Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Russia 2019 Day 2: Around Sergiyev Posad

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AhPek Biker - Riding Adventures

Russia 2019 Day 2: Around Sergiyev Posad

Russia 2019 Day 2: 10th May (Friday)

Small Group (Non-cycling) Tour of Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg & the Golden Ring Cities).
Day 2 - Around Sergiyev Posad:
Barskiye Polati Hotel>Museum of Peasant Life>Sergiev Posad Museum>Pirosmani Cafe>The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra>Church of St. Paraskeva>Memorial Slavy>Blinnaya Hill>Sergievskaya Kitchen>Barskiye Polati Hotel.

This is page 2 of a 14-page blog. Click Here To Go To Title Page.
< D1: Moscow | Go to Other Days | D3: Rostov >

Route recommendations: Here are some tips on travelling to and around Russia:

1. Traffic Directions!

Driving in Russia is left-hand drive, and driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Do look to the correct side when crossing roads.

Speed limits are between 60 km/h within urban areas, 110 km/h along expressways, and 120 km/h on highways.

2. Getting to & around Russia.

Today started with a walking tour to around Sergiyev Posad to visit an artist, beautiful tulip gardens and a Matryoshka Doll museum. After lunch, was an enlightening tour to the The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra and other churches of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Since Russia's "special military operation" into Ukraine, accessibility to Russia by air has been limited. But several airlines (including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines) still operate flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

We flew return with Thai Airways from Kuala_Lumpur (KLIA) to Moscow (Domodedovo Airport) with short transits at Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport). Presently, Thai Airways still flies from Bangkok to Moscow but now lands at Vnukovo Airport.

We booked hotels, train tickets, and several meals via the internet. Ground arrangements (and airport transfers) in Moscow were made through Alexander of Angel Tour, who can be contacted through WhatsApp at this phone number: +7926-435-86-87.

Ground arrangements (and train station transfers) in St. Petersburg were made through Tayna (contact no.: +7921-923-12-27), a local agent in St. Petersburg.

Travelling around the cities was in a 16-seater van. Travelling between Moscow and St. Petersburg was by the Red Arrow Sleeper Train and the Sapsan High Speed Train. Within Moscow, we got around using the Moscow Metro.

For out-of-pocket spending, we exchanged some Russian Rubles before leaving. We also brought along our Big Pay debit cards, as these can be used to withdraw Russian Rubles at ATMs. Debit and credit cards can also be used, but many smaller shops or market stalls only accept cash transactions. Click here for exchange rates to Rubles (presently 1MYR = 18.67 RUR, i.e. Russian Rubles).

3. Immigration & Customs Requirements

Tourists entering Russia will need a tourist visa, which can only be obtained via a TOURIST CONFIRMATION VOUCHER issued by a Russian travel agency or a Russian hotel that has the license to invite foreign tourists. This can be done through a local travel agency with affiliation to a Russian travel agency to obtain this invitation letter. The following is a list of countries that are visa-exempt to enter Russia.

For Malaysians, leaving and returning to Malaysia, getting through immigration is easier now. Just install and register MyBorderPass, and getting through will be a breeze. A QR code will be generated, have this scanned, and you're through.

4. Places & Things of Interests

There were many scenic and interesting places of interest along the way, but one should not miss the following:
a. Yuri Victor's Museum of Peasant Life "Once Upon a Time" (GPS: 56.31318, 38.14091).
b. Tulips Garden at the "Soviet Square" City Adminsitration (Sovetskaya Ploshchad) (GPS: 56.31535, 38.13611).
c. "Konniy dvor" Museum Complex (Сергиево-Посадский музей-заповедник. Музейный комплекс «Конный двор») (GPS: 56.31342, 38.13303) w
d. Sergiev Posad Museum (Главный корпус) (GPS: 56.31278, 38.13592) with display of Matryoshka Dolls (Russian nested dolls).

e. Matryoshka Doll Museum (Русская Матрешка) (GPS: 56.31097, 38.13461).

f. Life-size Matryoshka Doll at Russkiy Dvorik Restaurant (Ресторан Русский дворик) (GPS: 56.30904, 38.13405).
g. The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra (UNESCO Heritage) (Свято-Троицкая Сергиева Лавра) (GPS: 56.31068, 38.13047) is the main seat of the Russian Orthodox Church.
h. Church of St. Paraskeva (Пятницкое подворье Свято-Троицкой Сергиевой Лавры) (GPS: 56.30860, 38.13279).
i. Memorial Slavy (Мемориал Славы) (GPS: 56.30776, 38.13187).
j. Blinnaya Hill Viewpoint (Блинная Гора) (GPS: 56.30731, 38.13487).

5. Food

a. Breakfast

Inclusive buffet at our hotel, Hotel Polat Barskie (website) (Барские Полати) (GPS: 56.31067, 38.14110) in Sergiyev Posad.

b. Lunch

Georgian fare at Pirosmani Cafe (Кафе Пиросмани) (GPS: 56.31131, 38.13488) in Sergiyev Posad:
Vegetable Herbal Soup, Tsotskhali Fish, Chanakhi Lamb Stew, Satsivi Turkey, and Georgian Cheese.
c. Tea

Kvass drink at The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra (GPS: 56.31068, 38.13047) grounds.

d. Dinner

Russian fare at Sergievskaya Kitchen (Сергиевская Кухмистерская) (GPS: 56.31213, 38.13822):

Fried Salmon with Red Caviar, Pan-seared Halibut, and Unfiltered Latvian Ale.

6. Accommodations

Second of two nights at Hotel Polat Barskie (website) (Барские Полати) (GPS: 56.31067, 38.14110) in Sergiyev Posad.

7. Communicating with Each Other

When travelling in a group, it's important to be able to communicate with each other, especially if one gets lost from the rest. Back then, it was not easy to buy Russian Sim cards, and our Moscow guide got the Beeline physical SIM cards (with 14days unlimited data) at 700 RUR (MYR 37.50) for us before we arrived.

Even now, it is not easy to purchase a SIM card. However, it is possible to buy Russian Sim cards online; just be aware of the restrictions posted earlier.

8. Communicating with Locals

At hotels and tourist spots, locals speak fairly good English. In the smaller towns, most locals speak only Russian. As such, it would be good to know some basic Russian.

9. Dressing

When entering churches and monasteries, it is advisable to wear long pants, especially for women. Ladies will also have to wear headscarves or veils. Caps and hats should be taken off when in churches and monasteries.

10. Weather

Daytime and nighttime temperatures Sergiyev Posad were 17°C and 6°C respectively.

Useful weather forecast sites for Russia is AccuWeather. For more detailed weather, including cloud cover and wind speed, use Weatherspark and Ventusky.

11. Navigation

I used MapMyRide to track our routes and stops. Geo-tagging of places of interest was via FaceBook or Google Maps.

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PRELUDE

The previous day had been a long day of travelling, starting with a flight from Kuala_Lumpur to Bangkok and then another flight from Bangkok to Moscow. This was followed by a 1-1/2 hour van drive to Sergiyev Posad. By the time we reached the hotel, it was 10:30pm local time, too late to do anything except go to bed.
Today, we look forward to really starting our Russian travel adventure with visits to beautiful monasteries and a doll museum .... A doll museum? Isn't that a tad childish or feminine? Read on to find out!

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DAY 2: AROUND SERGIYEV POSAD

Small Group (Non-cycling) Tour of Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg & the Golden Ring Cities).

Day 2 - Around Sergiyev Posad:
Barskiye Polati Hotel>Museum of Peasant Life>Sergiev Posad Museum>Pirosmani Cafe>The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra>Church of St. Paraskeva>Memorial Slavy>Blinnaya Hill>Sergievskaya Kitchen>Barskiye Polati Hotel.

(Click Here Russia 2019 Days 1 & 2: Moscow to Sergiyev Posad Route Map)

Many of the posts below are linked to my Facebook postings during the trip and are embedded here with some comments. (NOTE: Click on respective posts to link to the FB post to read more details. If you can't see the posts, please log out of your Facebook first.)

