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Kizhi Island, Russia – Travel Tuesdays

by Cathy Arkle 25 Comments

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

I am starting a new section on my blog called Travel Tuesdays. It will feature amazing places I have traveled. I hope you enjoy this new addition. First stop is a small mystical island in Russia.

I am delighted when I find a place so magical that it makes me believe I am in a fairy tale. That is what happened on Kizhi Island in Russia. Even the locals consider this to be a sacred space.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

The Church of the Transfiguration was built completely of wood without a single nail in the early 18th century.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

In 1990, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

Kizhi Island now contains some of the oldest surviving examples of Russian log buildings.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

All this unusually picturesque setting exists within a length of 3.7 miles.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

The weather was crazy, raining one minute and sunny the next, making the lighting magnificent.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

On the back side of the church where the moss wasn’t growing, you can get a better idea of what it originally looked like.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

Locals still keep up some of the island traditions.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

Inside the chapel was well preserved frescos. Oh the stories they could tell if only we had more time.

The local monks serenaded us. Heavenly.

It was the perfect note to end our day.

Kizhi Island Russia | She Paused 4 Thought

I enjoyed my time on the island with my parents while we were on a riverboat cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

Quote of the Day:

“Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you haven’t seen.” – Mark Hertsgaard
…and then, she paused for thought.

 

Yum

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Kizhi Island, Russia, She Paused 4 Thought, Travel Tuesdays

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leslie Macchiarella

    at

    My oh my! What a joy to see these sights. No nails? How amazing is that! The singing monks in that historic setting and the photo of you and your parents strolling in front of that breathtaking church. Just takes my breath away. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible travels.

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

      at

      Thanks Leslie. It was such a joyful place to be. I am so happy you enjoy this.

      Reply
  2. Maggie Zeibak

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    Cool indeed. I’m going to look forward to Tuesdays!

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

      at

      Thanks Maggie, I hope to do this once a month.

      Reply
  3. Nanette

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    Food and travel go together perfectly.

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

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      Thanks Nan, I couldn’t agree with you more.

      Reply
  4. Rona Lewis

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    How wonderful! And they say (whoever THEY is) that when monks sing, they sanctify the space the music is in. That’s why the CD CHANT sold so well many years ago. I loved this!!

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

      at

      I agree with THEY! The whole island seemed to be sanctified. So happy you enjoyed this Rona.

      Reply
  5. Carolyn Nelson

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    It was a Great trip and having Cathy with us made it even better.

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

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      Thanks Mom! I love my travels with you and Dad. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Judy at My Well Seasoned Life

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    Your photos are pieces of art. This place seems magical. I’m looking forward to Tuesdays.

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

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      Thanks Judy, it was an amazing place. So sureal.

      Reply
  7. CC

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    I am DELIGHTED about your new Travel Tuesdays feature! I just love all your travel photos and you have been so many places, it only seems fair that you “have” to share them with the rest of us! This building is truly amazing, and to think there are no nails in all that wood is pretty incredible! I’ve just added the island to my bucket list! Thank you, Cathy!!

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

      at

      I am so happy you like Travel Tuesday. I do have many places I would love to share. There are so many amazing places in the world that are so exciting. Kizhi Island is really bucket-list worthy.

      Reply
  8. CHERI NEWELL

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    What a wonderful addition to your Blog… such a well traveled girl should be writing a book about her adventures and love of food… with her awesome recipes and beautiful photos!!! I get to experience vicariously through you!!! Thanks so much Cath!

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

      at

      Thanks Cheri! I am so happy to have you along for the ride. Traveling is such a fabulous experience.

      Reply
  9. sippitysup

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    I am simply AMAZED! Really. GREG

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

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      Thanks Greg, it truly was.

      Reply
  10. Adri Barr Crocetti

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    What a great feature, and what a spectacular inaugural post. Without a single nail! Are you kidding me? It must have been an absolutely fascinating thing to see. Thank for sharing. I have never heard of this place.s

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

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      Thanks Adri, it was spectacular. I do hope you are able to see it someday.

      Reply
  11. nusrat2010

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    So mesmerizing! So breath-takingly beautiful!

    Thank you for the “Travel Tuesdays” …. A lot of escapists like me would love to dive in here at your blog on Tuesdays 🙂

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

      at

      I am so happy you can dive in to some fun travel spots. I am working on my next fun adventure to share with you.

      Reply
  12. Lentil Breakdown

    at

    Wow! How did I miss this? It’s FABULOUS!

    Reply
    • Cathy Arkle

      at

      Thank you so much, I appreciate your support.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Blueberry Pie & a Tribute to my Dad | She Paused 4 Thought says:
    at

    […] Russia was one of our favorite trips as we traveled on riverboat from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Read about one of our stop to Kizhi Island here. […]

    Reply

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Welcome to She Paused 4 Thought! I’m Cathy - a farm girl from Iowa living in Los Angeles. Let’s cook, laugh, travel & have fun together. Read More…

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