Dream Trip 2008: May

Great Travel Moment

The Moscow to St Petersburg river cruise stops at Uglich, a provincial town known for the Church of St. Dmitry the Blood, where Ivan the Terrible�??s son was mysteriously killed. The walk from the dock to the church is lined with small stalls, manned by dour faced hawkers, and filled with all the souvenirs Russia is known for�??matryoshkas nesting dolls, lacquered boxes, and colorful costumes. While most of the passengers stocked up on Russian treasures, I strolled just two blocks away to a different world�??a Russia which visitors often miss. At the local market, only one stall was open�??with an eclectic assortment of goods�??dill pickles, garlic bulbs, and luscious blueberries. Three beaming babushkas were glad to see me, and my purchase of a cup of blueberries was more memorable and delicious than any purchase made just two blocks away.