Russian Rendezvous 2019
Daily Log Day 2: 10th May Friday - Around Sergiyev Posad
Today was a reversal of yesterday's thousand-kilometre journey by plane and van. Today we just went about 10km on foot as our hotel was near the old city centre of town.
Still, we managed to cover much, starting with a visit to a wistful, romantic old artist who was also a collector of old collectables.
Next, it was a visit to a couple of museums, one a cultural historical one, and the other of famous Russian dolls. We also visited a cute souvenir shop. Lunch was Georgian fare, and dinner a fishy one.
The highlight of the day was a visit to a monastery, not just a mere one, but one that is a monastery with several churches and the Seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. One that displays the unique colourful architecture of tallspires and colourful domes.
Places of interest (with short notes) :
1. 73-year-old Yuri Victor Artist Museum (Museum of Peasant Life "Once Upon a Time"): 7-year-olds will start making a dowry of linen, wood furniture. Alex explained on tools and appliances used in the rural pre-Soviet period. Russian tradition of dressing boys as girls to avoid evil spells. Russia, year of the pig.

2. Tulip Square at City Administrator Square.
3. "Konniy dvor" Museum Complex, which narrates that of a rural big house with everything catered for three generations. Houses grew as the family grew. Display of traditional rural Russian costume. Married women had to cover their hair. Long sleeves could mean rich, no need to work. Or was a peasant who had worked hard and had rough hands. Painting of faces originally yellow colour, but the dye turned black over the ages. Met with Matryoshka Doll maker Maria/Marsha
4. Matryoshka Doll Museum, nesting Matryoshka Dolls become smaller and smaller until pinhead size.
5. The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, monastery/church complex dedicated to St. Sergius.

6. Had Kvass, a refreshing, low-alcohol, fermented rice-bran beverage of cloudy appearance and sweet-sour taste.

6. Life-size Matryoshka Doll at Russkiy Dvorik Restaurant.

Good Morning from Sergiyev Posad!
At the front of our homestay, Barskiye Polati Hotel - nice mural of peacocks at the roof gable end.

Are there peacocks in Russia?
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AROUND SERGIYEV POSAD

After a hearty breakfast, we went for a walk around Sergiyev Posad old town centre. The tower at the far end of one of the photos is located at The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, which we will visit after lunch.

The "Konniy dvor" Museum Complex building facing the town square (Sovetskaya Ploshchad).

Tulips growing in the gardens of the town square (Sovetskaya Ploshchad).

We were surprised to find out that tulips, although renowned in Holland, did not originate from there. Tulips originated in central Asia, and began their life as a wildflower in the Pamir and Tian Shan ranges of Central Asia, and the mountains of the Caucasus, which range from southern Russia to the high plains and peaks of Türkiye and Iran. They were then cultivated in Türkiye by the Ottoman Empire, becoming a symbol of their power. From Türkiye, the flower "migrated" to the West.

While the girls were admiring tulips at the Tulips Garden at the "Soviet Square" City Adminsitration.

I was in my orange T, blending with the orange flags, while admiring the beauty of the surroundings 😅.

I should have stood more centered, with the flags protruding from my back, I would have looked like Guandi, the Chinese God of War, ready to ride out to battle!

We took a short walk over to the Museum of Peasant Life "Once Upon a Time". It's a place not to be missed and is operated by Yuri Victor, who has over many years, collected Russian paintings, sculptures, pottery, and even knick-knacks (like model cars, tanks, planes) that portray a picture of Russia's recent history.

He's seen here with some of his collection.

A memorable photo of Yuri with us.

While the girls were enjoying Yuri's company (he's 73-years old, but still looks good), and his pleasant, rustic house.

I was outside admiring other exhibits, like these mosaic statues wearing contemporary Russian costumes.
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AT THE MATRYOSHKA DOLL MUSEUM

Next up, a visit to dolls that unofficially symbolize Russia, Matryoshka Dolls! You see any of these dolls and you'll know that either they have been to Russia or it's a gift from someone who has been.

Nope, this is not the Liberty Bell, it's a huge wooden bell with colourful murals.

Fun outside, time to go inside

Sergiyev Posad is also renowned as the birthplace of the Matryoshka Doll.

Matryoshka dolls are nesting dolls, a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside another. They consist of a wooden figure, which separates at the middle, top from bottom, to reveal a smaller figure of the same sort inside, which has, in turn, another figure inside of it, and so on.

The smallest, innermost doll is typically a baby turned from a single piece of wood.

Traditionally the outer layer is a woman, dressed in traditional Russian sarafan dress. But these days, many variations has been made, including those of the Blessed Virgin, as seen above.

Or even Boyar Russian knights.The first Russian nested doll set was made in 1890 by woodturning craftsman and wood carver Vasily Zvyozdochkin from a design by Sergey Malyutin, who was a folk crafts painter at Abramtsevo.

Chatting with doll maker Maria/Marsha about her trade. She also designs and makes traditional Russian costumes.

Mannequins displaying traditional costumes, the sarafan and poneva. The sarafan was worn mainly in the north, while the poneva was worn in the south. In the pictures above, the poneva is the red one.
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GEORGIAN LUNCH AT PIROSMANI CAFE

Lunch was Georgian food, not Russian food? No, Russia is a vast country, and Georgia was part of it when it was a republic within the Soviet Union. So we get to savour food from its various regions. Today it's Georgian food; in later days, we will get to try those from other regions.

Psst... back then we didn't know much about Georgian food, but after a 2024 tour of Georgia and Armenia we know more. Above are various Georgian breads, different types of Khachapuri such as Adjarian Khachapuri, Imeruli Khachapuri, Penovani Khachapuri. Others included Achma and Lobiani. We also had Borscht soup, but I can't recall whether we had the Khinkali dumplings.

Having fun after tummies are filled: Chong and Rina wearing fur hats, trying to act like tough!
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RUSSIAN CHURCHES AT THE HOLY TRINITY-ST. SERGIUS LAVRA

And here's the reason why many visit Sergiyev Posad - The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra.

Even from afar, its golden and pastel domes beckoned to us!

To us, it was an interesting and enlightening visit, but to many Russians, it's a pilgrimage as these churches are the main seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. The ROC has practitioners in Russia and the former member republics of the Soviet Union. The head of the ROC is the patriarch of Moscow and all Rus'.

These churches have their own unique design with arches topped with golden or pastel-colored domes. Topping these domes are

One of the beautiful churches is the Assumption Cathedral, topped with golden domes.
I hoped I got the name right, correct me if I am wrong.

Topping the domes is usually the Russian Orthodox crosses, Crosslet Crosses, Botonny Crosses, etc. But not with a Crucifix.

I wonder whether these domes and crosses are made of solid gold or plated with real gold?

Nice pastel greenish-blue domes. of the Assumption Cathedral, the largest of the churches here.

The Belfry Tower.
This bell tower was built from 1741 to 1768 and stands at 88m tall, and is the centerpiece of Cathedral Square. This five-tiered tower emanates elegance, harmony, and beauty, and truly epitomizes the Russian architecture of the 18th century.

More on the bell tower.

More views of the Assumption Cathedral, with the smaller pinkish Chapel of the Blessed Waters in front. It is a Baroque chapel built in the late 17th century to mark the site of a holy spring.

The narrow church with a single blue dome is the Church of the Holy Spirit.

One of the entrance gates, this one with a large pastel green dome.

A closer view of the pinkish Chapel of the Blessed Waters.

Wall patterns similar to those of buildings I saw while on a 2015 tour of Eastern Europe.

Inside one of the churches, wall and ceiling murals.

Elaborate backdrop to the altar, housing statues of various saints.

Near the exit is a souvenir shop, where we espied these decorative eggs. I wonder whether they are the priced Faberge Imperial Eggs? Very intricately designed and crafted by skilled artisans, the most expensive of these is the Winter Egg (1913), which boasts over 3,000 diamonds.

And Russian icon paintings, this one of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus.

More affordable souvenirs were these fish painted with scenery.

Isometric plan view.

Link to a schemetic of the architectural ensembles.

Panoramic View.
Here's a list of the various churches within the The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra.

After the long walk, we had Kvass drink to quench our thirst served from this huge tankard drawn by a car.
Kvass is a fermented, cereal-based, low-alcoholic beverage of cloudy appearance and a sweet and sour taste. It's low in alcohol, so we did manage to walk back 😂😇!

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BACK IN TOWN

At the nearby Blinnaya Hill Viewpoint, an Instagrammable location with a very good view of the The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra in the background.