Volgograd to Astrakhan

After Volgograd, cruising down the Volga to Astrakhan

We left Volgograd  after dark and the bridge across the river was lit up with many different coloured rights that pulsed, flashed  and ran along the line of the bridge. It was a beautiful light display.

 But we had to leave as it was a long journey down the lower reaches of the Volga and there are restrictions on navigating at night on the lower reaches so we would have to find a suitable mooring point for the majority of the night.

Early in the morning just before dawn, the main engines revved up, the anchor was pulled up and we on the move again. On board there were several cultural activities laid on to keep us amused such as this demonstration of culture, traditions and costumes.

 There was a lecture on Russian cooking with recipes handed out but it didn't make for any photos and there were no demonstrations or tastings. But later in the day there was a traditional tea ceremony, not as elaborate as the Japanese but tea drinking is a big tradition in Russia. The whole family would gather in the late afternoon to drink tera and eat snacks, mostly sweet biscuits, fans on bread but also savoury stuffed breads.

And of course the stand were all dressed in costumes.

 Some of tiger spread prepared by the chefs.

 And yet more sweet things and the samovar on the far left.