“Industrial Dreams,” at the Ekaterinburg Photography Museum. Photos from 1930’s factories, Soviet Era sickle presses, and art in factories illustrate how industry is a part of everyday life for Russian families all across the country. Did you know there is job as a sewing needle polisher?
Best: Activity
We had an afternoon to kill so we headed to ZooPark. Its the largest zoo in Russia (which isn’t saying much – its not that big) and was somewhat run-down, but it had the basics: bears, lions, monkey house, elephants, birds, reptiles.
Best: Walk
Along the Little Dam and City Reservoir Promenade.
We stumbled upon a sweethearts lock bridge and since it happened to be what would have been our brother-in-law Hayden’s 27th birthday (Oct 11), we hijacked a blank lock for Hayden and Bridget.
Best: Unexpected Find
This shouldn’t have been unexpected, but we’d been trying to hunt down a Post Office since we left Moscow with no luck. It was a rather exciting moment.
Best: Awkward Moment
Major cities in Russia have police stations on every highway. These stations scan every license plate going into and out of the city to check for outstanding tickets and violations. On our way back into town from the Europe/Asia border, our cab driver was stopped and questioned. There were no problems, but our cabbie was certainly tense during the exchange.
Best: Monument
Church of the Spilled Blood. The church was built as a memorial on the murder site of the Romanov family. Its rumored to be the most expensive church ever commissioned by the Russian government. Its a towering structure surrounded by monuments to and photos of the family.
Best: Meal
At Pizza Mia. Though it took us nearly 20 minutes to order and the pizza we ended up with was not even close to what we (tried to) ordered, it was delicious. And of course it was topped with dill – Russians love their dill.
Best: Purchase
A fabulous milky quartz ring from a vendor near the Church of the Spilled Blood. (I’m still smitten with it and wear it all the time!)
Best: Grocery Store Find
Russians have a thing for boxed juice.
