Thursday10 July

Today we didn't reach our next stop, Kizhi Island until 4.30pm so we had some time to fill in during the day, in the morning there was an hour long lecture by the Professor on President Putin. We can either go up to the lounge for these lectures & information sessions or watch them on the TV in our cabin.

In the afternoon we had a Russia Quiz for which we scored 4 chocolates, being the first ones to get our hands up with the correct answers.

Finally we went asore on Kizhi island. This area is an outdoor museum designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The island is only 6kms long & 1km wide the buildings are all log & timber structures dating back several centuries. The predominant building is the Transfiguration Cathedral erected in 1714. It was built without metal nails just some made of wood. Because it has been tilting due to soft ground & not having a firm foundation, it is in the process of being renovated & stabilised. Again it was a beautiful, sunny day so we have been very blessed with the weather.