Ufa-Samara
Trip Start
Mar 29, 2009
1
57
76
Trip End
Ongoing
Samara,
Privolzhsky,
Russian Federation
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
We think this was probably one of the most tedious and frustrating days of driving yet. Road works forever and speed limits of between 40-90 kph. We averaged mostly 50-70 kph,
Lunch time, we stopped off at a road side cafe for a big bowl of borsh (soup) and bread. A Ukraine specialty, and it's so delicious I think I'll have it everyday.
The roadside squatty longdrops are enclosed in the tiniest of huts, they are absolutely DISGUSTING and have to be avoided at all costs. We are abandoning them and heading back to the bushes!
Any preconceived ideas we had about the Russian country side have been put to rest. It really is beautiful - lush, green and well maintained. Very impressed. No where near as many abandoned buildings as in Kazakhstan nor the piles of rusty wrecked machinery. Not yet, anyway.
It was great to arrive in Samara - what a lovely modern city, with the old buildings well maintained. The River Volga running through the middle of town (a couple of blocks from our hotel) looked very inviting. Loads of people swimming, sun bathing on the beach and strolling along its banks.
Comments
:D
Hi to Mr & Mrs Kabul!!You actually look like Audrey Hepburn Susie & I'm wondering if thats an underwear beard Dave!!Ha Ha!!So now you are in Samara-what a beautiful place with so much history.The old buildings look gorgeous & I hope you had a dip in the Volga River-looks lovely & beachy!Keep clicking the camera the photos are fantastic!Where's one of a roadside squatty longdrop??Sending LOTS of love,Barbara xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx