river and strengthened our own
relationships with one another.
Esenin became more than a
temporary house, but a home
that will keep floating fondly
along in my memory.
to the sky and go anywhere I
wished. In that dreamy village,
I met friendly Russians, tried
some delicacies and experienced
their distinct culture. While
everything that day was simple
and subtle, it nevertheless sticks
out solidly in my memory.
It’s hard to describe the life on
an Esenin Cruise. Sure, words
like “tranquil” and “peaceful”
come to mind, but does that
really capture it? As it usually
goes with cruises, most of us
didn’t know each other; however,
our relationships developed each
day as we got to know each other
further down the river. We woke
up together in the early morning,
had breakfast together and
explored something new each
day. We learned some Russian,
studied Russian history and
culture by singing simple songs,
practicing traditional dances
and even learning the local
ways of cooking and making
tea. Like members of a big
family, we spent pleasant times
together and were happiest when
everyone was happy. We shared a
love for the country, a love which
developed along the course of the
Looking back, I once again
miss Russia and her people:
Maria, our lovely receptionist;
Natalya, our tenderhearted
waiter, and the entire crew,
each member helping not
only as hosts but as friends.
I especially miss Liudmila,
our tour guide, her blond hair
and sweet smile evoking the
quintessence of Russia. Despite
growing up in Russia, she can
speak Vietnamese fluently like
a native speaker. She created
a bridge connecting the two
nations and made me love
Russia all the more.
My gentle dream is not over.
Back in Hanoi, I can’t stop the
feelings of traveling along the
Volga and visiting picturesque
villages where the stresses and
pressures of life feel as though
they never existed. I crave to
return to these places, to slowly
walk along the riverbanks,
wander in grass fields, breathe
the fresh air and listen to sweet
Russian love songs. I want to call
out those familiar names - Maria,
Natalia, Liudmila- as on previous
days. The nostalgia fills my mind
with happy memories. I promise
to go back there someday,
immerse myself in the warm
sunlight of St Petersburg and the
cold weather of smoky Volga on
an early morning.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Time
ü Volga River Tour only operates
from May to October each year.
The best times to travel on the
Volga are in June with its interesting
“white nights” and from September
to October with the enticing
Russian autumn.
Visa
ü It’s quite easy for Vietnamese to
get a Russian visa. After you receive
your official invitation letter, it takes
only 5 to 6 days to ask for a visa at
the Russia Embassy in Hanoi. The
fee is about 50USD, or 90USD if
you want to get your visa within
2 days.
Weather
ü You will travel from St.
Petersburg to Moscow and
experience different types of
weather. At night it can get quite
cold and rainy, then it grows
warmer at noon. Bring a thin jacket,
jumper and other suitable outfits.
Food
ü You will be offered an array
of dishes. Russian cuisine is quite
greasy. Soup and black bread are
must-try dishes.
Locals
ü Russian people are friendly
and helpful; some are very good
at foreign languages such as
Vietnamese.
Notes
ü You must follow the cruise’s
regulations on safety and practice
in case of emergency. Follow the
safety guides and the captain’s
instructions.
Tour booking
ü You can book an 11-day (10
night) tour with ATLANTA Travel.
For more details, please send email
to [email protected], or call
the hotline at 04 6291 3809 or visit
www.atlantatravel.vn.
TRAVELLIVE
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