PSKOV

After 3 days in Moscow we jumped on the overnight train for the 12 hour trip to Pskov (near the Estonian border). We arrived on Christmas eve after little sleep and headed off with our local guide to the Pskov Kremlin for sunrise.

The Veche where declarations were made to the people.


We also visited a Izborsk Fortress just outside town, to sample some of the magical spring water. The fortress is situated on quite a steep rise making it difficult to attack.


Magical Stream
Claire taking in some magic
We also gave the Russian tradition of Banya a try. Now this involves sweating it out in a sauna and being beaten with a birch branch (not painful) and then running outside and jumping into the nearest lake before repeating the process. The lake was slightly too far away for us so we were content to throw a bucket of cold water over us. Invigorating and exhausting all in one.


Our tour group threw a Christmas party for us which included some tradional russian dancing and of course a visit from santa (yes he waited until after midnight).


Claire was a good girl

Steve was a good boy
On our way out of Pskov the next day we headed to the fantastic Pechory Monastery. Again there were no cameras allowed but we did take a group shot of the tour in front of the cathedral.