Walking or the Bus

This morning the ships stops in Yaroslavl.  This is a large town on the Volga approximately 100000 in population. This city has the most churches and cathedrals in all the cities in Russia. Originally there were 97 churches built but during the reign of Stalin many were destroyed and now in this town there are only 52.  They promised we would only see 2.   The Russian orthodox churches have onion dome turrets that can be painted gold, green, or blue.

 We originally signed up for the bus tour but after seated in our seats quickly changed our minds to do the walking tour.  Something about eating dessert at every meal and the endless supply of fresh baked pastries available all day long not to mention wine with lunch and dinner.   I keep telling myself  self control and make sensible choices. Not happening.

So just before the tour leaves we go flying off the bus to do the walking tour.  I really need the steps and our numbers have not been good.  Off we begin with a climb up approximately 3 flights of stairs and a walk to the waterfront and back into town to see the local market.

Local markets are great as I am comparing prices and trying to do a rubles to dollar conversion.  The market has everything from fresh meats storred without refrigeration to  vegetables, spices and candy.   The shop keepers are hustling everyone who walks by that might have an minor interest in what they are selling. The produce is amazing and it seems Russia is so large they are able to grow most fruits and vegetables.  Importing very little.   The prices if I calculated correctly were comparable with home. 

Another church and cathedral, time to shop, go to the bank with a great ATM that was actually easy to use, we walk back to the ship and hit our 10000 steps for the day and it isn’t even noon.  The weather was to be cold (60’s), but had actually warmed up enough and we were able to wear short sleeves. A note on that statement. Dan with his great packing only packed 1 long sleeve shirt except those he would wear to dinner.   Good thing he is never cold!  

Total steps for the day 12000 or so. We decided to take a nap.  Of course this was after lunch with 2 glasses of wine!!