Plyos is something of a posh (spa) resort on the Volga. Only a few hundred people live here permanently, but powerful and famous Russians have their dachas here – and there are several sanatoriums founded and still run by the former Soviet artists’ unions. In other words, Plyos is an extremely well-maintained place that is inspired by artists in need of recreation. – An interesting, but unfortunately expensive stay…
Sergej is a recreational skipper, has his boat here in the marina (the most expensive far and wide, but with zero infrastructure apart from a toilet block), and popped in today with his son Kirill – they live around 70 kilometres away from here, so practically next door… They noticed the unusual appearance of my ArgoFram, and after I opened up my pop-up map, a long, exciting discussion ensued… – Without reproducing the conversation, I would like to state that Russia is diverse, generalised judgements or stereotypes do not help. Plyos and its visitors are the best proof of this!