It was a moment of sheer wanderlust when we decided to travel to Russia. We had not planned much which left us no time to wait for the regular visa process. Hence we opted for urgent visa and paid premium for tickets to Moscow. It all worked out in the end and we got our stamped passports just in time for the flight.

Pakistan never had an easy relationship with Russia ever since the partition. However, that never stopped artists and writers of both countries from inspiring each other. I went to Oxford Publications outlet in Karachi to get a copy of Dr. Ludmila Vasilieva’s "Parvarish-e-loh qalam", a stunning book on Faiz’s life and letters. I hoped to get it signed from her at the University of Moscow but to my utter disappointment, she had been travelling, so I missed my chance.

Nevertheless, my days exceeded expectation in every possible way. We were well aware of what Moscow and St. Petersburg had to offer to an avid traveler but it was Velikiy Novgorod and Suzdal, two sleepy towns of historic importance which made the trip memorable.

Veliky Novgorod-Kremlin entrance

Veliky Novgorod-A view of Museum of Wooden Architecture

Suzdal-Various Churches near St.Euthymius Monastery

 

Veliky Novgorod

 

Veliky Novgorod, a UNESCO world heritage site, is considered to be the birthplace of Russia. The city was founded during the 10th century on the banks of Volkhov River which made it a key trading post and later fueled its growth as a political and cultural hub.

We arrived in Novgorod via train in the afternoon and instantly embarked on our journey towards Kremlin. We took a local bus from the railway station and with the help of Google translate told the bus driver to make a stop at Kremlin. The Russians are said to have expressionless faces, but that was not the case with the driver who was quite animated and helped us with the directions. Much to our surprise, he did not even charge us the fare.

 

Novgorodians flock in near the bank of Volkhov River on a holiday.

A view of Volkhov River.

St. Sophia Cathedral - Considered to be the oldest Church in Russia.

 

The Kremlin has remained the heart of the city and is its biggest tourist attraction. The current fortification was built in the 15th century along with its impressive towers which provide panoramic views of Kremlin and the Volkhov River.

The entry to the Kremlin was free and we kept walking till we reached St. Sophia Cathedral which is considered to be the oldest church in Russia. It was a miracle that the Church survived Nazi occupation despite heavy damage to its domes. Unfortunately ,it was closed so we could not go inside to see its famous frescos.

 

A view from the the Kremlin fortification wall.

A view inside Kremlin.

Kremlin fortification walls.

 

We continued walking to the far end where the famous bell tower of St. Sophia stood. Not very long ago, its chimes could have been heard in the far corners of the city. It has been turned into a museum of ancient bells now. There was a staircase behind the tower which led us to the top of the fortification. The breathtaking view from up there overlooked the Volkhov River, where Novgorodians flock in during holidays.