TRAVEL AND WANDER

 The beautiful Caucasus Mountains of Russia are nestled between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. The highest peak is Mount Elbrus with a range of 18,510 feet making it the highest point in Europe. Climbers, hikers, and skiers are drawn to this region for the outstanding outdoor activities. For those seeking a ski resort town compared to those of the Alps "Sochi" is the answer.                                               Located on the Black Sea coast "SOCHI" is a winning destination. Often called the "Russian Riviera"this popular resort town has recently been the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Whether you come in the fall, winter, spring or summer you'll find plenty to do in Sochi while enjoying the stunning scenery. Amfibius Aqua Park is one of the best water parks in Russia. It's huge and there are lots of activities to keep you busy. Dagomys Tea Plantation is a unique place. Sochi is the only place in Russia that produces tea. Ta

RUSSIA encompasses one sixth of the world. With an area of 17 million square kilometers it is currently the world's largest country. Russia measures 8,000 kilometers from east to west. A country that sits on two continents; Asia and Europe, Russia extends from the Baltic to the Pacific and the Arctic to the Caucasus Mountains. One of the least visited areas of Russia is the  "Far East" region. Getting to the "Far East" of Russia is a journey in itself. The vastness of the region makes it difficult to travel by bus or car between cities and towns. There's a mixture of about 70 cities/towns in the Far East region of Russia. The most populated is Vladivostok. This city has the largest Russian port on the Pacific Ocean and isn't far from the borders of China and North Korea.  Far East Russia is remote and cold. The climate is subarctic and it's not uncommon to have six months of sub-zero temperatures. The acres of untouched wilderness makes this r

SUZDAL with the winding Kamenka River, flowing streams, meadows at every turn and a eye-catching skyline is one of the oldest villages in Russia. A religious town, Suzdal has about as many churches as it does residents. Sights: Savior Monastery of St Euthymius, Suzdal History Exhibition, Intercession Convent Lodging: Hotel Pushkarskaya, Vasliyevsky Monastery, Kremlyovsky Hotel, Guest House Kolodvorie Restaurants: Graf Suvorov, Korchma, Trapeznaya (in the Kremlin) Although small in size, Suzbal is big on making you feel at home! You'll see plenty of monks and nuns walking the streets too.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world. It consists of three major routes. 1) The Trans Mongolian goes from Moscow, Russia to Beijing, China via Ulaanbaatar. 2) The Trans-Manchurian travels through Siberia and Chinese Manchuria to Beijing. 3) The Trans Siberia goes from Moscow to Vladivostok. www.trans-siberian.co.uk How to book a ticket for a journey of a lifetime! What better way to fill yourself with food than with Russian sandwiches during your travels. They're economical and tasty. Purchase some sliced bread, vegetables, cream, mayonnaise, canned pineapple, and tomato ketchup. To make the sandwiches mix together 1 cup of chopped cooked vegetables such as carrots, peas, and boiled potatoes (peeled) 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons of cream, 1/4 cup of pineapple, and a dash of salt.  Spread some butter on bread slices than put the vegetable mixture between the bread slices. Add some tomato ketchup for extra taste.  Now for some R