peacetraveler22: (Default)
1123100_900

I don't know much about the Tatars, but I began to go through old photos I took in Kazan last year and noticed I have a lot of shots of locals walking the streets. I guess their appearance is highly unusual to me, even exotic to some extent. Here's just one example. About this girl (woman?), I know nothing, but find her intriguing. :)

What do I need to know about the Tatars, and this Republic of Russia? My host in this city spoke very little English, so it was difficult to learn a lot about the region from the native showing me around. Please share any interesting facts or insights. I struggle to understand why cities like Kazan are so much nicer than other parts of Russia? Is it because the region is rich in oil, and has more resources? Kazan is now my second favorite city, only Peter is more aesthetically pleasing. Both have very friendly locals, and Kazan has more English speakers than any other city I've visited. I guess because there are so many young students there, but it makes navigation in the city much easier for a foreign tourist like me...


peacetraveler22: (Default)
image

The simplest things can leave a lasting impression on our lives. Anything from a smile, a person's beauty, their harsh or loving words and, particularly, a random act of kindness. I continue to review my photos from Kazan, and recently came across this image. I remember that my Russian travel companion in Kazan had a very emotional reaction when he encountered this note and lollipop, but two months after the journey I can't remember exactly why. I spoke to my Russian friend Alexey yesterday and he translated the note as follows: "This rabbit is 10 years old. He was brought from abroad but the child felt sorry for him and didn't eat him. And then the child grew up and brought him to the museum. Live eternally, brother!"Read more... )
peacetraveler22: (Default)
chak1

I love the term "sweet" for its myriad of meanings. It can refer to almost every essential component of life - taste, smell, sound and the overall essence of a person or soul. During my visit to Kazan, I spent an afternoon in a "living" museum in which almost all applications of the term "sweet" are embodied in a single place - the Chak-Chak Musem.

Typically, I'm not a fan of museums, filled with artifacts or paintings, and plaque written descriptions explaining their significance. However, this museum is different because it's small, in a cozy home and almost everything contained within it has personal significance to the couple who developed and run the museum. Pictured here, Ravshana, holding a hand-carved spoon made by her husband's grandfather. She's a beautiful and vibrant woman, enthusiastic and eager to tell foreigners about native Tatar culture and ancient traditions...
Read more... )

Profile

peacetraveler22: (Default)
peacetraveler22

June 2017

S M T W T F S
    123
45678910
1112 1314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 

Syndicate

RSS Atom

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jun. 28th, 2025 07:14 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios