Russia – Love and a Sweet Dream

For me, Russia is a nostalgic memory of days gone by, when I was a tiny boy nestled against my mother's skirt, posing for a black-and-white photograph in Red Square. After fifteen years of separation, I eagerly awaited a return to that familiar place, wondering how Russia had changed after so many historical upheavals. My eleven-day trip took me back to the tranquil Volga River, to picturesque villages and charming little wooden houses. Those eleven days felt like a peaceful dream, one that you can only truly appreciate by experiencing it yourself.

From the moment I stepped off the plane at St. Petersburg airport, I knew this trip was the journey of a lifetime. The air was cool and pleasant, the leaves were turning yellow, and the people welcomed me with warm smiles and the most affectionate feelings. I boarded the Esenin cruise ship, received a Matriutska doll made just for me, and began one of the most beautiful journeys of my life.

During the first few days of my trip, I wandered through the magnificent palaces of St. Petersburg, admiring the exquisite carvings on the ceilings of famous churches and visiting typical Russian restaurants. Each stop gave me a different feeling, and I followed those delightful emotions as I explored this beautiful city. But perhaps the most wonderful thing I remember about St. Petersburg is the Swan Lake ballet at the famous Hermitage Theatre. Nothing can compare to the emotionally charged sounds from the live orchestra and the superb performance of the professional dancers.

That night, I stayed awake, wandering through the city streets before returning to the cruise ship to admire the azure sky of the white night before setting sail from St. Petersburg to Moscow. The night on the Volga was incredibly peaceful, with only the sound of the ship, the lapping of the water, and the gentle humming of love songs. All worries and anxieties seemed to vanish, leaving me with a feeling of blissful tranquility, as if I were lost in a peaceful world.

On sunny days, I would lie stretched out on the Esenin cruise ship, watching hundreds of seagulls fly behind the boat or circle overhead. White clouds drifted lazily across the sky, so close I felt I could almost reach out and mold them into any shape I pleased. In those peaceful moments, there was only me, the water, and the sky. In the distance, along the riverbank, small villages added to the serene autumn landscape.

I still vividly remember that early morning when we visited Kizhi village. It was quite cold, and the village looked like something out of an old movie, with flowers lining the river and wooden churches. The people lived a leisurely, simple life. I felt like I was transported back to my childhood, to my childish dreams, letting my soul soar to the clear blue sky, carried by the wind to wherever I wanted to go. Here, I met friendly, approachable, and kind Russian people, enjoyed typical Russian cuisine, and experienced some of the most fascinating aspects of their culture.

To describe life on the Esenin cruise ship, the words "relaxed" and "peaceful" are insufficient. Most of the passengers on board had never met before, but the bond between us grew stronger with each passing moment of the journey. We woke up early together, had breakfast, admired the river scenery, participated in group activities, learned Russian, and explored Russian culture and history through traditional songs and dances, as well as painting, tea-making, and enjoying Russian food. Like a large family, each member of our extended family strived to provide the best possible experience and warmth to the others. Our love for this country grew, permeating every glance and smile. And if the Esenin were a home, each cabin would be a warm and familiar room.

When I think back on that trip, I can't help but remember the friendly Russian people. From Maria, the receptionist, to Natalya, the server, to the sailors on the cruise ship, everyone was kind and helpful. Most special of all was Liudmila, our Russian tour guide. With her beautiful blonde hair and endearing smile, she was the epitome of Russia. Despite being Russian, Liudmila spoke Vietnamese fluently. She was the bridge, the one who helped us understand and love Russia even more.

The journey ended like a peaceful dream. Returning to Hanoi, I still felt as if I were drifting along the Volga River, visiting fairytale villages, free from the hustle and bustle and pressures of life. I longed for the feeling of slowly following the riverbank, wandering through the wild meadows, breathing in the unique Volga breeze, and listening to the Russian love songs echoing somewhere. I wanted to call out the familiar names Maria, Natalia, and Liudmila. The longing kept ebb and flow, becoming unforgettable memories. One day I will return to that place to immerse myself in the gentle golden sunshine of St. Petersburg or the cool, misty morning air of the Volga.

Additional information:

+ Timing: Volga River cruises in Russia only operate from May to October each year. The two best times are June with the fascinating phenomenon of the white nights and September and October with the beautiful Russian autumn.

+ Visa: Applying for a Russian visa is not too difficult. After receiving an official invitation letter from Russia, applying for a visa at the Russian Embassy in Hanoi takes about 5-6 days and costs 50 USD. If you can expedite the process, it may take about 2 days and cost 90 USD.

+ Weather: In Russia, since the tour goes from St. Petersburg to Moscow, it passes through many regions with varying weather. The weather is cool and sometimes rainy, with sunny and warm afternoons on some days. Guests should bring a light jacket, warm coat, sweater, and other appropriate personal items.

+ Food: The food on the cruise and in restaurants in Russia is quite palatable and offers many different choices. Russian food is quite rich and fatty. Russian soups and rye bread are delicious and you'll definitely enjoy them.

+ People: The Russian people are very friendly, and some of the tour guides even speak Vietnamese quite well.

+ Some important notes: Onboard, there should be safety regulations that passengers must follow, emergency drills should be conducted, and passengers must adhere to the instructions of the cruise manager and captain.

+ Booking Tours: ATLANTA Travel is currently offering an 11-day, 10-night Volga River Tour in Russia. You can book by calling 04.6291.3809 or emailing contact@atlantatravel.vn. You can also find detailed information and images on our website www.atlantatravel.vn.

Text and photos:Harry Trung Nguyen

The Thanh