Writer Yevgeny Grishkovets revealed at the National Centre RUSSIA why he moved to Kaliningrad

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One of Kaliningrad's most famous residents — writer, playwright and director Yevgeny Grishkovets — was the guest of honour at a creative meeting held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 15 January as part of the Kaliningrad Region Days. A native of Kemerovo and now an honorary citizen of Kaliningrad, he took the audience on a virtual tour of his beloved city, shared the story of his move from Siberia, and offered his personal observations.

Yevgeny Grishkovets moved to Kaliningrad with his family in 1998. And although from the outside perspective this decision seemed illogical for someone in a creative profession, it was a considered and deeply personal one, the guest of honour admitted.

"We moved and have never once regretted it. I understood that I was a provincial person and wanted to live in the provinces, but in a beautiful and convenient province. And when leaving Kemerovo, I really wanted to never be cold again. So when I was leaving, I gave away all my warm clothes. That's it, enough," Yevgeny Grishkovets recalled with a smile.

His first impressions of the city were unusual: the August fog in which he "wandered about like a hedgehog," and at the same time, the remarkable mildness of the climate. The writer described Kaliningrad as "a city where an endlessly long spring gives way to an endlessly beautiful autumn." But the main charm of Kaliningrad, in his words, lies in the atmosphere and the local people. Yevgeny Grishkovets noted the unhurried pace and friendliness of Kaliningrad residents, as well as the phenomenal compactness and, at the same time, natural expanses of the entire region.

The writer added that it is a particular joy for him to be a guide for friends and to watch how the Kaliningrad Region is transforming, becoming a popular tourist destination. He spoke with particular warmth about the unusual local celebrations, such as "Herring Day" and "Longest Sausage Day," which bring together residents and visitors in simple and sincere merriment.

"I really love hosting friends in Kaliningrad, who now come in an endless stream, but I still love it very much, because I really enjoy showing how I live, I enjoy showing off. And in Kaliningrad, showing off is very easy. It's simply a city that is easy to love without any reservations. It is wonderful, friendly, beautiful and gentle. And there's no need to explain anything, it simply is what it is. I don't know a greener city than Kaliningrad. Nowhere in the world are there so many parks and walking routes. I so enjoy walking here on foot, and I never wear headphones in Kaliningrad, because I enjoy listening to how this city sounds," Yevgeny Grishkovets admitted.

Concluding the meeting, the writer noted that Kaliningrad is a city with "a very high average standard of everything" — from service and cuisine to everyday life and landscape. In his words, it is a place where it is comfortable to live, to create, and where one always wants to return.

"Kaliningrad is a very good Russian city that welcomes every visitor. I enjoy living here, every time I return to it with delight, and for me, as a writer, it is the best place in the world," Yevgeny Grishkovets summed up.

The Kaliningrad Region Days are taking place at the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA from 13 to 18 January. Events in the region's thematic programme can be attended free of charge by registering in advance on the russia.ru website. The current schedule of events can be found in the "Events" section.