Day 8 Goritsy to Kizhi
Today we are cruising most of the day on the Volga - Baltic Waterway and have entered the huge Lake Onega which spans a 10,000 sq. km area with an average depth of 50 meters but can reach 150 meters. So far we have gone thru. 17 locks since leaving Moscow but there has been no delays at all and we get thru. them very quickly. The last few locks have had an average depth of 21 meters.After lunch today they had tour groups to the Captain's Bridge so I will give a few details of the ship " AmaKatarina ". The vessel was built in 1980 in the Czeh Republic and completely refitted in 2010 .Length 135 meters width 16.8m draft 2.7m max.speed 24 knots. Passengers 196 Crew 100 plus.
In talks yesterday we were told at the end of WW2 a total of 27 million Russians were killed ( mainly by Germans ) but during Stalins Regime some 30 million were killed or disappeared . Hard to believe isn't ?.
We have cruised most of the day ( Monday ) heading for Kizhi which is near the end of this huge lake , Lake Onega . Kizhi is an island within the lake and it is the place where there is the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its early introduction to Christianity . In 1714, the Transfiguration Cathedral, with it's towering walls and 22cupolas, was built without the use of a single nail. Half a century later a nine-cupola Intercession Church was added to the complex. When it first comes into view you just think (wow) as it is such an awesome sight against the skyline.We had a walking tour of this small island of Kizhi for 2 hours most interesting.The church has been closed for restoration since 1988 but they hope it may open to the public again in 5 years so we were invited back again then!!!Yesterday was also a demo of Bliny making (crepes) followed by a demo on different types of vodka and then a tasting session of both.The 40% I didn't like but the cranberry flavor at 20% was a bit like cordial but I got very tired very quickly later!There have been lectures on Russian language and history too - so much to do and so little time.But then we do spend quite a bit of time in the Dining Room I guess.
Only 4 nights left on board and tomorrow is St.Petersberg.
They certainly seem to keep you busy. And such a good effort for all the people that are older than you guys. Mum, I'm sure you're saying how tired you are and that you don't know how the other people keep going. I'm guessing that despite WW2, a lot of the churches and buildings weren't destroyed.
ReplyDeleteIt's 2pm as I'm writing this and I'm about to go to work. It's Tuesday. We went to Movieworld today and went on several rides. My stomach is now a little tender. Or is that my head?? Ah well. It was fun.
I also added a comment yesterday but see its not there now. Who knows why.