Astrakhan Thursday 13th October

We arrived at the Astrakhan Kremlin by bus 1c. ( a very dilapidated mini bus)


A very old and elegant walled area of the city. The white buildings and walls reflected the sunshine and stood out against a clear blue sky.

We visited a beautiful Catherdral after climber yet another steep flight of stairs, but it was worth it!!

Ladies were expected to cover their heads and noticed another visitor choosing the correct colour of scarf from those on hand to suit her outfit!!    Around the gardens we saw Clergy in traditional golden robes.

We really wanted to climb the 300 steps up the tower but unfortunately it was locked!!  - NOT!!

This morning we made friends with Cyril in the hotel and in the gardens of the Kremlin we met him again and he invited into an international exhibition he was organising to promote Social Responsibility in trade in Russia.

He fed us Savouries and cakes, tea and coffee and we visited the exhibits including artisan pottery making, weaving, dollmaking and other crafts.

This was a wonderful impromptu experience for us all.

Marina took us to a Grand Cafe for a very elegant light lunch.

Some of the team went in search of shops and visited Tetu Shinoff house, a traditional wooden house with exciting dressing up opportunities!!

Accompanied by Marina some of us visited hospital following a mishap to one of our members.  All was okay but we were really impressed by the speed of service.  50 Minutes for registration, consultation, x-ray, consultation and treatment.

One staff member wore a delightful combination of flowery dressing gowns and hat!!

Re- united at the hotel we did the planning for tomorrow and found a very slow bite to eat.

All for now.