I Chose To Go On A Solo Trip & It Doesn't Make Me A Bad Mother!

Here's a personal anecdote, and if you think that mothers can't take solo trips - then you're wrong!

The Back Story:

My daughter was born in 2018 and since then I had been tirelessly raising myself (to be a good mother) and her. I was living by myself for nearly 2.5 years before joining my husband who was a different city.

Life had been good for us. But I was more tired than I had realized. It was as though I was running on an auto pilot mode.

When my daughter was born, everything changed around me. My own mental growth game was immensely satisfying, I was and am still working on myself, on my own healing constantly and with good tangible results. Such is her impact on me. I love her dearly. She is the center of my universe. She has shown me pure love in the real sense of the word.

As a logical outcome I have also learned how to love myself. It has been the biggest lesson ever and one of the most important principles that I want to follow.

This was one element missing from my early life and sadly enough I have had to pay heavy- painful- scarring penalties for it.

Fast forwarding to the current situation, my heart was yearning for some me time. I wanted to be by myself, doing things that I absolutely love, and put myself first even if it was for a while. Leaving my daughter with the 'best man in the world- her Daddy Dearest', I set out on a 4-day trip to the beautiful city Kazan.

My journey in Kazan as a solo traveler:

Here is what I learnt and saw, Sharing my experience in detail for fellow travelers:

I indulged in learning about the history of the place:

The city of Kazan is over 1000-yrs-old and soaked in history. If you enjoy visiting cities rich in history and with a modern festive vibe you have chosen the right city.

Kazan is famous for peaceful (not historically very peaceful) and vibrant co-existence of the Tatars (whose religion is Islam) and Russians (who follow orthodox Christianity) cultures.

The origin of the city and its name is disputable and based on excavations and legends. However, from what I was told by the guide and the most commonly accepted theories I can safely say that Ancient Kazan was founded in the late 13th century by the Mongols (Tatars) and as for the name there is a legend, according to which the son of a Volga Bulgarian Khan stopped in Kazan and ordered his servant to bring some water in his kazan (a cup or bowl), but the servant slipped and dropped the kazan in the river. The river became known as the kazanka and the city that developed around it became known as Kazan.

I arrived at Moscow on 13 April evening and my flight for Kazan was to depart the next morning. So I spent the night in the Aerosleep Capsule Hotel. There are 2 areas in Moscow Vnukovo Airport where these hotels are located - the Departure area and the General Area.

Pro-tip: I highly recommend booking your place here online before hand. Many people got turned away in front of me due to non availability of vacant pods.

After arrival at Kazan Airport, I decided to take the train to Kazan city from where I took a cab to the hotel. This costed me 150 Roubles from the airport to the hotel. A direct cab from the airport to the hotel would have costed me Roubles 700.

The first thing I did after checking in and freshening up is reach the Kremlin and hop on to the Red Kazan city tour bus (tours start at 11 AM and 1500PM from Tukay Square). Instead of waiting for the red double decker bus one can also sign up for a private city tour. The tickets can be purchased from the counters at the entrance of the Kremlin and specially ask for English speaking guides and narration.

The red bus will take you around the city and cover the major landmark points (ticket price 1000 Roubles) . Below is the route it takes. Immediately after boarding, plug in the headphones and relax while listening to the story of the city in English on Channel 3.

This ride will give perspective to your internet search of 'Things to do in Kazan' and you can then decide which places actually interest you to spend time in.

After the tour I got off at the Kremlin and rushed back to my hotel to crash. I woke up and decided to eat at the only Indian restaurant in Kazan. I recommend calling before hand to make a reservation.

My day began with a visit to the Kazan Kremlin - A UNESCO World Heritage sight . On your walk towards the Kremlin you will see the statue of Musa Jalil and The National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan.

In the Kremlin complex you will see the Spasskaya Tower. Unfortunately, during my visit it was covered in scaffolding for restoration. Followed by this landmark tower you will be welcomed by about 7 museums. I didn't not enter any of these. However, if you wish to you may purchase a ticket that covers entry to all of them.

My recommendation is to see the most compelling sights that are free of charge. They are also the most significant ones.

Next I quickly walked to the Kul Sharif Mosque.

This mosque is the newest addition to the Kremlin and was built at the sight of the original mosque destroyed by Ivan the Terrible. It is named after Imam Kul Sarif who died defending the city against Ivan the Terrible's Army. It is one of the Largest mosque's in Europe.

After this I walked to the Annunciation Cathedral. The construction of this church was completed in 1552 under Ivan the Terrible. This the most historic and truly dated building of the Kazan Kremlin Complex.

My next stop was the Soyembika Tower - a very interesting red bricked leaning construction. It has a tilt. There is a legend although historical facts do not support its truth but it is said that Ivan the Terrible was forcing marriage upon Soyembika, the queen of the Khanate of Kazan.

A building of importance is also the Presidential Palace or the Governer's residence. It is thought that the Khan's palace was also in this spot.

