ICE TEA

Minsk-Super!

2010-05-14T05:57:00.001-07:00

TimeLaps from zweizwei on Vimeo.

Marselle

2010-05-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

Just some pics from buty Marselle....

The Land of miracles: Australia

2010-04-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Australia is so far that flight time, not including joinings and landings to plane refuelling, makes more than days.

The big barrier reef.

Historically unusual occurrence in waters of the Indian and Silent oceans of the earth under the name Australia is connected with branch from huge continent Gondvaly of a small part of a land. There was it about 65 million years ago. Long time about its existence was known to nobody, and about 50 thousand years ago this territory has started to be occupied by the people from South East Asia. It is interesting that in those days level of the World ocean was such that from New Guinea to Australia it was possible to pass on foot, without having presoaked feet. And when the first Europeans have stepped into the new earths (and there was it only in ХVI a century) then about miracles of these edges, about unusual plants and animals has learnt all world.

Australia as continent, undoubtedly, represents an original miracle. Anywhere it is more in the world it is not concentrated a lot of unusual and mysterious, as here:

All it is unique and it is magnificent. Hardly somebody will be left indifferent by a variety and individuality of a plant and animal life of Australia. At times even it seems that the animals living here, were created by the Creator slowly, in any experimental mode and is concrete for this Great Southern continent as during ancient times named Australia. One of its symbols, certainly, it is considered to be "bear" the koala:

At once it is necessary to explain that to bears this nice and lovely Australian small animal has no relation. It is simply similar to a toy plush bear, here it and name.

In the wild nature of this small animal to see extremely difficult as he lives on trees, in dense эвкалиптовых woods. Leafs of Eucalyptus is simultaneously both meal, and drink for koalas, without them to it not to survive.

Ridiculously having braided in a ball, they cling the sharp and long claws to a wood bark not to fall down, and in such position sleep on trees, happens that for 20 hours a day.

The close relative of koalas is the wombat - a small animal whom too do not know on other continents. Once for a long time, on any evolutionary coil, the nature has divided them: koalas have got on a tree, and wombats remained on the earth. They something are similar to beavers or on small bear cubs:

Wombats are slow and see only that is before them. Ridiculously to look, how, having buried in any obstacle, these animals go backwards-forward until casually will not round it. In the wild nature wombats are virtuosos and skilful digger of holes. Some holes can be laid underground on distance to 30 metres.

The wild dog of the Dingo can be the unique enemy of the wombat in the Australian cream puff, but from it the rodent escapes in the way comprehensible only to it. The matter is that the wombat in a back part of its body has something like a hypodermic armour, and when a small animal, escaping from destruction, gets to itself into a hole, it the, forgive, a back place blocks there all access, and nobody in its forces to get from this hole.

Habitats of wombats often are a subject of studying of the Australian geologists. On continent minerals lie down superficially, and the ground which has been pulled out from holes, can tell about much to experts. Both the koala, and the wombat are marsupials animals, only bags for cultivation of cubs at them are on a back, instead of on a stomach, as, for example, at a kangaroo.

The origin of the name of these jumpers is amusing. Speak, when Europeans have seen them for the first time and have asked natives as they are called, natives have answered: ”Kangaroo”, - that on a local dialect means: "is not known". Ingenious Europeans knowingly make yes heads also have brought this word in all languages of the world.

These animals have records and the champions. The case when the grey kangaroo has jumped at length on 13 and a half metres is registered.

Opossums concern marsupials an animal - small fur rodents who do not trouble for a long time already itself with meal extraction also: they live in city parks and squares, on roofs and attics of houses and eat that remains after people.

It is interesting that the family of opossums deduces posterity not in a hole, as all rodents, and in nests as if birds, specially constructing them on the top circles of trees. To meet opossums is the most easier along toward evening or at night. Small animals approach to people and even allow itself to stroke. Certainly, in hope of an entertainment. It is a pity that what them it was not possible, can, on a word will believe?

Why marsupials live only on the Australian continent, it is for certain not known. Perhaps, it is any transitive stage in development of mammals? After all there are in Australia some animals of transitive kinds who postpone eggs, and the posterity hatching from them is brought up milk. He/she is a duck-bill and it is malicious. Duck-bills – simply unique creations.

They perfectly feel both in water, and on the earth - the present amphibians. When they dive, close eyes and ears that, possibly, nothing to see and nothing to hear. Small crabs and molluscs they find by means of the ridiculous nose which represents difficult hydro-sonar system. It is curious that for deducing of posterity the female of a duck-bill demands from the spouse to build separate habitation in which it will postpone eggs and later one to raise kids milk.

