Our trip across Russia began at Vladivostok. We flew in and took the train to the city centre. We had a few days to kill as we wait for Our Sorento to clear out of the port.
Founded in 1860, Vladivostok was a Russian military outpost. The name of the city can be interpreted as “Rule of the East”, “Lord of the East” or “Conqueror of the East”. During the Soviet era this city was closed to foreigners and it wasn’t until the 1990s that foreigners were allowed in.
The suburb where we stayed was on a hilly terrain and walking around can be physically demanding. On the third day we stayed at a hotel opposite the Railway Station to be nearer to Vladivostock Port. In the afternoon we put on our walking shoes and headed out to see some of the sights:
We took a slow walk around the GUM Old Courtyard
Starting at the front of the GUM Building which is as old as Vladivostok.
In the old days this place sold everyday supplies like tea, vodka, sugar etc., this is now a department store.
We turned around the corner and walked a bit up the slope to enter the old courtyard with its red brick buildings and this is where it gets a bit more colourful with its street artworks...
In the Soviet days, the buildings around the courtyard were used as warehouses.
The area has been revitalised and now houses restaurants, cafes etc..
Street art
We came across this monument as we exit the GUM Old Courtyard. At first glance, we thought it was a monument to backpackers. Are there really that many backpackers in Vladivostok?? After googling a bit, this turns out to be a monument to the Soviet sailor just returning from an overseas tour.
Vladivostok’s version of the Japanese cherry blossom?
The Amur Tiger is the symbol of Vladivostok and Primorye. The locals even have a holiday - Tiger Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of September every year. These tiger cubs were a gift from the WWF to the local residents as a symbol of their contribution to the conservation of tiger.
Memorial to the Fighters for the Soviet Power in the Far East in the main city square
Memorial to the Fighters for the Soviet Power in the Far East
View on the opposite side of the Memorial.
Another memorial.
Lenin’s Statue
Rusky Bridge, the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, connects Russky Island to Vladivostok
Vladivostok Train Station. Opened in 1893, this station is the end (or the beginning..) of the well known Trans Siberian Railway that goes between Moscow and Vladivostok. At a little under 9,300km, the Trans Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world.
Orthodox Church
We also visited the local food market stocked with frozen seafood, caviar, even dried and smoked fish and lots of spices and beans and biscuits.
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