Network Russia || Exeter Cultural Visit 2001

Network Russia Scout Fellowship

Exeter Russian Cultural Visit 2001

From Robin Smith Exeter District Chairman and Russian die hard since 1991 who sadly passed away in 2003.

Yaraslavl is twinned with Exeter and is a beautiful city more the size of London although with a smaller population. Thanks to a lot of work by Robin over the years Exeter District Scouts have had the opportunity to visit Russia with an exchange happening every year.

A Scouts View…

It was touch and go if this trip was going to happen until the visa’s arrived on the 25^th July. Exeter coach station at 6.15AM 28^th July. Were off. Arriving in Moscow at dusk Dora our Russia host and other host families were there to meet us.

We boarded a Russian bus which took us 400 miles to Yaraslavl, the journey felt as though we were travelling along a straight road lined with trees, through the gaps we could see blocks of flats.

We arrived in Yaraslavl at about 3.30 am very tired and eager to get to our host families. The flats we stayed in were quite small but very homely. Nastia was to be a host and guide whilst we were with them.

Day 1

The plan for Sunday was to meet everyone else in Yaraslavl at Exeter House. We were fortunate that we had enough time to visit the river volga. There are many parks in Yaraslavl some well kept and others not. The outside toilets were only to be used in an emergency! At Exeter house we had a feast with sumptuous wines and beers. We played many games involving both parties joining in fully.

Day 2

We were taken by hovercraft to Kostroma a 2 hour journey along the river. Kostroam a bustling market town full of fresh fruit and veg. We took a bus to a 16^th century Monastery, Dora explained how with private funding it had been restored.

Day 3

Shopping and a grand tour of Yaraslavl and more Russian othordox churches all restored to their forma glory. Shopping was an experience most shops being grouped together in old buildings and selling a whole range of products. There are more pubs that you would expect not like English pubs but in old buildings or are open cafes in the park’s.

Day 4

We changed host families and then were taken to a theatre, a time museum where many old working clocks were on display and also may bells. We were allowed to ring the bell and make a wish which is traditional. We then had a traditional Russian meal of veg soup, sourdough bread and pancakes for dessert. In the evening we went to the circus and asked afterwards by the owner if we enjoyed it I told him the performers were brilliant but didn’t comment on the animals.

Day 5

We went to a Ducha ( summer House ) this was a wealthy owners because it had a sauna. This was followed by a B.B.Q. and the entertainment by two Russian opera singers who usually perform for the Bolshi Theatre in Moscow, the whole performance was amazing.

Day 6

The Official day to meet the Mayor in the local government building we exchanged pleasantries about our different cultures , problems and way forward. In the afternoon we went rowing and I was fortunate to be taken on a horse and cart around Yaraslavl where we came across many weddings taking place as Friday is the Traditional day and many couples get married by a river.

Day 7

Saturday took us to Moscow. Another long journey from Yaraslavl but well worth it to stand in Red Square, see the Kremlin, St. Basils cathedral which is being fully restored, Lenins tomb. It has become a very busy place for tourism and many people from other countries come and visit. Moscow is an amazing place so big, the roads have four lanes either side Most of the shops are very modern and sell the same products that you could want from England.

My overall impression of Yaraslvl and Moscow was it was astounding!

The Yaraslvl Bear, who is a famous symbol. When the first settlers came to Yaraslavl it is said that whoever was to be ruler of the city had to fight this enormous bear and whoever wins takes control of the city. Suffice to say it is saidj that the bear lost, but is honoured with being the symbol of Yaralsl