Approximately as behaves and it is malicious, she only lives not in water, and in canes:

All kind as if throwing down to a challenge to a society, it shows the individuality. On its fur cover long grey or black needles grow, on paws sharp curve claws, and the extended thin nose-beak which is in constant movement threateningly shine, sensitively sniffs up extraction. It is malicious very much likes to regale on termites. It pushes the nose in a tiny window of a termitary both the long and sticky language tries to get insects. Termites, protecting the dwelling, rush on the uninvited visitor, and ехидне only it and is necessary, know pinch a delicacy. On these artful animals predators successfully hunt: tasmanian a devil and a wild dog of the Dingo.

The bird's world of Australia too is unique. In spite of the fact that for birds there are no the borders, some kinds never leave continent, and they can be met only on this continent.

The ostrich of Emu, for example, essentially differs from the African colleague (at least that is able to swim not bad), and, under the statement of some zoologists, at all does not belong to the class ostrich's - they rank it as a class kazuarus.

And as the black-headed Australian stork Yabiru is fine:

It is a lot of miracles and secrets store oceanic waters of Australia:

Only in the Australian oceanic waters it is possible to meet the deep-water vampire, very lovely and harmless mollusc, despite its frightening name; the huge Australian cuttlefish - the skilled worker of mystifications; sea dwarfs – small invertebrate fishes in the size less than a rice kernel, and, God forbid, to feel a deadly touch of a jellyfish-wasp.

Oceanic crocodiles about which aggression tell legends are not less mysterious. In comparison with them river crocodiles, speak, innocent small animals.

Boundless Australian open spaces on the sly slightly open the secret curtain. More recently in a province the Southern Wales relic groves with unknown to today ancient trees which height reaches 80 (!) metres have been found out.

On this continent it is not necessary to search for miracles. They everywhere. But all the same while this earth – terra incognita. Perhaps, specially it has carried so far from other world. There, washed by waters of two oceans, it serves as the certain balance keeping balance of globe. When time of opening of secrets of Australia will come - it is not known. Probably, one more kind storyteller is necessary, the hero or which heroine will fail under the earth and, having flown by through it on other hemisphere, once again will tell about its miracles. Can be then there will be an answer and to a question why the length of a coastal line of this continent is equal to length of equator.

Iceland - warm northern country!

2010-02-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

Iceland – the country for those who likes to spend the rest exclusively alone with the nature. There you will not find any significant monuments as in continental Europe. On this biggest volcanic island in size with 103 thousand sq. km, lives only 320 000 population! 20 thousand from them – Poles who have in large quantities left on this island after the introduction of Poland into EU. And with an ulterior motive: following the results of 2007 Iceland is recognised by the United Nations the best country for a life in the world.

But then yet there was no crisis after which the stream of immigrants has considerably decreased. The local crone has fallen to 60 %, having put the country almost on a bankruptcy side.

It was necessary to count Iceland only on itself as the country is not a member of EU - has disagreed with EU decision on distribution of quotas for fishing – 35 % of incomes of the country.

However times vary, and the country has already submitted the official demand for the introduction into EU. Today it already consists in "shengen - union", therefore the separate Icelandic visa should not be received.

Iceland very hospitable. Tourism - one of the basic sources of the income of the country. A standard dinner of an order 10-15 euros (also it is the prices already after crisis!). Average cost of daily excursion about 50-70 euros. In the summer hotels-hostely should be reserved in advance since not always there are places.

Some the interesting facts:

- In transfer the word "Iceland" is meant "the ice country";

- Reykjavic – the most northern capital of the world;

- From November till February in the country the night-time prevails;

- Is absent the Ry;

- In capital and vicinities lives 70 % of the population of the country;

- The Icelandic language so has not changed eventually that nowadays the population can freely read sagas of XIII century. Language is very strongly protected from anglicisms, giving to foreign words the Icelandic basis;

- In connection with absence of candidates the local president corrected 4 terms successively! (Till January 2009);

- There is no standing army;

- There are no surnames (there is a name and a patronymic which is coming to an end on "– a son" for men and on "-douhtir" for women);

- Before receiving of independance in 1944 Iceland belonged to Denmark, and to Denmark - Norway;

- The most known Icelandic performer (abroad, but not in the Iceland) - Bjork;

- In Iceland there is the biggest glacier and the most powerful falls of Europe;

- Despite northern arrangement, mid-annual temperature of the country of 4 degrees thanks to warm Gulf Stream (in the winter–1 degree, in July of +10 degrees);

- On territory of the country of an order of 30 active volcanoes;

- In any way it is necessary to mention complexity of the Icelandic language – words long and compound, its very difficult for studding.

