Blogs from Veliky Novgorod, Northwest, Russia, Europe

Our third and last day in Novgorod was a little complicated because we had to check out of our apartment at 11.30am and take our suitcases to Left Luggage at the station before our tourist day could begin. The good news was that we weren't moving on until 21.20, so there was plenty of time to see some more sights. Our apartment owner picked us up to help us to the station in his Volkswagon. In the light of what we've seen of Novgorod, I've now realised the architecture of the handsome 1950s railway terminal reflects the design of its ancient Kremlin churches and associated buildings.... the windows, decoration and ratios. A handsome station. After waving goodbyes we sussed the system for stowing bags and soon were headed back towards the river, taking a meandering route ... read more

We were up at sparrow fart for 07.19 train from St. Petersburgs's Glavny Muskovosvky station. There was enough time enough for a coffee, bun and a wrestle with an ATM 'stand in front of the wall' which refused to spill out the oolong. Ivan, our ticket collector, checked passports outside carriage number seven and pointed us in the right direction. The electric train was bound for Veliky Novgorod. A three hour journey. Veliky means 'great' and Novgorod 'new town'. We Geordie Novocastrians can spot a 'Nov' and know it's going to mean 'new' despite this UNESCO town's claims to being the oldest cultural and trading centre in Russia, second only to Kiev in the Middle Ages. 859 is the year it was founded, its power based upon international trade, being the main Russian port with access ... read more

These are pictures from the last few weeks here in Velikiy Novgorod.... read more

Here are some pictures I took there!... read more

Well I'm here now, here are some more pictures!!!... read more