt like we had travelled back in time.
The absolute hidden gem of this place though, is no church, its no museum, it’s, in fact, the drink; Mead. This honey alcoholic drink that is sold by the little lady by the side of the road.
Instantly after tasting it, you are transported back generations. Tasting the historic drinks, looking at the sights and smelling the smells of old.
This place is like stepping back in time and well worth a visit.
