Life in Russia depended on roads since the old days. Many fairy tales are based on journeys; legends tell of hermits, pilgrims, and wanderers whom one can meet along the way. At the same time, Russians themselves often criticize their roads. As early as the 19th century, Nikolai Gogol, the famous writer, noted that “Russia’s two biggest problems are fools and roads.” Russians still use the word “road” for any type of terrain that they drive through, paved or not. Our immense country has many places where there are no people, much less roads.
Besides, the weather is very changeable in Moscow area, and it often rains here. So local dirt roads in distant villages and tourist campsites in the country instantly get made impassable by rain. Sometimes it rains nearly every day, then roads turn into slush, and cars are often stuck in the mud. One always has to wear rubber boots in rainy weather, but nothing can prevent Russians from going to the country.