What to read in the travel novel genre. Fascinating travel notes

All my life I have loved aphorisms. Since childhood, I wrote them down in my notebooks and diaries. I re-read it constantly. I still read them now. In your old diaries, books, the Internet.

Wise thoughts... What do they give us? What is their attractive value? After all, these days have not sunk into eternity, they have flowed into social media, websites, blogs. They post, repost, and like many times. Which funny words.... What are the fashionable motivators now? Who doesn’t read them as jokes, in which there is only a grain of joke, and a lot of interesting thoughts and ideas.

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We find something of ourselves in them. We seem to confirm to ourselves the correctness of our internal beliefs. Aphorisms for us, but we are already in them....


Today I want to present to you 50 aphorisms about life and travel. My favorite topic. And the theme of my “Diary of a Successful Mom,” where the subtitle to the name of the blog is an apt, slightly humorous phrase: “Life is a journey, and the journey is life!”


Aphorisms about life and travel

    I travel not to arrive somewhere, but to go. The main thing is movement. © Robert Louis Stevenson

    Travel like the most great science and serious science helps us find ourselves again. © Albert Camus

    It is not necessary to live. Travel is essential.© William Burroughs

    Travel reveals not so much our curiosity about what we are going to see, but rather our weariness from what we are leaving behind. ©Alphonse Karr

    I now understand that the surest way to find out whether you like a person or not is to go traveling with him. © Mark Twain

    Travel is like marriage. The main misconception is to think that you have control over them.© John Steinbeck

    Life is a journey. Choose who to go with! © Petr Soldatenkov

    It is not guided tours that come to God, but lonely travelers. © Vladimir Nabokov

    Life is a journey. For some it’s the way to the bakery and back, for others it’s trip around the world. © Khabensky K.

    Love for a particular city is determined by the feelings that one had to experience in it, and not by the city itself. © Marlene Dietrich

    Three things make a person happy: love, interesting job and the opportunity to travel. © Ivan Bunin

    All journeys go in circles. I rode around Asia, writing a parabola on one of the hemispheres of our planet. In short, a trip around the world is just a journey for a curious person back home.© Paul Theroux

    Traveling means debunking other people's misconceptions about other countries. © Aldous Huxley

    Train ticket excites more hope than the lottery. © Paul Moran

    No adventure-rich journey will be forgotten. Travels without adventure are not worth devoting books to. © Lewis Carroll

    – Are you guys going somewhere or are you just driving? – We didn’t understand the question, and it was damn good question.© Jack Kerouac

    When you travel without knowing English, you begin to understand what it means to be born deaf and dumb. © Philippe Bouvard

    A tourist, as soon as he arrives somewhere, immediately begins to want to return. And the traveler... He may not return...© Paul Bowles

    A good traveler has no exact plans and intentions to get somewhere. © Lao Tzu

    To be able to manage your leisure time wisely is the highest level of civilization. © Bertrand Russell

    My opinion about travel is brief: when traveling, don’t go too far, otherwise you will see something that will be impossible to forget later... © Daniil Kharms

    The traveler sees what he sees; a tourist is what he wants to see. © Gilbert Keith Chesteron

    The benefit of travel is the opportunity to adapt your imagination to reality, and, instead of thinking how things should be, see things as they are.© Samuel Johnson

    It's not people who make trips; it's trips that create people.© John Steinbeck

    Don't tell me how educated you are - just tell me how much you've traveled. © Muhammad

    Half the fun of traveling is the aesthetic of being lost. © Ray Bradbury

    Travel only with those who are your equal or better. If there are none, travel alone. © Dhamapada

    The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. © Saint Augustine

    Each journey has its own secret destination, about which the traveler himself has no idea. © Martin Buber

    Traveling has its benefits. If a traveler visits best countries, then he can learn how to improve his. If fate takes him to worse countries, he can learn to love his country. © Samuel Johnson

