Yesterday was a sea day, but today was Vladivostok, Russia!
We woke up berthed across from a couple of Russian navy ships, complete with big guns, missiles and radars--this is the home of the Pacific Fleet. We got off the ship and started our walking tour, led by Svetlana (a university language student with awesome English) by going past the city square, which had been taken over by the Pacific Fleet for a parade rehearsal. Think a couple of thousand sailors, jeeps, Personnel Carriers, missile carriers, trucks, etc. etc--not to mention the Admiral in Charge of the Pacific Fleet taking the salute. Quite amazing, and noisy--bands, a cannon, commands, etc.
We walked on past and stopped at the GUM "department" store. Full of strange items, some new, some used, all pretty out of date. The building itself was old, many stories, no elevator.
We walked all over, seeing hotels, apartments, a beach and a seafront park. We went into a museum with lots of historical--ancient to Stalin--items. All in Cryllic, so we really had no idea what was going on, but the models and pictures and artifacts were neat.
Chilly day today, not too much sun, but OK for walking around. The local people came out to watch the ship arrive and depart and took pictures and brought the kids. We got some of the little nesting dolls and Laurel got a Russian fur hat, complete with Naval insignia.
Dinner tonight with funny people. She's going to write a book..."I was married to a sea captain, one time..." or "close calls and near misses"!
Michael looked for the 1919 Royal Bank building -- no luck, or at least nothing conclusive. There was one possible, just up from the harbour--the stonework and windows looked right, but the roofing was wrong, and the front walk wasn't elevated like in the 1919 picture. Could have been renovations and street rebuilding, I suppose, but...
Tomorrow is a sea day, and then Muroran, Japan. (Remember that we don't have internet in Japanese waters) So, our next blog will likely be during the sea day out of Japan--3 days from now; Sunday.)
wow! That's all I can say. So very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHere it is rainy and cold. We do not yet have summer and the river is still really high. It is suppose to be cold until Sunday but even then it is only going to be in the low teens. So enjoy the weather while you can! Things are very busy right now. Connor is full into soccer now games ect.. Connor scored his first goal yesterday it was the only score for his team of the day and it was a very good goal. He was very proud of himself. They still lost but only by 1.
Anyway I am glad you are having a great time, we are not sure when you are coming back but the kids miss you and can't wait till you get back. they are glad you are having fun.
It will be a cold weekend for Ron and Shelley at Birds Hill. Only 4 and 7 degrees but warmer on Sunday in time to go home...Snow flurries in the f-cast for Sat. Needless to say , the Harleys are not yet on the road.Saw people in touques today!
ReplyDeleteImagine, you were in Russia!Amazing stuff eh.
Bye Love Linda
Auntie may not have her Harley out yet but Jason does! I think that is part of the reason it got cold again. Just like people wanting to camp, influences the weather, and the Red River Ex does too!! Have a good weekend in Japan.
ReplyDeleteLove Dena & Jason