"Motherland of Sergei Esenin" Konstantinovo by Pablos_new

Konstantinovo Travel Guide: 31 reviews and 133 photos

(C) Some photos at this page are by Alexander S. who joined me in this trip.

My full size photos will be on external site: Oka River

Esenin, "Anna Snegina"
trans. by Peter Tempest

"A nice-sized village is Radovo,
I reckon, two hundred farms.
You don't need more than a glance to know
It isn't without its charms.
We're well off for wood and water,
There's pasture land too, and fields,
And poplars along the borders—
All specially planted trees.

"We don't like to boast, but truly
At fortune we can't feel sore—
There's no farm without tin roofing,
An orchard, a threshing-floor,
And everyone has gay shutters,
On holidays — meat and kvass.
No wonder the district officer
Would always stop by for a glass.

"We'd never he late with quit-rent
But the head man — he wielded power —
Would always demand in addition
A measure of millet or flour.
And so to avert disaster
We'd pay up — for it's no joke —
A master is always master
And we are just common folk.

"But people are all born sinners,
And some eyes are sharper than tusks.
The men of the neighbouring village,
Kriusha, had eyes on us.
Their life was nothing to talk of —
For ploughing the most they could raise
Was a couple of clapped-out horses
And a plough that had seen better days.

...

Read all translation at: a Site of Vladimir Rogatin

Russian original text at: Anna Snegina

Last visit to Konstantinovo: May 2003
Intro Updated Mar 15, 2008
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Reviews (19)

Modern Chapel Favorites (7)

This is just modern chapel, standing in the middle of the village. more travel advice

Elementary School of Konstantinovo - Konstantinovo

Elementary School of Konstantinovo Things to Do (9)

In XIX c there were a classification: village with church and elementary school was called "selo", the village w/o -... more travel advice

Estate of Lidia Kashina Things to Do (9)

Lidia Kashina is a prototype of the literary hero - Anna Snegina. Kashin estate has very spectacular position - on the... more travel advice

Hut of the Poet's Mother - Konstantinovo

Hut of the Poet's Mother Things to Do (9)

Typical Russian peasants house of XX c. Looks rather modern from outside. You can find thousands of such houses across... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
We missed it

Transportation (2)
See All River Cruise

Comments (6)

Kuznetsov_Sergey Nov 16, 2010 at 1:16 PM Report Abuse

Thank you Pavel for bringing back memories about this place! Now you aren't alone on this OBP destination, haha!
Karolina01 Jul 19, 2004 at 8:49 AM Report Abuse

It is really nice place. Thank you for the info.
keeweechic Aug 4, 2003 at 5:00 PM Report Abuse

Obviously a very inspiring place and nice to be away from the hustle of the cities. I love all the insight to the local living and school.. the delightful church. Thanks for the explainations.
herzog63 Jun 10, 2003 at 11:32 PM Report Abuse

Konstantinovo looks like a great city and area!! We have very similar churches here in Alaska! That is our Russian Heritage!
Lalique May 19, 2003 at 3:53 AM Report Abuse

You seem to have more time to wander around Konstantinovo, lucky you!!! Have you visited Poschupovo as well?
yumyum May 16, 2003 at 3:54 AM Report Abuse

Very well made page.Thanks!