Yaroslavl

I am a day late getting this one out unfortunately. The reason I am late is because the virus that is going through the ship got a hold of me thanks to those inconsiderate people who feel it is OK to cough and sneeze all over you.

Anyway down to the details. Yaroslavl is one of Russia's oldest cities dating back to viking times. It was founded by Prince Yaroslav the Wise,  and like many of the places we have visited It is adorned with many beautiful churches and structures. The layout of the city is unique in that all main  city roads lead back to the cathedral.

The Cathedral in the town Centre

We had to get some local currency here and using the ATM's was relatively easy considering they had an English option. The first time we used it we checked large denomination notes. This was a bad move as small towns and shops don't have the capacity to change 5000 ru ($115 AUD) notes. Fortunately we were able to change one at the chemist when we went to get some throat lozenges and elixar. We also managed to change one when we went to the Chocolate shop.

Top Coffee Shop

The local markets here cater mostly for the locals and the prices reflect that. Ann picked up a lovely scarf for herself here at the princely sum of 450 ru ($10.38). We also found  great coffee shop that made the best coffee since we left home. They also made some delicious eclairs. They were so delicious I forgot to swap half way with Ann so we could both try the different flavours.....OOOPS!





Our tour of Yaroslavl showed us many churches and locations

The Town Symbol

around the city and the symbol of the bear with the battle axe can be seen everywhere. Legend has it that Prince Yaroslav defeated the bear with his battle axe and proclaimed that site to be the location of the city. The town is located on the meeting of two rivers, the Volga and the Kotorosol. Yaroslavl is one of the Golden ring cities  that has played a significant role in Russian History.
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The Meeting of the Rivers

 Eventually we made our way back to the ship for dinner and to set sail to Uglich. The past two nights we had been having Vodka sampling at dinner. I was so looking forward to some vodka to ease my throat. Russians call vodka a remedy as it warms from the inside and help fix common ailments. All I know is it helps my throat and the flavoured vodkas are pretty cool.  It does help to keep you warm on the inside though.