Sochi, Russia & The Olympic Village - July 13, 2015

Sochi, Russia & The Olympic Village - July 13, 2015

Sochi, Russia - Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine that I would be here at Sochi, Russia. I had a friend, back home, who would update me, as it was happening, what her friend who was in the Olympics here, was doing. And now it is me who is here! Not doing the Olympics though.

Sochi actually has the 2nd largest beachfront in the world. A lot of Russians vacation here.

Actually, during the morning we visited 

Dendrary Botanical Gardens. This man, FM Zorin, decided that he wanted to create a beautiful botanical garden so he became rich so that he could. He became a famous writer. That is how he build his wealth.

Back then, when they wanted to produce a bronze statue, they would prepare the mold, and pour it and quickly produce it this way. I believe this was a statue of Zorin's wife.

Also, the urns around here were produced in that way. 

We were shown rubber trees and told about their history and use. I think she said they don't start producing rubber for 30 years!

The owner, brought in Italian cypress. Look how tall they are!

Also, he had an assortment of palm trees. We were told that palm trees are very hearty and can live almost anywhere.

Here is a beautiful gazebo that he created for his wife. 

We walked by his house that was on the property.

I was distracted by the poster showing the museum that was now housed on the property.




There is a funicular that takes you to the top of the botanical gardens if you wish to ride it up there. Our guide tells us that being out in nature and enjoying oneself is a concept that Stalin felt was very important. Apartments were small because the people should only go to their apartments to rest. The other times the people should be out and about enjoying their world.

Then we went out to the Olympic Park. The name of this town, which is just a few miles from Sochi, is Adler.

We arrive at the train station where you park the buses

then take a small train to the actual park.

As we enter the Olympic Park, we see that there are many pavilions there that are still in use. Also, there is a center grounds where all the Olympic flags fly.

They built a large hotel and amusement park

right by the Olympic park grounds.

 There were bicycles to ride around the park

if you choose to do so.

The Olympics here have 3 mascots - the tiger, the rabbit and the bear. These are statues but there are live characters walking around and you can have your picture taken

with them if you would like.

Now it's lunchtime and we go to these beautiful grounds that are used for weddings and special events.

We have a delicious lunch of fresh bread, cheese and herbs. Also a wonderful soup and wine.

Walking back to the bus I see a giant eagle perched on the shoulder of a man. He offers a photo for 2 euros. I also saw this at the botanical gardens. There was a woman with a large parrot and sleuth on her shoulder. I missed that photo opportunity and this time, I didn't want to miss it.

Look at the size of that thing! And he seems so tame! Impressive!

Then we go to the downtown area of Sochi.  We walk down the major shopping area. Our guide says the real estate here is expensive. I look at the types of shops here in Sochi.

There is an electronics store with cell phones,

a dress shop,

a shop that looks like it sells surf boards,

advertisements for a cabaret and a Van Gogh exhibit

and an advertisement for what looks like a t.v. show.

I see giant posters on the side of buildings advertising

 the hockey team. 

There are beer stands were you can order

and carry off a glass of beer.

I see these square pictures of flowers that are placed on the diagonal - 3 of them together, as a civic decoration.

 I see a MacDonald's.

I see the local circus which I hear is very popular.

Also, the guide talks about how important playing fields are to participate in sports and shows us one.

I see a local sushi bar

and a florist shop.

There is a blue and white character, who I am not familiar with, that is posing with children. They are having their picture taken with him. 

As we taxi out of port, I say thank you and goodbye to Sochi - the Olympic Village.