Maalinta 5: Booqashada qoyska ee Danilov

Today we set off after breakfast on the 5-er Trolliebus (trolleybus, bus with electric connection) to the Avtovokzal (bus station) and from there further to Danilov to visit the family. The bus was a bit run down for German standards, but we probably won't get any closer to the local conditions on our trip.

After a coffee with local gingerbread, we took a short city tour. For this, we took a taxi for 10 minutes to a church, which cost about one euro. The church looked very nice from the outside. Inside, it was a bit run down, but still impressive. Despite the photo ban, we naturally took some photos... and we were not the only ones.

On the way back, we noticed that the Second World War, or the Great Patriotic War as it is called here, is also very much remembered, as proved by several statues and squares. On the way back, we also bought Russian wine and, of course, found German beer here.

Back with the family, we quickly realized that the saying 'Russians are not friendly, but very hospitable' is quite true. It is very difficult to decline the zakuska (food with alcohol). In general, it seems to be difficult to survive a visit without being totally overfed.

We had a great time with wine and samagon (homemade spirits) and hope that the family will still say goodbye to us in Yaroslavl tomorrow. Our best idea today was not to take the bus at 5:50 pm, but a taxi at 9:00 pm. The ride is much faster and costs only about 1100 rubles (~15€) instead of 600 rubles. The time with the relatives is precious and especially rare in this case.

Today we also learned two great Russian sayings, which translated mean:

Tea is not vodka, you can't drink that much of it.

No matter how much vodka you buy, you still have to go out again.

... But to be honest, I have already forgotten how these sayings were in Russian.