    In twenty years, you will regret more not what you did, but what you didn’t do. So throw off the knots and sail out of the quiet harbors. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Open it up. © Mark Twain

    Well, where we do not. We are no longer in the past, and it seems beautiful. © From notebooks A. Chekhov

    Sometimes one day spent in other places gives more than ten years of life at home. © Anatole France

    If a person remains the same on a journey, it is a bad journey. © Ernst Simon Bloch

    People get to know each other through argument and on the road. © George Wells Herbert

    You are a traveler. Don’t say: I have such and such a city, and I have such and such. No one has a city; city ​​- mountain (in heaven); and the present is the way. And we travel every day as long as nature moves. © John Chrysostom

    The highest goal of travel is not to see a foreign country, but to see your own country as a foreign country. © Gilbert Chesterton

    When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. After this, take half the clothes and double more money. © Susan Heller

    Travel only with those you love. © Ernest Hemingway"A holiday that is always with you"

    Traveling and living are much more interesting if you follow sudden impulses. © Bill Bryson “Travel in Europe”

    Travel develops the mind, if, of course, you have one. © Gilbert Chesterton

    The cheapest trip is to go on a book trip. © Nadeja Jasminska. Bookharmony

    Trains are amazing; I still adore them. Traveling by train means seeing nature, people, cities and churches, rivers - in essence it is a journey through life. © Agatha Christie. Autobiography

    Time constantly surprises us; it is impossible to get used to its tricks. The vacation ends as soon as it has begun: as soon as you have checked into the hotel, it’s time to go to Return trip. But once you return, it feels like you haven't been home for ages. © Claudia Hammond. Distorted time

20 Best Travel Books: Adventures on the Couch

Firstly, in the fall you remember that there are such pleasant things in the world as sofa cushions, hot cups and fascinating books. Secondly, I want to rush somewhere into the distance after flocks of wild geese.

Here you have two options: a) read books about paths and roads - and with fresh inspiration and motivation, take off from a low start somewhere in the Himalayas; b) read them and visit distant, amazing places without looking up from the sofa!

1. Gregory David Roberts “Shantaram”

One of the most deservedly beloved books of the beginning of our millennium. Escape from prison and roofless Bombay, life in the slums, scams and adventures, mafia and drugs, Mujahideen and gurus... And crazy love, where without it. AND philosophical reflections wherein. A hot, spicy dish that's hard to put down. It’s interesting that all this is not fictional: the book is autobiographical.

2. Thor Heyerdahl “Kon-Tiki”, “From “Kon-Tiki” to “Ra””

This man pulled off probably the most breathtaking adventure of the 20th century! And not just one. Sailing across the ocean on a papyrus boat to test the hypothesis about the settlement of Polynesia is super cool, making another similar journey is cool squarely. And he also wrote about it. Cool in a cube!

3. Jules Verne “Around the World in 80 Days”

An imperturbable and eccentric Englishman travels around the world on a bet with his temperamental French servant. The situation is complicated by many dangers, and an overzealous detective is hot on the heels of the funny couple. Every day something happens to them: either they save someone, or they themselves are barely saved at the last second. Rereading Jules Verne even for the third time is like going back to childhood with ice cream and board games.

4. Marina Moskvina “Road to Annapurna”

Moskvina has more than one cool book about her own travels (with her artist husband). In “Bedboard of Grass” and “Heavenly Slugs,” she talked about how they were carried around Japan and the foothills of the Himalayas in India. Now they were brought to the kingdom of Nepal, and there they suffered as much as great mountain Annapurna. “Well, you are complete crazy,” as their son Serenya said. It is an avid read, because it is written easily, funny and inspired.

5. Jack Kerouac “On the Road”

Two antisocial friends travel around America, leading an unhealthy but very inspired lifestyle. One knows how to live, the other knows how to write. “Really, this is the story of two Catholic friends traveling around the country in search of God. And we managed to find him.” Cult item, a classic not only for antisocial descendants of beatniks, a must read.

