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When I visited Yasnaya Polyana during a recent trip to Moscow, it was obvious why this was Tolstoy's favourite place from where he wrote his masterpieces. Even during a visit there in the 21st century, you can't help to be taken aback by the peace and tranquillity of its idyllic setting, with its avenues of birch trees, dense woodland and expansive lakes. Tolstoy's house itself was wonderfully preserved and you could almost feel his literary presence there with you!
Review: Yasnaya Polyana
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Kaliningrad
Once a wealthy German port and university town called Königsberg, Kaliningrad changed beyond recognition under Soviet control. The enclave is separated from mother Russia by hundreds of miles of Lithuanian and Belarussian soil.
Tourism is slowly developing, as people come to see this fascinating place struggling to survive under capitalism. Amid the austere Soviet architecture, there are still suggestions of a more creative German past. Picturesque Königsberg buildings, such as the cathedral, become even more appealing amid a sea of monotonous concrete. Whilst the region's Baltic cousins have embraced modern European culture with a vengeance, this unique enclave appears hesitant to sever links with its Soviet past.
Getting to Kaliningrad...
It is not as easy as it used to be these days to get to Kaliningrad since KD Avia stopped their direct flights from Gatwick and LOT Polish Airlines stopped the Warsaw to Kaliningrad flights. Thankfully for 2010 Air Baltic are now connecting once again via Riga. Kaliningrad combines well with its neighbours - Poland and Lithuania.
