Our next destination after spending a few days in Moscow was Vladimir, a former capital of Russia. Our first day in this region was spent in Suzdal, where we visited a local church to witness the noon churchbells played by a local monk. We also had the opportunity to experience a traditional Russia sauna. The sauna is called a banya and is a winter activity that is embraced whole heartedly during the winter months. Unlike any other sauna, part of the banya experience involves laying down on a bench inside the sauna and being beaten on the back by veniki (birch twigs and leaves that are softend in warm water). Apparently the purpose for the thrashing of the veniki on the back is to use its essential oils to ease the aches and pains and encourages the release of toxins the body stores from eating the nutrient restrictive Russian diet. After spending enough time, you plunge into pools of water outside in the snow and this process is repeated several times. It sounds strange, but is an exhilarating and relaxing experience which served to cure several aching heads and bodies.

Vladimir also proved an ideal place to participate in other winter activities such as ice skating and cross country skiing. I decided to try the latter, as the former is readily available in different places around London. Although there seems to be a certain skill to doing cross country skiing well, it did not seem too difficult to just get started, and was as easy as simply walking with long skis on. Skiing was cheap at only 200 rubles (about £4) for over an hour and included low cut soft boots that reminded me very much of football boots and were both comfortable and easy to move about in. The skis as well, though long, were also quite flexible and manoeuvrable. I can understand cross country skiing’s popularity as there is something magical about being surrounded by pristine white fields, and peacefully trekking through them.

We celebrated Christmas back at our hotel, a strange place where the second floor seemed to be a popular hang out for locals. It contained several pool tables (all with a slight slant), several bowling alleys and a club that played crazy Russian disco dance and some Western pop songs. There was a folk show over dinner and as strange as this was for a Christmas evening, everyone still had a great night.