6. Mark Twain “Innocents Abroad, or the New Pilgrims’ Progress”

First, the Old World discovered the New World. And then, many years later, a guy from America went to discover Europe and Palestine. Along the way, I became better acquainted with myself, looking from the outside, with my critical and ironic eye, at my compatriots with their signature “cockroaches”. Anyone who sits in one place will never properly understand the world, other people, and himself! The moral is clear, but it is also true.

7. Arto Paasilinna “Year of the Hare”

The main character unexpectedly gives up his established life and begins to wander around Finland. Not alone, but in the company of... a hare. The most literal and natural. Wherever they took them! Some unusually touching book that evokes a whole bunch of feelings. From sympathy for the hero (“How I understand him!”) to bewildered laughter (“What are they doing, it’s crazy!”).

8. Louis Boussenard “The Diamond Thieves”

Three French friends travel across Africa, while being constantly exposed to mortal danger. Against them are the poisoned arrows of the natives and crocodiles, local bandits and, oddly enough, the police. Stormy rivers and roaring waterfalls flash by, friends escape - and again fall into traps, suffer from malaria, and fall into slavery. The landscapes of the hot continent and the characters of the friends are perfectly described. In the end, they will discover the treasures of the ancient Kaffir kings, which will eventually go to... Remember who? ;)

9. Ivan Goncharov “Frigate “Pallada””

A little bit at all classic classics in our traveling ocean. Goncharov was the secretary of the expedition that set off across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans to the lands of Japan. For him it was a new life, “in which every movement, every step, every impression was unlike any before.” And for Russian literature it is a valuable gift.

10. Ilf and Petrov “One-story America”

America is made up of more than just skyscrapers. Ilf and Petrov realized this in the thirties when they went on a trip to the States by car. Together with them we arrive in Chicago, Las Vegas, Washington and many other cities, stop at the Grand Canyon and Indian village, we get to know Hemingway and Ford - that is, we ride in a time machine. And we learn many things that surprise even today.

11. David Byrne “Notes of a Cyclist”

David Byrne is known to the cultural community as a musician. Talking Heads, Oscar, Grammy, everything. But it turns out that musicians can not only scream in trees! People like Byrne can travel around the world on a bike – and it’s also fun to write about it.

12. Jon Krakauer “Into the Wild”

Like “On the Road,” written in real events. And also about hitchhiking. And also in America. Only in Alaska. Only towards entertainment that is not harmful to health, but wildlife And strange people. Both the film based on the book and the original source itself are very impressive - and will not be released soon.

13. James Clavell “Shogun”

Perhaps this book does not quite fit into the framework of “travel books,” but it is very good. The story takes place in 1600, an English sailor, after a shipwreck, ends up in Japan, which at first is another planet for him. And gradually - a second home. Even dearer than the first. And the homeland of great love...

14. Gerald Durrell “Hounds of Bafut”

The travel notes of trapper Darrell are written with indescribable, purely English humor. It is impossible not to fall in love not only with himself, the author, but also with Von Bafut - the childishly touching, naive and at the same time harsh leader with his subordinates, as well as the hunters and every animal caught. As soon as the weather turns bad both inside and outside, pick up this book and several hours of refreshing joy await you.

15. John Steinbeck “Charlie's Journeys in Search of America”

Steinbeck lived too long in New York and felt that something was missing in his life. He lacked horizons. Which he found while wandering around the country in a truck called “Rocinante”, and we found in his book. And Charlie is the hero's friend. Only he's a poodle.

16. Peter Weil “Genius loci”

A book of traveling around the world not alone, but together with a genius of literature or art. Imagine how great it is to see London through the eyes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Paris through the eyes of the creator of the Three Musketeers, Dumas! Byron will whisper about Istanbul in one ear, and Brodsky in the other. Velazquez will open Madrid for you, and you will explore New York with O. Henry. And that's not all! Along the way, the author takes you around the markets, and you will understand: not only geniuses unite with their creativity different countries and cities, but also gastronomic pleasures.

