Sunday, 23 May 2010
Vladivostok, Russia
Despite not going to bed until half past two this morning have slept rather well, dear reader. All that wine, whisky and vodka you see. Mr Ex-Army and I both bleary eyed.
Having followed the flooded Amur River since we left Ulan Ude three days ago, wake up to find a message on my mobile phone, ‘Welcome to China’. It being just across the river. It being a Sunday there’s plenty of people picnicking and fishing by this wide river.
Late morning by the time we enter Vladivostok. Grotty apartment blocks pass by. Like Irkutsk and Novosibirsk, Vladivostok was a ‘closed’ city during Soviet times and first impressions are that it should remain closed. Think Plymouth on a miserable grey day.
Disembark the Trans Siberian Express for the final time.
Quite sad really.
Now 9,288km from Moscow.
Not known as being a top tourist destination, Vladivostok’s things to see and do takes two hours. Being home to the Russian Pacific Fleet, there’s a submarine on dry land to visit which is dreadfully small and uncomfortable to move about in. Take the funicular railway up to the Eagle’s Nest. It’s conductress with bright orange hair is not a happy person judging by the pout. It’s only when I ask for her photo and put my arm round her for a laugh does she break into a smile. Taurean charm you see.
Funicular trip worth it as the Eagle’s Nest affords fantastic views of the city. Were it not grey and overcast.
For the first time in nearly two weeks feels strange to be sleeping in a bed that is not moving all the time. The Hotel Hyundai ( https://www.lottehotel.com/vladivostok-hotel/en.html) has a bizarre fire escape system. A rope is hooked to a built in loop with harness. In the event of a fire, you’re meant to put the harness on, exit by the window and lower yourself down the rope to escape from this 12 storey hotel.
Except.
The window only opens six inches.
There’ll not be many escaping the flames.
Another farewell dinner. The final farewell. All will be flying back to Moscow tomorrow.
Except me.
I’m off to Seoul. South Korea.
And the next leg of my journey.
