TUMBLEWEED

Formerly the capital of a mighty Rostov kingdom, today, Rostov is a sleepy town on the banks of the serene lake Nero, and only the add-on 'Veliky' ('the Great') reminds of its one-time glory. The picturesque kremlin with dozens of onion domes of all shapes and sizes made Rostov a perfect historical setting for many famous Soviet films. Outside the holiday season and summer months when the town fills up with Russian tourist groups, and lazy Moscovites in search of a weekend getaway, Rostov stays empty and eerily quiet. Despite its rich historical heritage, Rostov is way less developed than other ancient Russian cities on the famous Golden Ring route. After many centuries, Rostov Kremlin is still the centre of the town life. The main Christmas tree is installed here, and also the ice slide and the ice skating rink where local kids while away their time. In summer, it becomes the arena for many of the festivals and fairs that take place in Rostov. It is also a home to a dozen of museums and churches, restaurants, and even a hotel.