New Jerusalem

We decided to go an another adventure to a place called "New Jerusalem". It is a Monastery that was founded in 1656 by Patriarach Nikon. Jim and Don just bought tickets for the train. See the long line? The line usually goes fast but there was some confusion about the tickets when they were buying them and the line grew very long! Oh well, Russia is known for lines!
It is Saturday morning and everyone is on their way to their dacha's for the weekend so....the train is crowded and warm! I am sitting about halfway back on the left and Aliene is on the right.
Never a dull moment! Our ride is over an hour so someone will come by with a cooler full of drinks or icecream or things to buy...someone was selling duct tape! This man is playing a song and singing. If we like it we can give him some money.

Entering New Jerusalem. The site was chosen for its resemblance to the Holy Land. The River Istra represents the River Jordan, and the buildings represent the 'sacral space' or holy places of Jerusalem.

Gate and Resurrection Cathedral built 1665 - 1685, identicall to a cathedral in Jerusalem with the same name.

Stone wall with towers (1690 - 1694)

Inside the Resurrection Cathedral...we tried not to disturb the service that was going on.

Stop for some fruit (nectarine) and a drink of water.

This place has a special bridge too but I an not sure it is for newly married couples. Instead of locks (I counted only 2 locks), fabric is tied on the bridge...maybe with a prayer?

This was Patriarch Nikon's residence (hermitage).

This is the River Jordan. Notice the cross, it has three boards that cross the main pole.

Jim has his hand in the River Jordan in Russia! There were many people by us getting ready to get in the water....changing in the bushes...some were already in the water.

Russian wooden building.

This is an old Russian home. It looks quite big and I don't know if all houses were this big. On the left is the shed and on the right is the house. A cute young man translated for us all of the things a babushka was telling about the house. It reminded me of a pioneer houme. The windows were made out of maple to keep the bad spirits away.

This was a special room for weddings and special occasions. There is a loom in the middle of th floor, a special dress, and benches all around the walls.

This was heavy!

That is a cradle hanging from the ceiling in the bedroom.

This is an eating area. Notice the special religous picture in the corner with the scarf around it. This is a very common look (the scarf around a mirror or picture) for old Russia.

Babushkas and Dadushka and children would sleep on top of the stove (behind the curtains). Notice the boots stuck in the holes on the side for drying.

Beautifully carved shutters.

Fun sledge with a beautiful and very common design painted on it.

Toboggan and old wagon wheels in the back.

There was a windmill on the property for grinding grain.

Wooden parts to the windmill.

wooden parts

This is the beautiful view out the front of the windmill.