17. Karen Blixen “Out of Africa”

Critics will say that this thing has everything “from a thriller to travelogues, from philosophical prose to lyrical comedy.” Fans of authority will remember that the book was nominated for a Nobel, and the film based on it received a bouquet of Oscars. We'll just open it and enjoy. There is Africa, it is bright, incomprehensible and magical.

18. Yuri Koval “The lightest boat in the world”

Traveling through the lakes, meadows, rivulets and streams of the middle zone - that's what this book is about. But not only. It is about how to find bamboo in the middle of winter, what is more important - a gramophone or a future boat, about a flying head and an invisible terrible Daddy... But in fact, it is about the eternal choice: how many friends can you put in the small boat of your life, and about what All the most important things are shown to us in the corners of our eyes. We warn you: be careful, the book is addictive and permanently addictive!

19. Orhan Pamuk “Istanbul. City of Memories”

A person who has lived in the city for half a century becomes one with it. He knows everything about it, knows everyone in it - and can navigate the most non-tourist streets so that you can only look and listen excitedly. It’s a difficult book, very difficult – and yet, without it, traveling around Istanbul will not be nearly as bright and meaningful as with it.

20. Denise Woods “Night Train to Innsbruck”

Richard and Frances meet on the train to Innsbruck. Accidentally. But they were going on a journey through the desert of Sudan. Together! For both, the unexpected separation along the way was a shock. Both are sure that the other is to blame. Both have experienced such things that now there are enough memories for two lives. Both are sure that the other is lying. There is exoticism and a puzzle here... And life, and tears, and love.

Julia Sheket

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No words about travel can replace the pleasure of the journey itself. Just push him towards him. That's why we've collected 12 inspiring quotes that we hope will inspire you to achieve long-awaited accomplishments.

These are words from people who loved traveling as much as their profession.

“Three things make a person happy: love, interesting work and the opportunity to travel” (I. Bunin)


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“My opinion about traveling is brief: when traveling, don’t go too far, otherwise you will see something that will be impossible to forget later” (Daniil Kharms)


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“Look at the world without glasses and curtains, with greedy eyes grasp everything that is good in our land and what is good in the West” (V.V. Mayakovsky)


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Lake Kuiguk, Altai. Photo: ytug.kiev.ua 4

“It is not guided tours that come to God, but lonely travelers” (Vladimir Nabokov)


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“Here, they say, is a journey - the best remedy educate yourself in everything: the truth, definitely the truth! You will learn so much here.” (Nikolai Chernyshevsky)


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“Even in the summer, when going on a voyage, take something warm with you, because how can you know what will happen in the atmosphere?” (Kozma Prutkov)


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“What could be dearer to the heart of a traveler than the first minutes and hours spent in a country where you have never been before and about which you still know nothing?” (I. Ilf, E. Petrov)


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"Wanderings - best activity in the world. When you wander, you grow, you grow rapidly, and everything you see is reflected even in your appearance. I recognize people who have traveled a lot right away from thousands. Wanderings purify, intertwine meetings, centuries, books and love. They make us related to the sky. If we have received the as yet unproven happiness of being born, then we must at least see the earth.” (K. G. Paustovsky)


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“Going with your wife to Paris is the same as going to Tula with your samovar” (A.P. Chekhov)


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“There is nothing more useful for the nerves than to visit where you have never been” (A. Akhmatova)


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“In order to truly understand what this or that country or this or that place exists, you need to go there in winter, of course. Because in winter life is more real, more dictated by necessity. In winter, the contours of someone else's life are more distinct. For a traveler this is a bonus” (Joseph Brodsky)


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“Everyone believes that life in Rus' is boring with its monotony, and they go abroad from here to have fun, while I affirm and will have the honor to prove to you that life nowhere is so replete with the most sudden diversity as in Russia. At least I am leaving here abroad precisely to calm down from the kaleidoscopic diversity of Russian life and I think that I am not the only specimen of my kind” (N. S. Leskov)


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Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pursig

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” is a unique book, a modern philosophical travel novel. Authorshares his impressions of a motorcycle trip with his son, from Minneapolis to San Francisco. During this trip he will plunge into the exciting world of various teachings, religions, directions philosophical thought, he will look for answersto the main questions. “The only motorcycle worth fixing is you,” says Robert Persig.