Reykjavic from different directions is surrounded by fjords - sea gulfs deeply running into a land with rocky coast.

Iceland is mostly 1-2 stage country...

Every morning buses carry tourists at excursion on the country.

The central church of Reykjavic on restoration.

Behind the church a monument of Lejfru Ejrikson. Lejfr Ejrikson - the first European who has visited the North America approximately in 1000 (long before Columbus!).

Good advice directly on city walls.

Cause of steady rains Icelanders at cleaning of fields protect hay a film.

In the summer – at the height of a tourist season - on the country many off-road cars rented by tourists travel about. And all country is switched to English language that does almost impossible to disassemble, where local population, and where tourists.

Since in vicinities of Reykjavic lives about 70 % of the population of the country, other population is presented by small cities or here such farms.

To reach such dwellings hard in snow winters, therefore children leave for study for couple of months.

The Icelandic summer. Pay attention to a temperature indicator.

Akureyrarkirkja – the city of Iceland second for number, with the population in 15 thousand persons.

Ancient dwelling of Icelanders.

In the absence of woods (only 1 % of territory of Iceland) dwellings are under construction mainly in the earth. Local Icelandic joke: if you have lost the way in wood – rise.

In the country it is a lot of falls. It is 12-metre falls of Godafoss on the river Skjaulvandaflout. These falls are used by extreme amatours for descent to kayaks.

Falls of Detifoss on the river Yokjulsau ау Fyotljum – the most powerful falls of Europe, 193 cubic km/s, 45 metres of the height, running into gorge Yokjulsaurgljuvjur.

One of 300 Icelandic geothermal zones.

One of 7 thermal stations of Iceland, supplying with warm water of an order of 90 % of houses of the country. Hot water undertakes directly from bowels of volcanoes, where its temperature on depth of 1000 metres составляетя from 150 to 375 degrees of Celsius.

Warm soil near to thermal sources – the free furnace. Local residents leave here for the night in the earth the dough, and got fresh bread in the morning.

Northern city of Akjurejry in which fjord one week prior to my visit the family from 5 whales swam away on couple of days. Here this everyday occurrence.

Double falls of Gjutlfoss (13 + 20).

The Icelandic source with the name "Geyser" became a common noun for all geysers of a planet. Now it any more so is active and is thrown up only three times a day. But its "colleague" each five minutes:

Reservation of Tingvetlir. A building at bottom – summer резеденция the prime minister. The mountains surrounding a reservation, – Aurmannsfetl, Skjaldbrejdjur, Tindaskagi, Hrapnabyorg. As it is heavy to utter it!

Falls of Seljalandsfoss at bottom of mountains Ejjafyotl at a glacier of Ejjafjatlayokjutl (repeat quickly!):)

Adventures of the off-road car, moving across the river.

Glaciers occupy an order of 10 % of territory of the country.

When I gathered for excursion in the sea to look whales, the Russian vessel has come into port.

Between Reykjavic and the airport it is located well-known Blue lagoon – the nonfreezing lake of geothermal sources rich with minerals.

Ice and hot - very nice paradox!

Dazzling Maldives

2010-02-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

In our route the Maldivian republic was round end across Asia, but it seemed to me that the photoreport on this country in cold February days will be most interesting to compatriots.

It is a little about the country. The Maldivian republic is located in the central part of Indian ocean on Maldive Islands which are to the south from the Indian coast and to the southwest from island Sri Lanka. The archipelago consists of 1200 islands from which are occupied only 200, more than thousand are uninhabited. Islands - a coral origin, round them are not present a continental shelf. For this reason the country height is above sea level insignificant – the highest point of Maldiv only 2,5 metres. Here there is no lake or the river. Pure water receive from the sea water or gathering the rain. Because of global warming and lifting of level of ocean by 2050th year, under some forecasts, the most part of Maldive Islands will appear under water. Already now the country government carries on negotiations with representatives of Sri Lanka and Indonesia for resettlement of all citizens of the country in these states. The blessing, the population small – all 300 thousand persons.

Well, the facts will suffice, let's look, as here all looks actually.

We lie alongside, we wait a boat to an island. The cart for luggage can be rolled safely to the mooring. After the arrival of a boat young sailors will load your things into a luggage compartment, and after the arrival on island will carry on to the reception.

Near island Hulule on which the airport is located, in 1981 the ship has sunk. Now it is very popular in divers.

And this is our boat

After apr 40 min we're at our paradise

It is our room. To tell the truth, for such money it would be possible to be better.

On a little table near the entrance has cheap type of a wine for which ask 27.5$. Thanks, drink it by yourself...

