Dec
4
Just Back from: Uglich, Russia
December 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Here’s a link to the “Just Back From” section of the San Francisco Chronicle that features Jim and me in Uglich, Russia.”
Traveler: Laurie McAndish King, Novato
I went because: I wanted to see the magnificent Church of St. Dimitri of the Blood where Ivan the Terrible’s son was murdered in 1591.
Don’t bother: The famous Tschaika watches (until recently, the Tschaika clock factory manufactured 5 million timepieces per year) were uninspiring.
Coolest souvenir: Colorful matryoshka stacking dolls and intricately painted lacquer boxes are high quality and reasonably priced.
Worth a splurge: There is absolutely nothing to splurge on in Uglich. Vodka is a necessity.
I wish I’d packed: Warmer gloves.
Other comments: Uglich’s church bell was famously thrown from its tower, its tongue (clapper) was cut out, and it was whipped and banished for sounding Dimitri’s death toll.