Cussler, Du: Silent Waters

After a NASA satellite launches unsuccessfully, its debris falls somewhere in the jungles of Argentina. Juan Cabrillo, a former CIA officer and now a fearless agent, is hired to search for them. secret services, and his team “Oregon”. This is how it begins, which could cost everyone their lives...

Vermael, Ruben: A flower for Her Majesty

End of the 18th century. Captain Cook's ship sets off on a long voyage... On board is gardener Francis Masson. His goal is to find a previously unknown beautiful flower worthy of a queen... Lions and hyenas prowl on the wild shores of Africa, but this is not the onlythe danger that awaits him! There is a real hunt for the rare flower, and insidious rivals will stop at nothing to get it. But an unexpected helper saves Francis when his life hangs in the balance.

Jules Verne: Journey to the Center of the Earth

Having deciphered an ancient note, Professor Lidenbrock and his nephew Axel become the owners of a secret that can shake humanity. It turns out that our planet– hollow from the inside, and in the center of the Earth is located mysterious world, about which people know nothing. Who knows what awaits the researchers who dare to go down there along the crater extinct volcano? The professor decides to organize an expedition - and find out as soon as possible!

Jules Verne: Zhangada. Michael Strogoff

This edition includes two exciting novel Jules Verne is a classic of the fantasy and adventure genre. The heroes of the novel “Jangada” go to an amusing trip by Amazonon a raft - jangade. The hero of the novel “Mikhail Strogoff” is a royal courier, a loyal soldier, a man fanatically devoted to his duty, sent with a message to the Governor-General of Irkutsk. Strogoff's path lies through the east of Russia, which is engulfed in a massive uprising of Turkestan tribes...

Bruce Chatwin: Paths of Songs

Previously famous for his essayistic travelogue “In Patagonia,” in “Paths of Songs,” Bruce Chatwintakes a journey into another mystery, but on the other side of the earth - in the inland Australia of the aborigines.

Mortenson, Relin: Three Cups of Tea

This is the story of how a common person With nothing but determination, he is capable of single-handedly changing the world. Greg worked part-time as a nurse, and kept his property in a storage room. In memory of his deceased sister, he decided to conquer the difficult mountain K2. This attempt almost cost him his life, if not for help local residents. Several days spent in a Pakistani village shocked Greg so much that he decided to raise money and return to Pakistan to build a school for the village children..

Bolushevsky, Andrushkevich: Travel calendar: best places for a holiday every month

The book is divided into twelve chapters, according to the number of months in the year. In each chapter you can find a special recommendation for visiting a particular place, as well as find out what exactly you can see and how much time to allocate for it. Each month has its own ideal destinations, each direction an ideal route. But is it worth checking from your own experience where and when is the best time to relax?

Sergei Bolushevsky: 100 wonders of the world. Great masterpieces of the planet

An illustrated book-album will introduce you to the most famous and interesting monuments architecture and natural wonders from around the world. For the first time in one publication, only illustrations and descriptions of attractions are presented, but also options for traveling to them are considered, right down to calculating the travel budget. The book will offer you both a trip around the world “on the couch” and a real adventure.

Fedor Konyukhov: My travels

On his travels, Fyodor Konyukhov always takes a notebook and a pen for diary entries and a pencil to draw pictures. Detailed notes contain the history of his travels and thoughts. They often resemble a gripping novel.