This is the price for a minibar. The price for a box of juice from a concentrate 200ml - 3.75$ most of all touches.

Lets walk across the island...

Black shark, grows to 2 metres at length.

The slope on stones is heated. Has lowered a hand that it to stroke, only with a finger has concerned - it as a wind has blown off.

On island the buffet with self-service practises - eat that you want, in any quantities. And here for any drinks - juice, water, to a stake, alcohol - be so kind as pay under the threefold tariff (potable water litre - 3$, 300 grammes of non-fresh orange juice – 4$).

Having dived once to a reef, more therefrom did not get out - from a decline till a dawn dived and shoot of small fishes on a disposable film soap tray which lay in our number. For quality of a photo corresponding, very much I regret that has stinted a water-proof case for my digital camera.

In one of days while the wife remained to be heated on a beach, has decided to go to capital of Maldivian republic - a city of Male.

The president drives of Mazda 3, and at it only one bodyguard. But the guide has told that the president with the spouse usually go on foot and in general without the bodyguard.

In general, Male - the smallest capital in the world. Its sizes make 2,5 x 1,5 km. C the north on the south I have on foot crossed island for 25 minutes. The population thus 100 thousand persons, i.e. third of population of Maldiv. Roads, by the way, are only here.

All right, I still can understand motor scooters... But what for on the closed island such cars, my limited brain could not comprehend.

Historical part of Male poor enough. It is a crypt of last governor Maldive.

And it is a crypt of sultan of Ibrahim (1648-1687) at which the Friday mosque has been constructed.

100 % of the population of Maldiv - Moslems. Not 99 % and not 99,99 % namely 100 %. To obtain Maldivian citizenship, it is necessary to accept Islam. But to accept Islam and to adhere to its canons - different things. There are very religious families, as this, for example.

And this girl though also the Moslem, especially does not muffle up in a yashmak.

In general Maldivian girls marvellously the beautiful. The population of Maldiv consists of natives from India and Ceylon.

This oldest tree in Male, it grows in sultan park, opposite to the National museum - to it more than hundred years.

And it is the largest mosque in the country - the Islamic centre, it is opened in 1984.

And it is the fish market. The boats filled by a tuna here swim up.

It is the vegetable and fruit market. Under below cost prices it is possible to buy everything that grows on Maldives.

After visiting of the fish and vegetable markets has come into a souvenir bench. This souvenir has amazed both in the sizes and the price - costs more expensively then real motorcycle.

Just wolk arround...

And it is the area of Dzhumuri - a place of meetings and parties of local youth, and also a place where any tourist who has lagged behind group should come immediately.

and home...sweet home

London

2010-01-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

Some pics from my last visit of London, I'm loving it so much..

Sea eagle

2010-01-17T03:05:00.000-08:00

For a sea eagle-white-tailed, trying to make interesting photos, I chase more then a year.

But once the destiny has smiled to me. We've met at first a golden eagle, and then a sea eagle. Pictures have been received.

During last shooting I have tried to provide all. At a dawn was a minus 18.

Alas, in the first day sea eagles turned on respectful distance, and without having come nearer. One sea eagle who has sat down on concrete designs in the distance to remove all the same it was possible.

And still became the witness of how for the sea eagle carried by me, the black raven after rushed. Already after it, in pictures I've seen that the eagle bore a meat piece in a beak.

After such almost ineffectual photosession I have decided to take a time-out: next day did not call in on this place, having been engaged in other shootings.

At 8.30 the first eagle has sat down nearby, but only on pair minutes.

To my patience the end comes. But I wait further, having resolved that I will remain in this shed to the last.

Passes time. At last I see that the sea eagle has gone to my party. Storage soace at my flash-sticks have come to an end, in parallel I dump pictures on the laptop, I photograph further. Optics twisted any more without hesitating, but nevertheless without fanaticism. So some hours lasted. Having seen all filming, I have understood that, despite some omissions, have well worked. It was promoted also by almost ideal conditions for photosession – the soft sun, a breeze.

Some pics from Belarus

2010-01-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

Winter time

2010-01-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

I suggest you to admire for snow winter in different corners of Europe and the USA.

