It’s big: Bordering 14 countries and crossing 9 times zones, Russia is bigger than Pluto.
And it’s cold: Permafrost covers 65% of Russia which, as you would probably have guessed, is home to the coldest city on Earth. In Oymyakon, Siberia, temperatures average -50°C in winter. (Watch out for deadly overhanging icicles here generally.)
It is gritty: The bodies of opposing clans of Russian mafia are buried on either side of a cemetery in Yekaterinburg, their gravestones extolling their individual fighting prowess (such as ” expert in knife throwing”). The Kalashnikov rifle was born here.
It is fabulous: Home of the Bolshoi, the world’s most magnificent metro and more golden domed churches than you can squint at in the wintry sun. Moscow’s 1000 year old Kremlin is the world’s largest (and still operational) medieval fortress and home to the president, 4 cathedrals and 5 palaces.
It is clever: It put the first man in space and is a master of literature.
And it is quirky: Peter the Great imposed a tax on beards, in a bid to make the population look more Westernised. Locals rub a brass dogs’ nose for luck in the metro.
It is closer to America than you’d think: Following the sale of Alaska to the US in 1867, the border (the “ice curtain”) now runs down the 4km gap between the US island of Little Diomede and its Russian owned big brother, Big Doimede.
Things you will find in Russia: The embalmed body of Lenin, a statue park for those currently out of favour and Ivan the Terrible’s tomb.
You cannot pigeon hole Russia.
This article is so dreamy. Reminded me of how much I love travel and the discovery of amazing nature and the inexplicably endearing ‘batshitery’ of humanity, and of course, my memories of Morocco.
What an awesome and fun adventure bucket list! I want to do all of them! Haha. But as I’m hoping to visit Portugal next year I’ll probably explore the Algarve coast first. Next I’d love to visit Morrocco and raft to that gorgeous waterfall!
Oh wow! I am happy to find so many travel experiences in your blog. I definitely need to add some of these to my list. I can’t wait to visit Morocco once everything is back to normal 🙂
Wow, these all look amazing! I’ve also done a helicopter glacier hike in New Zealand, and I’d love to try all the other things you’ve mentioned!
Plenty of inspiration here – The helicopter in New Zealand sounds wonderful! putting it on my bucket list.
I love this series! I can’t wait to go to Morocco – it’s high up on my list! Plus that cave in Portugal – wow! All great ideas!!!
Interesting idea for a post! I can’t wait to get to Russia one day. Nice ideas, thanks for sharing!
Woah so many cool ideas! Great Barrier Reef and Russia are definitely big ones for me!
I had so much fun reading this blog. It is such a fun post and covers an array of interesting activities. The photos look splendid. Thanks for the post!
These are some incredible bucket list ideas! with so many great choices I wouldn’t even know where to start! Ouzoud Falls looks like such a magical spot, I’d really love to visit some day! The helicopter ride to a glacier sounds incredible too! I’ll be adding these to my own bucket list for sure! Thanks for the great guide!
Great web site. A lot of helpful information here. I am sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you to your sweat!