Hermann Hesse: Siddhartha. Journey to the land of the East

Siddhartha - a pearl of proseHermann Hesse, on whose pages the writer’s travels around India, as well as his interest in eastern religions. The setting is India during the time of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of one of the most profound and wise religions of mankind - Buddhism. In this bookHesse managed to explain its essence to the Europeans, create a certain set of rules - how to live, how to correct your mistakes, how to find your true self.

Cheryl Strayed: Wild. Dangerous journey

When life becomes black and white, when there is nothing to lose, no goal, no future, no desire to live, people sometimes decide to do desperate things. Having lost her mother, destroyed her marriage and gotten involved with a drug addict, Cheryl reached the point beyond which the abyss yawned. She needed a good reason to start new life, stop being self-destructive and try to save yourself. And she set off alone on a 1,770 km journey on foot. Cheryl's hike was not only difficult, but also dangerous.

Carlos Castaneda: Journey to Ixtlan

Anyone who has set foot on the Path of the Warrior, the path with a heart, will never become a simple man in the street. Don Juan reveals to Carlos aspects of this Path - the art of being unattainable, erasure personal history, the concept of “death as an advisor”, taking responsibility for one’s actions. In Journey to Ixtlan we first meet allies - terrifying inorganic creatures that a magician with enough personal power can turn into indispensable helpers.

Kespert, Arakelov: Pioneers. The most dangerous journeys of all time

You dream about extraordinary travels and unprecedented countries, you see in your dreams huge seas and raging oceans, mountain peaks and endless deserts? Then this bookexactly for you! Together with the heroes of the encyclopedia “Pioneers. The most dangerous journeys of all time “, you will travel around the world, immerse yourself in the past, learn about the present, and possibly the future...

Jon Krakauer: In the wild

The real story of Chris McCandless became famous throughout the world thanks to his skill famous writer Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn's brilliant film adaptation. An abandoned bus in the middle of Alaska has become a real mecca for travelers, and Chris himself has become an idol among young opponents of drab office life.and material assets.

Gregory Roberts: Shantaram

The hero of the novel hid from the law for many years. Deprived of parental rights after his divorce from his wife, he became addicted to drugs, committed a number of robberies and was sentenced by the court to nineteen years in prison. Having escaped from a maximum security prison for the second year, he reached Bombay, where he was a counterfeiter and smuggler, sold weapons and participated in showdowns with the Indian mafia, and also found his true love to lose her again, to find her again...

Buffet, Meyer: 8 poles of Fredrik Paulsen. Journey into the world of cold

It would seem that, strange hobby- travel to the poles of the planet. However, for Swedish entrepreneur Frederik Paulsen, it became a passion. It took him thirteen years to visit all eight of the Earth's poles, becoming the first—and so far only—person in history to do so. Why are there eight poles? The fact is that in each hemisphere, in addition to the geographic and magnetic poles, there is also a geomagnetic pole, as well as a pole of relative inaccessibility.

Mikhail Lazarev: Three trips around the world

Famous travelerand naval commander Mikhail Lazarev committed three circumnavigation of the world. During these voyages, the sixth continent of the Earth - Antarctica, hundreds of islands, bays and other objects were discovered and mapped. Presented in this bookdocuments, testimonies of Lazarev himself and expedition participants, give the reader the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past, during the times of great geographical discoveries.

The most interesting travels. When and where

This book offers almost endless possibilities for planning an unforgettable vacation. The book “The Most Interesting Travels” will tell not only about popular places holidays in different time year, but will also introduce readers to the culture and history of many countries, features national cuisine, unique nature, unforgettable holidays.

The most interesting travels around Russia. Where and when

This booka unique, beautifully illustrated guide to the entire vast territory of Russia - from the Baltics to Far East. It represents the most famous and most visited places in our country, famous cultural and historical monuments, architectural masterpieces, natural beauty and other attractions.

