Temple of all Religions, Kazan

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Our last day in Kazan

Daniyar was an incredible host – so generous with his time. He took us to so many places.

One place that stood out was a multi-religion building built out of town and right on the Volga River. A business man has built (and is still building) this magical looking building which has elements of all religions in its colourful design and construction. The idea of the building was that people of any religion could feel welcome coming there to pray. It is very much a work-in-progress and each year more parts are added. Apparently the man who owns it no longer allows the public inside as he now lives there himself. It is called the "Temple of all Religions". The builder/artist's name is Ildar Khanov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked across the road from the temple and we were on the shores of the Volga River. Daniyar told us that it freezes over in winter and people are then able to drive over to the other side of the river.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to leave Kazan

It was late afternoon so all three of us headed back home for a nice cuppa and some biscuits. Daniyar talked more about his Muslim religion and we found it quite fascinating.

A while later we had to say our goodbyes to Daniyar's Mum and Step Father. His Mum presented us with a box of special Tatar tea which we hoped we would be allowed to bring back into Australia with us.

Added later:

The dried tea was approved and we were able to bring it into Australia with us.

We packed our belongings and got ready to leave Kazan.

Daniyar drove us to the railway station and on the way there we were introduced to some French people who would be staying at Daniyar's that night. He certainly is a committed CouchSurfing host.

Our train was already at the platform so we climbed on board. It was extremely hot inside the carriage and the windows couldn't be opened. The train must have been sitting in the hot sun all day. We put our baggage into our compartment and quickly got back off the train. It was only 22 degrees Celsius outside which was far more comfortable. We thanked Daniyar for looking after us so well and he headed off to collect the French folk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the platform we quickly found a kiosk and bought ourselves some dinner. We had a meat and vegie pastry concoction which was heated up in a microwave. The train got underway and the air-conditioning came on. It wasn't a Firmenny train so it was nothing special. We had a first class compartment which cost a lot for the short distance we were travelling but we couldn't bear to share with two others and have even less room than we have in the first class cabin. We had a surprise when the Provodnitza asked us if we would like a cup of tea. We had never been offered one on the better class trains although, on all the trains, we were able to make hot drinks for ourselves anyway. The teas cost us a total of 40 roubles which was about $1.50 AUD.

There was no access to power in our compartment either, although there were some power points in the corridor. Our compartment was located right next to the toilet. It was stinking before we even went into it. The water that was meant to flush down the loo was actually coming out on the floor. Charming! After that we used the toilet down the other end of the carriage which was in much better condition.

Before he left us, Daniyar had asked the Provodnitza to wake us up at 4:30 a.m. because the train would be arriving at Murom at 5:10a.m. Luckily Ian was awake early because the Provodnitza didn't arrive until 4:48 a.m. Needless to say she didn't get the tip we had ready for her. It was a very rough night indeed. The position of our compartment was right over the wheels of the train so it rattled and shook all night long. As usual for train beds, they were as hard as ever. The air conditioning kept going on and off all night. We hardly slept. We dragged ourselves and our gear off the train and out through the station building and found ourselves a taxi.

 

Next page - Murom & Hotel Lada

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