Yes, in fact, the random strangers you meet along the way often turn out to be amazingly kind and unselfish people. We've had several instances where they've helped us to get to town. And once on Valaam we lost our way and realized we wouldn't make it back in time for the shuttle, and we were very helped by a monk who agreed to take us by boat to the neighboring shore. Along the way he told us stories. It was wonderful.