Somewhat ironically, the guide of our group referred to this amusement park as Russia's Disneyland. Now, I have never been to Disneyland, but just from the usually enthusiastic tales I have been told about it, I am quite sure that I would not enjoy it. Mandrogi, though was quite an enjoyable little interlude.

The ILYA REPIN docked at a place where the river flowed along the edge of the park. "I'll show you where you can buy some souveniers," our guide told us, "and then, I suggest you just wander around. No doubt you will see something that may interest you."

And, that is exactly what we did.