Back to School and Into Autumn: Notes from Tomsk

Although it is common here to think that autumn begins on Autumn Equinox (which falls on September 22 this year), in Russia — at least in Tomsk — I have always considered September 1 to be the real start of autumn. That’s the day all students return to school.

The weather is noticeably cooler, rainier, and re-fresher (is there such a word?).

My sister's grandson started first grade this year. In Russia, children start school at the age of seven. The region has seen a decline in the number of schoolchildren due to the demographic situation. I suppose young people are in no hurry to have children. Times have changed, along with lifestyles.

Some regional news caught my eye as well.

China recently announced a trial 30-day visa-free regime for Russian citizens, starting September 15. I wonder what currency Russian tourists will need to carry with them in China.

Another article from the ria tomsk news talks about exporting Siberian goods.

Siberia is well known as a supplier of wild plants, and wild plant products play an important role in the Siberian economy and cuisine. The region's vast, untouched forests and wetlands are rich in berries, mushrooms, nuts, herbs, and other natural products. The pine trees look completely different from the local ones. (Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of pine nuts or pine cones).

Tomsk currently exports a large amount of pine nuts abroad. For example, from January to August 2025, Tomsk exported more than 335 tons of pine nuts - more than half of which went to China, which is eight times the total export volume for 2024. Pine nuts from Tomsk were also supplied to the Czech Republic (95 tons), Kazakhstan (42 tons), Belarus (18 tons), and even Armenia (only 0.084 tons).

On a less positive note, mobile internet in Tomsk has been intermittent since August. Authorities said this was due to maintenance work and the prevention of "network threats." At the same time, the government is urging people to use the state-run Max messenger. But it's not the best tool — and who would want to rely on something the state runs?

For now, my friends and family are still using the Telegram messenger. I must say, it's very convenient. I can communicate with friends in Germany and Greece, Tomsk and Gelendzhik. As always, thanks to the creators of the internet.

Some photos from my friend Marina.

After talking to my friend Olya, I wanted some baked goods. Although I'm not a sweet tooth. But when I cook them myself, I can control the amount of sugar. Look what I made.