TUMBLEWEED

Yaroslavl is the quintessense of a rich provincial Russian town. Neither Moscow, nor St Petersburg reflect that old-world charm so well as Yaroslavl. Unlike the capital cities which were predominantely aristocratic, Yaroslavl has always been the town of merchants. Merchants built richly-decorated churches, lavish mansions, theatres, and shopping arcades in the city. But despite all the development and industrialisation, the historic centre of Rostov is awfully cozy and quiet. Today, the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's a rare case for Russia when a whole neighbourhood is spared from flashy signboards and garish adverts. And although many churches and monasteries were destroyed during the Soviet years, whichever direction you look in the old town you'll see onion domes of all colours, shapes and sizes. A long promenade along the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers with beautiful gazebos is a popular spot for locals and tourists during the summer months, while in winter, when the rivers freeze, it's where ice fishing takes place. The newly refurbished Strelka Park is actually the oldest part of the town, which 1000 years ago was known by the name of Bear's Corner. According to the legend, Yaroslav the Wise axed a totem bear of the local pagan tribes, and founded the city of Yaroslavl on it place. Today, the bear with a poleaxe is a symbol of Yaroslavl, and appears on the coat of arms of the city.