Last year my wife and I visited Krasnoyarsk (a Siberian city in North-East Russia) to meet my parents in law. We arrived on the first day of Christmas and left right after Russian Christmas. (Hence the tittle).
Upon arrival in Krasnoyarsk I already knew this was going to be a special trip. We stayed at my mother in law's place, which was one of the smallest 3 room apartments I have ever seen. A lot of the buildings (including this one) are made in Soviet times and are still in use. Pretty impressive if you think about the extreme weather conditions these buildings went through in all those years.
Almost every morning I woke up before sunrise to go outside and explore the streets of Kranoyarsk. What I found was a city full of contrasts and extremes. Rich & Poor, Old & New, +30C inside & -25C outside, colorful & grey, City & Nature. Krasnoyarsk is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen.
Since this was the first time I have ever been to Russia I was amazed by the rich historical culture, traditions, authentic food, generous people and everything Russia had to offer me. I cannot wait to go back again to explore and document this beautiful country even more.
If you ever thought about going to Russia on vacation, I would say: Do it!! You will be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy!
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Evening scene in Krasnoyarsk
Donuts, go nuts!!
There are a number of two-story wooden houses in the city built mostly in the middle of the 20th century as temporary habitations. Many of these house are somewhat dilapidated now but still inhabited
Sunrise over the Communal bridge
Ancient house (still with inhabitants)
View from the left bank of the Yenisey river
Alexander Pushkin: Poet, Novelist & playwriter. One of the most influential Russians. He not only influenced Russian culture but also helped creating the Russian language to what it is today
Upon arrival
Bridge over the Yenisei River & symbol of the city: The Communal bridge
The Communal bridge
Andrey Pozdeev, a well-known Krasnoyarsk artist
"Piet Mondriaan" in Krasnoyarsk
Central Market, home made famous Russian pickles
Fresh fish from Yenisey river (the biggest river in Russia)
Street scene
Basketball/ football / ice-hockey court
Mira street
A magic coincidence
Typical garages...
Look up!!
Winter can be really dirty in the city
Pals
Harsh reality
Strelka
Contemporary art museum. Former Lenin's museum. Normally you would read on this wall: "Lenin', now it is: "Malevich"
Peasant
Classic Russian wooden windows "stavn'i"
Water delivery
Krasnoyars, Look up!
Perfectly blended