After strolling around for a while I stood at the view point behind the Annunciation Cathedral. The spot had a good view of the city and I could then decide which important location on my list can I walk to next.

My first target was Kremlyovskaya Embankment which was invitingly apparent from the view point behind the Cathedral. It is a joy to be walking here with so many eating joints and the place so festive. I went back there at night because its even more beautiful at night.

Enroute to the embankment came across the Monument Dragon Zilant and the Monument Philanthropist.

After this I walked up from the embankment to the road to see which other landmark was in my sight, and super close to me was the Agricultural Palace.

From the Agricultural Palace I just followed the domes I could see. and reached the Kazan Virgin Monastery, Cathedral of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

After this I walked a bit more but I could not see any more landmark places so I booked a taxi to the Nizhny Kaban Lake. Circumventing the Kazan lake I reached the Old Tatar Quarters (Tatarskaya Slaboda).

After this I walked to the Ekiyat Puppet theatre. At the theatre I spoke to the lady at the ticket counter and purchased a ticket for the next days' show. Not only did I receive a ticket but also compliments for being there communicating in Russian.

Right across the road was the Tugan Avilim. You need not spend a lot of time here. In fact since it so close to the theatre one can pay a visit and a quick walk through is enough . I don't recommend specially going to this spot if you are not already close by.

Ended my day at the Tukaya Square, Bauman Street. I honestly loved the vibe of this street. Its absolutely vibrant and bring the past and present together beautifully. It is renowned for its street artists, historical monuments, souvenir shops, eateries. It has existed since the formation of the Khanate of Kazan.

While walking on this street you won't miss 'Clock on Bauman', Epiphany Tower, Monument Cat Kazan, Carriage of Catherine the Great, The frog fountain and off course enjoy the street performances. If you wish you may enter the various chak chak shops and bring home some authentic sweet treats for your family & friends.

Back home, at the hotel reception I asked the staff to connect me to a tour guide or agency because I wanted to plan a trip to either Bolgar or Sviyazhskiy Island.

Bolgar is a 10 hour trip (to and fro ) from Kazan and did not suit me for my last day in Kazan. However, I visited the Sviyazhskiy Island which is a UNESCO World Heritage island town.

Coming to this island was the USP of my Kazan solo getaway. The guide told me some very interesting things about this island town. It was built by Ivan the Terrible as a fortress to conquer Kazan -Capital of the Khanate in just 4 weeks. A town has never been built so quickly in Russia.

After the revolution of 1917 when the Soviets came to power, the churches and monasteries of this island were used as concentration camps and also a psychiatric hospital. The beauty of this island and the Volga River was breathtaking.

On the way to the island one can stop by at the Temple of all Religions. It consists of several types of religious architecture. Almost all religions are represented - Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism.

Although it is still a work in progress and is being continued by his brother. The story of how IIdar Khanov started the construction is that of passion and one man's faith and determination.

It is good to see this idea of peaceful co existence of all religions exist. This temple can be visited if you are visiting the island. You may skip it otherwise; But I have to mention here that when the guide was explaining this idea of all religious temples being in the same complex to me. He laid special emphasis on how novel and pathbreaking this concept is.

I couldn't help but think and feel proud that the Indian Army has been doing it since forever. As a child it was very normal for me to see a Gurudwara, Church, Temple and Mosque sharing a common wall or as my father would tell me that during war the Army sets up a representation of all religions in a make shift religious complex in 1 single Army truck.

After return from the island, I got dropped at the hotel. I freshened up, took a short break and went to watch a puppet show at the Ekiyat puppet theatre.

Coming out of the theatre, I went for a walk on the Bauman street, Kremlyovskaya Embankment and the Kremlin again to catch a glimpse of these sites at night.

I ended with dinner at Romeyn Fish Restaurant .

My accommodation and the last night - Coming back at my room in the Courtyard Marriott, Kremlin I ordered a dessert and some hot fruit tea.

Walked around on the terrace overlooking the domes of the Kul Sharif Mosque and the other monuments of the Kremlin, Kazan.

Russia is a huge country spread over 2 continents. Being this close to the Kremlin is a Big Cherry on the cake and yes let me very loudly say that in Kazan you are still very much in EUROPE!

It turned out to be a very overwhelming yet wholesome experience for me. I met good people, warm people, who were non judgmental, non racist, patient, kind, appreciative . I am not apprehensive about breaking the ice, starting conversations, requesting people to click my photos and making friends out of strangers. It makes me feel confident and comfortable.

What more does one want from a vacation?

And when I came back home to my daughter, our happiness knew no bounds. I shared bits and pieces of my journey with her, and someday, I hope she gets the courage to explore the world alone.

Here's to all the young mothers like me - I know that there's still a lot of taboo about mothers traveling solo, but trust me when I say this, it won't make you a bad mother if you take some time out for yourself.

Think I missed out on something? You can share about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto .