11th of October, 2022.
Hitchhiking in Russia.
Couchsurfing in Russia.
By a terrible mistake, I have deleted my original text about Veliky Novgorod. It happened only one or two times before, but it really breaks my heart. I like to write my texts right after my experiences because I can then add all my feelings at that moment. Plus, I can remember everything really clear, of course. Anyway, let me try to recover as much as I can…
As by leaving St Petersburg, I know I haven’t waited so much time by the road. If there is something I remember clearly about hitchhiking in Russia is how easy it was, and how very little time I had to wait by the road. But apart from the name of Viktor, I have no recollection right now of how I arrived to Veliky Novgorod.
My Couchsurfing host is a very pleasant man, and I am happy for staying with him. His is a bit shy though, so we don’t chat that much. Plus, he works all day. I will stay only two nights, so on the following day of my arrival, I can go and explore the town.
I walk. Veliky Novgorod is not a huge town but interesting points can be quite far. There are two main spots I want to visit: The Novgorod Detinets (or Novgorod Kremlin) and St. George’s Yuriev Monastery.
I love the Kremlin so much! There is something about me and the Kremlins of Russia, I must say. Novgorod Kremlin it is very charming and what I like the most are the walls! They are so lovely with the walking path on top! The buildings inside are also gorgeous! Saint Sophia Cathedral is of course lovely but also this small chapel outside is adorable! There are also a few museums that you can visit inside the complex. Even though is late October already, the Autumn colours are still very vivid all around the parks, so the views are amazing, full of yellow and orange trees! To visit the Kremlin is for FREE! Only the Museums are paid.
It is over one hour walking to St George’s Monastery. And after having walking a lot around the Kremlin, I am already quite tired. I could hitchhike, but for some reason I don’t. But I decided that I will do that on my way back.
Yuriev (St’ George’s) Monastery is a pearl to the eyes! What a gorgeous place to visit! It is so beautiful, but so beautiful, that I feel very tempted to not stop taking photographs. The blue sky in contrast with the white of the buildings is a perfect match, and the golden hour sun just add even more beauty to it. I like here a lot! Apart from the amazing buildings, the monastery is right by Volkhov River, and there is a small beach at it. The views are amazing! I don’t want to leave! Taking photos of this very sunny and summery looking like place, I can barely that remember I am actually in Russia. I need to go back before it gets dark. A bit before sunset, I say goodbye to this incredible site and start my journey back.
A lovely couple gives me a lift all the way to the Kremlin. I still have about another hour walk back to my CS host, but that’s OK. Nearby his house, there are some absolutely perfect street art in some buildings.
Next morning, me and my CS host leave the apartment together. He is going to work and I am heading to my hitchhiking spot. I don’t want to pay for the bus and I also don’t want to let him pay. Nobody comes and ask me for a ticket. We get out somewhere near his work and on the way to my spot. We walk together for a while and then say our goodbyes. Another great experience by using Couchsurfing in Russia!
10 Years Around the World 