Suhashini L

Jun 28, 20232 min read

Day 178 - Embracing Russian Hospitality: Meeting Kind & Generous Locals on a 9-Hour Journey to NN

Updated: Oct 1, 2023

Day 178 (28 June 2023) - Kazan to Nizhny Novgorod(NN), Russia

DAY 178 (28 JUNE 2023) – In the morning, I left Kazan for a 6 hour ride (420 km) to Nizhny Novgorod, also referred to as NN.

Since I arrived in Russia, I have come across many friendly Russians who wanted to show support in whatever way they could when they got to know about my motorbike tour and my objectives.

Today, a kind lady I met at the fuel station bought me some coffee and cookies from the store.

Later, when I stopped by a fruit stall at the side of the road, the stall owner initially refused to accept money for the fruits I bought. She finally accepted after I insisted. Her daughter and son packed some home-made puff pastries for me (it looked like our local curry puffs).

I finally arrived at my destination in Nizhny Novgorod after a 9 hour journey due to many road repairs at several places. I stayed at a single room apartment which was sponsored by 2 brothers, Artemiy and Dmitry.

Artemiy is Slava’s friend, whom I met in Perm a few days ago. I was supposed to meet up with Dimitry but he couldn’t make it last minute. The brothers wanted to show support as they were happy with my visit and were supportive of my tree planting endeavours in Russia.

I am very grateful for the kindness, generosity and support received from everyone I have met.

I spent the evening and night exploring the beautiful city of Nizhny Novgorod. Another city with many amazing historical buildings.

They are so beautifully lit at night, displaying the unique architectures of these structures.

I got to see the amazing Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Although it was initially a wooden fortress, the stone Kremlin was constructed in the 16th century and remains till today!

I also got to see the beautiful Nativity Church that was built in the 17th century and Church of St John the Baptist that happens to be one of the oldest orthodox churches in the city.

This church was originally a wooden construction in the 15th century and eventually reconstructed in stone in the 17th century!

I managed to take photos of several other beautiful churches around the city.