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Nizhy Study Visit 2003

So, having danced the “Quadrille” and played the time honoured Russian game of “let me feel your knees” with our Chief Scout in Bradford, here then, less than a month later, on November 2nd, we were in Russia talking to the Russian Chief Scout, Sergie Sirotkin (but not feeling his knees).  That is, myself (Barry Dale), Glynn Levitt and Pete Hobson; all from the Roche district.  We were visiting the Russian Scouts in Moscow and Niznih Novgorod on the third network Russia Study Trip.  Three from South Yorks, the other eight from far flung corners of the UK.  We were to further good relations between us, check the site of the 2004 Russian International Jamboree, and of course have a good time in the company of our friends.

It snowed ……. A lot ……. And it was cold, but we were all well fed and looked after; not so much in the Hotels, which were ….. OK ish but, certainly in the Scout hospitality Hostels and H.Q.s.

We travelled in all directions from Moscow on the Monday; 150km south east to Yegoryvesk, 40km North to Ivanteevka, 130km North west to Dubna, and other places.  The idea was to visit as many groups as possible in the time, offer our support and generally make contact.  What lovely people; friendly, kind, welcoming and very good  Scouts, well skilled in all things Scouting.

By 23.30, we were all aboard the sleeper heading due east to Nizmih Novgorod, only 8hrs and some 500km.  No problems, four to a room/cabin/cell, in my case all strangers, all Russian, all determined not to speak to any strangers or accept sweets.  I went to sleep having paid my 40 roubles for my sheets etc., and woke up aat 07.00 ready for a new day.  We were taken to our Hotel (The Oka) by bus, and after breakfast on a tour of the city.  It was still snowing but the bus driver could not see the snow, as he drove as he would on a summers day, with gay abandon.  What a lesson for those of us here who panic at one flake; 60mph in 8 inches of snow – our hearts fluttered with anticipation.  On we went, boldly, into the valley of death, no problem.  Actually, it was a great day sightseeing, and after 15 of us had a three course meal for a total of £40, we headed for the country to the old Pioneer camp near the northern reaches of somewhere.  It was still snowing, he still drove as before, the snow got deeper, then suddenly, only 3hrs later, the Scout Hostel crept from beneath the whiteness.  A meal, warmth, drink and hay! off to the Bannya.  It was still snowing, touching –10°C they said, no problem.

Take your clothes off, and get in there.  Russian Bannyas are steam driven – very, very, very hot, you wear a hat, you sit on a bench and let the jaws of hell surround you, THEN out into the fresh air, roll in the snow, enjoy, check your heart, have a drink, get warm and then you may go.  It was a good night’s sleep, the best yet.  But we had made firm friendships that evening.

The next day, it stopped snowing so there was no problem horse riding through the forests of the Russian “Tiega”.  Deep snow, silence through the snow-covered trees, it really was magic, and then the mighty Volga, half frozen, curving past the camp site.  How can anyone not want to camp in such a place?  They took us back to town that night as we had an appointment with the mayor the next day, the full PR thing, but we did get 6 minutes of National TV coverage (but we missed it) ……. and so back to the train for the overnight to Moscow (3rd Class this time – only 30 roubles for the bedding). 

The next day it snowed and snowed, and the next, but we did manage to stand by their eternal flame for a couple of minutes.  Their grief was no less than ours for the sons of their country.  Then it snowed so off to the airport and home.  Great place, great people, great trip, great friendships formed.  How can anyone not a Scout understand?

Barry Dale

See the pictures. You can read a news article written by our Russian friends (but in English) and see some pictures on the ARNSO website


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