Vladimir Pozner: Their Italy. Journey-reflection “by boot”

To understand the people, culture, traditions and cuisine of one of the most attractive countries in the world V. Posnertalked to 15 famous Italians, asked everyone 2 questions: “Imagine that I can only go to one and only place in Italy - where should I go?” and “If I could only eat one dish, what would it be and where is it best prepared?” These answers will allow you to learn more about Italy than all the guidebookstaken together!

Afanasy Nikitin “Walking beyond the three seas” (“Walking beyond the three seas”)

Tver merchant Afanasy Nikitin, a surprisingly educated man for his time and class, created the first work in the history of our country that accurately and in detail describes a commercial and non-religious journey.

“Walking” was written in 1468-1472, during Nikitin’s travels through the Caucasus, Persia, India and Crimea. Most of of the most interesting notes dedicated to India: its state structure, trade, agriculture, customs and morals.

Moreover, all these notes are completely unofficial in nature, do not have a specific addressee, and were clearly written for their own pleasure and memory - which is what this monument does ancient Russian literature especially attractive.

Quote from the book: In Indian land, merchants are settled in farmsteads. The housewives cook for the guests, and the housewives make the bed, and sleep with the guests. If you have a close connection with her, give two residents, if you do not have a close connection, give one resident. There are many wives here according to the rule of temporary marriage, and then a close relationship is for nothing; but they love white people.

Nikolai Karamzin “Letters of a Russian Traveler”

On May 17, 1789, a young Russian writer—he was only 23 years old—set out from Tver via St. Petersburg, Narva, Dorpat, and Riga on a long trip around Europe. Having visited Prussia, Saxony, Switzerland, France and England, Karamzin returned to Russia in the fall of 1790.

The book, written in the form of personal letters to close friends, is full of interesting facts and observations of life European countries and meetings with outstanding people era. This is a kind of confessional diary of a Russian man who found himself in a huge, unfamiliar world of spiritual and public life European countries, in the thick of European events.

Quote from the book: I was greeted by a small, thin old man, perfectly white and gentle. My first words were: “I am a Russian nobleman, I love great men and I wish to express my respect to Kant.” He immediately asked me to sit down, saying: “I wrote something that cannot please everyone; not many people like metaphysical subtleties.” We talked for half an hour about different things: about travel, about China, about the discovery of new lands.

Denis Fonvizin “Letters from France”

A charming combination of moralizing didactics in the spirit of 18th century classicism and the lightest humor, the grumbling of Starodum, dissatisfied with the West, and funny stories in the spirit of the stunned Mitrofanushka.

Quote from the book: Anyone who has recently been to Paris, the local residents bet that whenever you walk along it (the Pont Neuf), you will always meet a white horse, a priest and an indecent woman on it. I purposely go to this bridge and meet them every time.

Frigate "Pallada"

Ivan Goncharov “Frigate “Pallada”

A real Russian gentleman on a military sailing ship, and even sailing on a diplomatic mission around the entire Eurasian continent. Loves to eat and drink well and a lot, to sleep and lie in bed with taste, but also to look at exotic countries, make curious discoveries and make very subtle observations.

Quote from the book: The Japanese have organized their internal government so well that the council cannot do anything without the siogun, the shiogun without the council, and both together without the appanage princes. And so their system holds and will hold on to its artificial foundations until they help them overthrow it... the Americans or at least... us!

Evgeny Grishkovets “Notes of a Russian Traveler”

A play based on “carriage arguments” between two random fellow travelers about travel and travelers.

Quote from the play:Second. Enough, enough! Listen, that's enough! Don’t you like it when our guys get together somewhere, say, in Cologne, get drunk, and then walk down the street and shout “Someone came down the hill,” and with such an air that they are just a gift They’re making some kind of Cologne! They say, you live here, you don’t know life, so here you are, wide open... And it seems to them that everyone admires how great they are - they sing, they say, strange Russians.