Children play with snow in New York. (REUTERS)

Deer in park Knoul, Kent, England. (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

Sofia, Bulgaria. (REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov)

Here such weather in Quebec, Canada. (REUTERS/Mathieu Belanger)

Loh-Ness monster, Brighton, southern England. (GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

Steps of the Madrid cathedral of Almudena. (REUTERS/Susana Vera)

"Walrus". (REUTERS/Vladimir Nikolsky)

Tourist photo "I and a hill" at Exhibition ICE! In the Fort Washington, Merilend USA. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

Kiev, Ukraine. (SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP/Getty Images)

The white House, Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Venice, Italy. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)

The central park, New York. (Alex Ogle/AFP/Getty Images)

Richmond park in London, England. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Mildkhem, England. (AP Photo/John Giles/PA Wire)

In London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

The central park in New York. (DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)

Celebrating of New Year in Murmansk

2010-01-11T23:04:00.000-08:00

The warm countries it is good, but is too simple. Therefore we also have decided to go with friends to celebrate New year to Murmansk, and it more than 2200 km of road, or two days by train.

Murmansk is far in the north and is the largest city in the world, located for polar circle. And it means that in the winter there polar night, a long-term frozen ground, the polar lights and a heap of snow...

At entrance to Murmansk there is a monument with instructions of width and a longitude of an arrangement of a city: 33°4 ′ northern width and 68°5 ′ east longitude.

Murmansk is constructed on hills from which top points the fine kind on a city, ports and rocks of other coast opens:

Murmansk is the regional centre. Despite the young age, hardly more than 95 years, and the small sizes, the city population - 311,2 thousand persons.

Because of a severe climate of the house above sixteen floors in Murmansk do not build.

There is Murmansk at rocky coast of the river of the Kola, in 50 kilometres from Barents sea. A river mouth wide enough and deep to accept transatlantic vessels.

Murmansk - one of the largest seaports of Russia. It is simple to assume, than the city - basically this fishery and fish-plants, sea transport, ship repair, sea transportations etc.

Usually the temperature keeps much more below zero, therefore snow there much in the winter. It would Seem that it strongly should complicate road conditions, however average speed of a traffic not more low, than in EU, despite the snow not cleaned from roads.

By the way, as to road and foot movement in a city, it in general a separate theme which is necessary for studying to the tourist coming to Murmansk. To probably motorists to understand all peripetias of light regulations in Murmansk movement easier, but to a descent it will be difficult to EU pedestrian to understand all nuances at crossroads.

Interesting feature of a city - fires of projectors are directed upwards. Initially we have assumed that they designate a coastal line, but from the top points columns of light starting with the central city districts are visible:

In local port the first-ever nuclear ice breaker "Lenin" which has become already by a museum is moored.

According to local residents, from Murmansk on opposite river bank of the Kola the longest bridge in Russia.

In northern part of a city, on a hill in height of 173 metres, there is a memorial "to Defenders of the Soviet Polar region in days of the Great Patriotic War" ("Alyosha"):

Here, by the way, the interesting fact. Directly New Year we have decided to meet on the area at the main fur-tree. Also imagine our amazement when, having come into place for half an hour about New year, we have seen only three (!) persons. For the sake of justice should tell that the people are closer by the half-night were tightened, but meanwhile it is far not that we expected to see.

Impressions of a city remained different and ambiguous. Like and it is beautiful, but not how many a city, how many a rock and mountain. Like and it is cold, but in Murmansk you put on more warmly in any case, therefore the difference in weather especially is not felt.

P.S. Unfortunately, the polar lights it was not possible to see. According to local residents, in a city it in general to see difficult.

Abkhazia - the soul country!

2009-11-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

Some years ago I'm was in Abkhazia. This summer I'm try to go there. It has been shaken by the nature of extraordinary beauty, the cleanest sea but practically absence of any services. Abkhazia, in an Abkhazian way Apsny, - the soul country. To reach Abkhazia it is necessary to reach at first to Adler (Russia): either train, or plane. In Adler on a minibus to the Russian-Abkhazian border which is called as Psou. The kind of border does not impress. On all border of only 4 booths (a so-called check point).

On border with Abkhazia, by the way, anybody checks nothing. It is necessary to pay only the insurance in cost in 10 RUR from the person a day. And the insurance at departure abkhazian don't forget to check up. And if the wrong quantity of days of stay is specified, - you will not let out, yet will not pay in addition!

We get to Abkhazia. From border again on a minibus, but already to whom where: Gagra, Pitsunda, New Athos, Suhum. The Most popular cities for rest is Gagra and Pitsunda. That has shaken in Abkhazia is extraordinary beautiful nature. Through Abkhazia passes the main Caucasian ridge... A lot of the different Here grows: pomegranates, tangerines, a persimmon, water-melons, melons, grapes, a filbert, a fig, etc.

Gagra - the most beautiful place in Abkhazia. In Abkhazia a damp subtropical climate, therefore a heat to transfer there it is heavy.

In a city many the destroyed and not completed buildings which have remained from war of 1991. But the most surprising are mountains.

