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drumming my way through kazan's icy streets

@Maya Stone3/5/2026blog
drumming my way through kazan's icy streets

let me tell ya, touring kazan in *russia as a session drummer is wild, man. i landed here between gigs and figured, why not check out this 1000-year-old city?

A row of pillars in a building with a clock on each of them

i'm not gonna lie, the weather here is colder than my ex's heart - we're talking 3.77°C (or 1.17°C, if you want to get technical with the "feels like" temp). but hey, it keeps the crowds away, right?

overheard at the local café: "if you think kazan is impressive now, you should see it during the summer."

speaking of cafes, i found this killer spot called chak-chak that serves up the best coffee and traditional tatar pastries. definitely helped me thaw out after exploring the kul sharif mosque and söyembikÀ tower.

A group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings

the locals here are pretty chill, too. one dude told me that if you're looking for a change of scenery, you can always take a drive to moscow or saint petersburg - but personally, i think kazan's got everything you need for a good time (and some killer drumming inspiration, if you know where to look).

"the best part about kazan? the music scene. there's always some kind of live show going on - just follow your ears and you'll find it."

if you're into the artsy scene, make sure to hit up the tatar state academic opera and ballet theatre*. i heard they put on some mind-blowing performances. if you're more into the outdoorsy stuff, check out the gorky park - it's a dope spot to just wander around and take in the sights.

A tall tower with a clock on top of it

as for where to crash, i recommend hostel izhkom. it's cheap, clean, and the staff are super helpful. just don't expect a 5-star resort, ya know? anyway, that's my two cents on kazan. it's a city with a lot of soul, and definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. just remember to pack your warm gear - trust me, you'll need it.

local's parting words of wisdom: "kazan will steal your heart, but it might also steal your toes if you're not careful."

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About the author: Maya Stone

Writing is my way of listening.

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