Recent Trip: Leo Tolstoys Yasnaya Polyana

Yasnawhat? Yes, it´s an unusual sounding place, yet a famous piece of land. Yasnaya Polyana was Leo Tolstoys family estate, his birthplace and is his final resting ground. Tolstoy had a moving life, evolving from nobleman to pacifistic anarchist. Along this evolution he put into words some of his visions and great novels. Tolstoy, his life, his novels and his philosophical thoughts are an Universe in itself. Very broad, complex and matter-of-factly thought through from beginning to end, his novel War and Peace was an eye opener for me, one of those aha-moments. I clearly remember how The Death of Ivan Ilyich impressed me deeply in my early years, how Tolstoy factually makes clear where the terminal path of life leads to. Thanks to my German class teacher during the Moscow years I´m an avid reader of Russian literature, and have been impressed time and over again with the play of language, mentality and humor. Now I had the chance to pay homage to a legendary literary leviathan. 

Birch trees are an omnipresent appearance in Russian forests,

the path leading from the main entrance into the vast

estate is lined with them.

An administrative building of the estate.

His grave. Modest, simple and natural.

A simple rural appearance opposite of the main estate building was no contradiction to Tolstoy.

Born into nobility, he was able to change his views on disproportionate distribution of wealth, serfdom and its abolition. Tolstoy nevertheless kept the estate and realized that education was the key to change. He founded several schools for the disadvantaged rural population. In his later life he became a convinced supporter of Georgism. 

Russians are a very literary people who consider Tolstoy as one of their greatest writers.

A visit to Yasnaya Polyana is an obvious cultural pastime.

One of many stands offering regional specialities

to Tourists coming here in busloads.

A side entrance to the estate.

The Russia Gallery