Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is one of the oldest and most well-known Russian provincial cities. Located at the confluence of two main rivers it is an important port city. It has a population of 600,000 people. It is a clean, well-kept city with a beautiful river walk system and gardens.

A popular site for tourists here is the Transfiguration Monastery. The inside of its cathedral, some eight centuries old, is beautiful with its ornate gold trim and icons is shown here. The Monastery used to be the city's religious and cultural center.

A highlight of a visit to the Monastery is a concert of outstanding Russian choral music by a dedicated volunteer choir of some 50 members. It is a memorable performance.

A visit to Yaroslavl is not complete, however, without a stop at its outdoor market. In this Russian equivalent of the American mall, citizens can shop to their heart's content (and their money's limit) for some of the same items favored by their western cousins such as CDs and tapes.

But there are also native crafts people like this babushka (grandmother) who is offering her handmade lace for sale. Other ladies were stationed at the entrance selling used shopping bags. The market provides much insight into the free market economy in Russia today.

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