Have found guide Ashta. He has an own car UAZ - Russian jeep (at them there at all such cars who is engaged in excursions) and carried us. The first trip on the Alpine meadows...
The road was awful. Was more true than it at all. Ashot puts 2nd drive - we go ahead.

Have risen on height of 1850 metres. In some places it was necessary to close eyes - below breakage, and ahead it is ostensibly expensive. But, when have arrived on destination, the kind has opened the shaking.

In mountains there live people in the summer, graze sheep and cows. People live in the sheds upholstered with roofing material. In the winter all brings snow.

Lake Ritsa in mountains at height about 1000 m above sea level.

Further: a mineral source of Audhara – 2 500 m above sea level. Gegsky falls (a stream thawed glaciers form).

Jupsharsky gorge and other very beautiful, very beautiful kinds... And you would pass it the bridge? I have passed!
If not to pay attention to absence of service - from rest in Abkhazia it is possible to receive weight of impressions!

Fantastic Airbus А380

2009-11-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

Airbus from it A380 has lifted comfort level in flight on height inaccessible to other planes. All second floor is given under business- and the first classes. Armchairs are displayed in a bed, and to passengers give out mattresses for convenience. At each passenger near to an armchair the refrigerator with drinks, and at the tail-end it is possible to sit in a high-grade bar, it is lazy discussing start problems адронного коллайдера with the garrulous barman. What to speak, if in a plane nose 2 spacious per capita cabins are established. I in a life did not want for the first time, that flight came to an end.

My favourite South East Asia!

2009-11-24T12:01:00.000-08:00

Somehow so has developed that I am am involved with the East. Its outlook, a riddle and force. Such names as Tibet, India, Cambodia, Laos cause excitement, trembling and pleasant languor in a shower! And here at the very beginning of 2009 I have decided to carry out old dream - to plunge into the East world. Began to search for the information on the Internet. Also has found the fellow traveller who too was going to go to travel across South East Asia. And the countries which I have soon visited were defined: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. In plans were and some more countries - Burma (it Myanma) and Indonesia if time and the finance allows!

Has found travel agency which offered "a package of the savage" - the visa to Thailand and air tickets. Has issued the visa to Vietnam in the Minsk embassy. Descended in polyclinic to инфекционисту on consultation on preventive maintenance of exotic diseases, has made some inoculations. Has collected a backpack and on March, 9th has taken off from Minsk for Bangkok. And here I in Bangkok - capital of Thailand! The first sensations and thoughts: "as here there live people?", closeness and humidity such what to breathe hard, not that what to move!
There we also have got acquainted with Vladimir - my fellow traveller. Were occupied in a cheap gest-house for 5 dollars from the person. By the way, for all time of travel we lived that in gest-houses in hotels, and managed to us these are 3-5 dollars from the person a day. For three days, the spent in stuffy and hot Bangkok, there has passed climatic acclimatisation, and the gastronomic has begun:) the Known rumour that east food is rich with spices and devilishly sharp - not exaggeration! At last, us became three: one more our fellow traveller, Anastas has arrived. And we have begun our travel.

On the travel we tried to avoid tourist routes and cities as it would be desirable to see the "present" culture. And we have been generously rewarded. Thais have appeared very kind, smiling, decent and cheerful people! English language in this region almost nobody knows, therefore expressed on "bodi-lenguage".

It is more 1000 km we have passed a self-locking device! In Thailand it not a problem! In general, Thailand is the country of "nou-problems" as Thais like to speak. Us brought up often even there where and it was not necessary for the driver, and still they strove to feed or give to drink and show us to the friends!

Thailand - country very rich with beauty. The nature has awarded with its huge variety of the plant and animal life, two seas and mountains!

During travel on the country we managed to live one day in a family of peasants, it was delightful! Have visited some national parks in which have seen more than 10 falls. Europeans met not often, and local to us always rejoiced and wished to be photographed - we, of course, did not refuse:)

Laos was the following our country. Border have passed quickly, the visa received on a place and without problems. At once was evident that the country is much poorer than Thailand. Both the prices above. And culture another!

Roads very bad, personal motor transport very little, are lengthways expensive continuous settlements of communal type. Even it seemed to us that we saw the person with onions and arrows! And all it in the first days of stay in the country.

And still to us offered fried rats and other meal of not clear origin. In general, Laotians are very similar to Slavs: drink beer and local rice self-race of "Lao-Lao" much, play different games and love idle rest.

In city Luang Prabang we went to "feed" monks! At them it is accepted that monks wordly have no anything also anything, except divine service, are not engaged. They pass every morning on a city a chain, and local residents bring it meal.

Vang Vieng I recommend to visit all! The river Mekong, over it bars with cheap cocktails, music, free attractions of type тарзанок and other towers for diving, atmosphere of the uttermost freedom, good and the international brotherhood are established! Of us there have grown fond, and with some we were already repeatedly crossed on the way! More than such places we did not meet.

We have called in and in the mountain city of Da Lat - almost European city very esteemed in Vietnam. All newly-married couple aspires to get to Da Lat - mountain air and a cool bring the big simplification and pleasure.

In Da Lat we have tried unusually tasty Vietnamese coffee, ate traditional evening soup which is prepared by visitors directly at themselves on a little table! It was very interesting - all visitors long laughed, trying to learn us.

And here we in Cambodia. In the surprising and mysterious country. Border have passed quickly and without any examination. Visas do on a place. In capital especially there is nothing to look. We have gone to look Angkor.

Angkor is an ancient city-temple! Simply hugest - 24 km from the West on the east and 8 km from the north on the south. Usually tourists spend for its survey two-three days.

In tourist places it is possible to buy all for dollars, there and price lists in dollars are often written at once. The prices above, than in Thailand. In general it has turned out that the poorest countries - the most expensive.

People affable, strong and tall but are benevolent unlike Vietnam.

Having lived a little in resort small town Sianukvile, we have gone on "uninhabited" island! Two days have lived on "Bamboo Island" (on which there is no bamboo) in a bungalow. Small - we it have bypassed island around for three hours. Except us there was the person 8-10 and all! The sea, a beach, silently and easy! An ideal place to write books, to read and write pictures! After Cambodia have again returned to Thailand and have gone on the South.

The south of Thailand is inexpressibly delightful!

So time of our returning has imperceptibly crept. We had not time to look Burma and Indonesia. But in this region it is possible to come back and find time and again something new, so - to a new meeting my favourite South East Asia!

All I wish not to postpone for the foggy future the dreams! The life is short also it it is necessary to LIVE!!! To a meeting on travel, compatriots!

Orangutans in Njaru Metang

2009-11-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Dear all, I suggest you to look at a life of orangutans in reserve Njaru Metang by eyes of the correspondent of "The Washington Post" of Linda Davidson.

The city of Moscow. The Japanese garden in the Main Moscow's Botanical garden

2009-11-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

If you want, without leaving Moscow, to make small travel to Japan, go to the Main botanical garden. In one of its corners since 1987 the Japanese garden is arranged. The Japanese architects and landscape designers took part in creation of this garden. Here it is possible to see a stone pagoda of a XVIII-th century, exotic stone lanterns and a waterpipe from a bamboo.

But at all these exotic details make the main feature of the Japanese garden. According to traditions of the Buddhism and синтоизма, the garden symbolically displays a peace arrangement. Water, stones, trees, bushes, mosses, flowers, grasses are not easier material, but the particles of the Universe possessing the secret importance for its founders. They help to express primary harmony of the world. The mountain Sumeru which in a garden was designated by a small hill in the middle of a pond repeating sacred lake Munetsunoti was considered as the centre of the Buddhist Universe. Stones in a pond represented nine islands and eight seas of a Buddhist cosmogonic myth. Water and stones - the main elements of the Japanese garden. Water is a symbol of negative, female, dark, soft force инь, and stones - light, man's, positive, firm force ян. Their eternal opposition and indissoluble unity, according to ancient дуалистическому to representation, are a basis of existence of the world. In the Moscow Japanese garden two ponds with picturesque islands and the cascade of falls.

Each of plants in the Japanese garden also possesses the symbolics. So, for example, white flowering of plums means spiritual beauty, and pink colour of cherries - sensual beauty. In a garden in Moscow grows about 100 kinds of plants. The part from them is brought from island Hokkaido, including the Oriental cherry well-known for the flowering. At first sight, in it there is nothing unusual, unlike exotic apple-trees with a flat crone. An apple-tree for Japanese - a world and consent symbol. Oriental cherry flowering in Japan mark as a special spring holiday. To admire colours go the big company. It can consist of friends, relatives, fellow workers or study. Hundreds people spread rugs in parks, blankets or mats and arrange cheerful picnics. Unfortunately, Oriental cherry flowering quickly. There is enough flaw or rain, and gentle flowers, without having had time to be dismissed, quickly fall down on the earth. Probably, therefore in the Buddhism the blossoming Oriental cherry is a symbol of caducity and inconstancy of life, and in poetry it associates with the left youth and love.

One of variants of the Japanese garden - tea. The garden conducting to an input in a tea small house, acts as the important component of tea ceremony. It is executed simplicity, modesty, naturalness, not striking charm and helps to be adjusted correctly on forthcoming action. The Japanese garden - space for elements and imagination, an original window in other reality. At the same time they remains and simply garden where it is possible to admire infinite beauty of the Nature.

