Day 26: Vladimir to Suzdal

It is so refreshing to be in Suzdal from Vladimir.  I love this adorable and beautiful little town.  It's so pretty.  I loved Kazan but this town hands down wins the 'my favorite place' award. It reminds me of a small New England town.  There are cobblestones and horse drawn carriages, little outdoor markets and cutsie shops.  There are kids sledding down and icy hill of terror.  There are kids riding their bikes down the icy hill of terror.  All of the old churches are gorgeous.  It's just gorgeous.  I lovvveeee this town.

I started the day on a little walking tour following my map that my hostel man gave me.  Adorrrrable hostel, btw.  On the path I had to cross the river to get to the monestary.  The path was closed.  The alternative path was a very slippery hill.  No way I was walking.  I sat, and slid down that hill like a champ.  

Later on, I wanted to climb the clock tower to get a good view of the city.  I happened to arrive at a perfect time because a group of people were getting let into the tower when normally, it's locked.  I think the guy letting us in asked me if I was part of the tour group.  I just shrugged my shoulders and smiled and he let me in.  Alas my glorious charm saves me again.  I climbed to the very top, and I couldn't help myself, I rang the bell.  Then, a Russian girl kind of scolded me.  I smiled and apologized.  And then the guy behind me climbed up and rang all the bells.  All the bells.  Oh did she yell at him. 

Side note:  I don't know what is going on but I keep a) getting into places I shouldn't be because no one is checking and b) entering places in what very very much seems like the big grand obvious entrance only to find I have entered in the most completely backward way.  Examples to follow in future posts.

Then, I lost my map to the wind.  Anyway I was so exhausted, so I came back to my hostel early, vowing to get sleep and to go out tomorrow.  I bought a sled for the icy hill of terror and what I thought was mead.  I took a swig, not mead.  Syrup?  I'm telling you, when you think you're going to drink something beer-like, a mouthful of syrup is an awful experience.

Tonight I met these very sweet French girls.  They are studying in Moscow.  I swear not 10 minutes into the conversation they invited me to have dinner with them in Moscow on Wednesday.  And we think the French are not friendly.  Ha.