April 13, 2008
October 5, 2007
March 19, 2007
Jon. 26, 2004
.. and us
Russian winter
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From
The Moscow Times, April 2008
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From the Guestbook, October 5, 2007
Our experience at Pasha's dacha.
Posted on October 5, 2007 at 08:49:25 AM by Lee Orchard (A New Zealander, self-exiled to Russia) [lee . d . orchard gmail com]
Pasha is the horse whisperer of the Tver Region.
My behind is still a little tender after riding the horses. Pasha's effective instructions allowed me to feel confident enough to ride faster than I ever have before. Don't be put off by the distance to get to Pasha's. It's necessary if you want a genuine rural experience in Russia, which I believe is imperative if you want to truly experience a vital aspect of Russian culture, i.e. dacha life. Pasha trusted us with his property, thus respecting our independence and encouraging our sense of responsibility, essential if you are to fully embrace the freedom offered by rural living.
Pasha made us the best food I've had in my 5 months in Russia. As a fellow vegetarian I relished in his ethnic fusion of very tasty and healthy meals. I share his views on Russian cuisine as being bland, heavy and lacking in essential nutrients, so, ate my full.
It was a bitter departure since I knew that my many loathes would continue to be endured once back in Moscow. I'm still longing to return to the countryside where I could find harmony within myself and dedicate my attention to those things I value most in life; unspoilt nature, a loved one, my mental and physical well being and a context that allows one to enjoy these things free from the negative influence of city life. Endeavor to make life simpler for yourself. Revive or create an interest in rural life and go have an experience you'll never forget in that red dacha on the top of the hill where you're always welcome.
Give Moony, that hard Russian work horse an affectionate smack on the behind for me ;-)
Kia Kaha (stand strong) Pasha, and best of luck with your efforts in promoting rural tourism in Russia. You offer something truly unique.
From my mailbox, received August 22, 2007
Ah hello there Pasha,
Thanks for sending that CD of the photos home to my parents - they loved them! Great photos. I still look back on my stay at your dacha with such fondness - golly I really hope that someday I can come back!
I recently sent an email to Lonely Planet - here it is below for you to read - hope you like it and I hope they bloomin' change their review after this - if they don't - don't worry I will be onto them.
Kind regards,
Jane Laming
Hello there,
I generally found this edition most helpful for my trip through Russia. One thing I simply must add, which you must change in your next edition as I think it is an incredibly unfair review - is that of a rural dacha farm stay - Uncle Pasha's Dacha.
The lonely planet describes this as an authentic Russian experience - which it is - however it goes on to state that the food left a lot to be desired and the toilet was fairly grim being located 'outside'.
Firstly, the food I ate at Uncle Pashas dacha was some of the most excellent food I had in all my travel in Russia - indeed throughout all Europe! I am not kidding! It was vegetarian food, and while I am not a vegetarian, the food was excellent and Pasha used meat replacements which tasted absolutely delicious. The meals were full of fresh local vegetables grown in his own garden or sourced from some of the locals.
Secondly, there is not one single dacha I know that does not have an outdoor toilet, and I must say that Pasha's was incredibly clean, and quite cute - with a pleasant view out into the horse paddock!
Also, I think the review should note the great banya there - a sauna made completely from wood and very cosy.
All in all, staying at Pasha's for two nights was certainly the highlight of my entire stay in Russia. I got to go horse riding whenever I wanted, the horses are great, especially for inexperienced riders - and Pasha can give you horse lessons. The dacha is situated less than a half minute walk to the River Volga - beautiful to swim in, in the summer.
Please amend your review immediately. Oh, and I heard of three other travellers who had also stayed there and were confused about the lonely planets review, given that they had all had a similarly great experience.
Look forward to hearing back from you and seeing some action on this!
Kind regards,
Jane Laming.
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You have not see Russia until you have seen the countryside, and the Staritza dacha will take you back hundreds of years to a way of life far removed from Moscow. The timeless Volga flows by, wood fires and vodka warm you, horses await your command, and you'll see a rare breed of dog, a fountain of life, and a mysterious cave.
You have not known Russians if you have just had official guides. Pasha, with his mix of humour and cynicism, will give you a unique insight into the Russian character and culture. With us he failed in his mission to provide misery travel - we thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
Eric & Marilyn Houston
Hong-Kong
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Patrick van der Meer from Holland
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"Extracurricular Reading" Youth Magazine (in Russian)
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Michael Throughton, Letter from Staritsa: Ivan the Terrible's Playground. Received Dec. 7, 2004
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Glory can be yours too. Foreigners are so rare that the local newspaper hunts them down for an interview... Example
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