One day in Salzburg.

2009-11-14T00:42:00.000-08:00

From our camping to Salzburg only 30 km, therefore Mozart's native land for a long time was in the obligatory program of our Alpine vacation.

Salzburg is a city of classical music. In the summer in city centre the set of open concert platforms will be organised. In Salzburg music sounds everywhere...

Probably, Mozart's birth in Salzburg also is the award to townspeople for them for love to a music... Mozart was born in an old city of Salzburg on January, 26th, 1756. Later Mozart's family has moved on the right coast. Mozart lived there in 1773-1780.

That at once is evident on arrival in Salzburg - set of bicycles. In city centre their large quantity.

tage. Traffic is organised so that the impression is made - the bicyclist on road to Salzburg always has advantage.

The huge chessboard in the size 10 on 10 metres and metre figures was remembered. However, wishing to play it has appeared a little - in a city was very much hot, and all tourists hid in a shade of a huge sculpture of the boy on a gold sphere.

Clocks with a perpetuum mobile. It is interesting, as them on summertime translate...

The main sight of Salzburg after Mozart - a fortress of Hoenzaltsburg. The fortress is located on a 120-metre hill where it is possible to rise on foot on a ladder or to sweep in a carriage on a cable car.

Constructed in 11 century and nobody subdued, the fortress was a reliable refuge for townspeople at the time of wars. During Thirty-year war the fortress became an indestructible stronghold of Catholicism.

The fortress consists of a palace erected in Romance style, premises, numerous extensions and church.

In a fortress excursion with audioround in different languages is organised - it is possible to hear fortress and city history, since 11 centuries.

The excellent kind on a city from a fortress allows to understand that in city centre the place even suffices small small houses with a spacious lawn.

To a note

Salzburg ("a hydrochloric fortress") - an earth Salzburg administrative centre. Salzburg is located in a northeast part of the province with the same name, on border with Germany into which structure it was included throughout more millenium.

The population of a city of 145.000 persons. Salzburg is located in the Alpes at height of 425 metres above sea level, its natural ornament - the river Zaltsah on which both coast it has taken places.

Salzburg - a city in which Mozart and veins the ingenious conductor of XX century Herbert a background of Karojan was born. It is a city of classical music: in January there passes "Week Mozart", in the summer festivals of opera art and concert programs.

People in monastic attires - characteristic feature of a city. Here many spiritual educational institutions, including theological faculty of university.

Auction of sheep in Scotland.

2009-11-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

Annually in Scotland - in small town Lejrg in 700 inhabitants - passes the auction of livestock largest in Europe, and mainly - sheep. Farmers from all northern Scotland gather to estimate and choose the best sheep.

photos: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Young sheep on sale are restricted in market of Lejrga.

Sheep drive on sale.

Farmers wait the beginning of the auctions.

The auctioneer waves a hammer, declaring opening of the auctions.

Moscow - Trubnaya Street

2009-11-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Trubnaya street was called as Grachevkoj or Drachevkoj earlier. In 19 century this blighted area and taverns has got such scandalous popularity that nobody wished to lodge here. At the desire of local house owners in 1907 a part of lush institutions have closed, and to street and neighbouring lanes have given new names. Today Trumpet street actively reconstruct, but some old houses here still remained, for example, the house 29 in Gothic style and a small wooden small house 31 - with the satellite aerial on a roof.

The Trubnaya square. Kind of district adjoining to Petrovsky parkway. A photo of 1882 from Naidyonov's album.

The Trubnaya square, part of the Bulvarniy ring, the unique area of Moscow on which four parkways Petrovsky converge already, Rozhdestvenskiy, Cvetnoy and Neglinnoj (though last officially is called as street). It is named the has received on a drain — "pipe" in a wall of the White city through which flew the river of Neglinnaja to its conclusion in an underground collector.

Kudryavtsev's reconstruction. In the middle of the Belgorod wall we see this "pipe":

Rozhdestvenskiy parkway:

Trubnaya square, the end of 19 century:

Restaurant and hotel "Hermitage" based by French culinary specialist L.Olive (to it we are obliged by the main course of our celebratory table - "Olivier's" salad, it "Moscow", it "Capital", it "Celebratory" and so forth) and J.A.Pegovym's Moscow merchant. With 1864 was at the corner of street Neglinnoj and Petrovsky parkway (house 29/14, it is reconstructed for restaurant by architect M.N.Chichagovym). Further the hotel occupied also the next house on parkway. In April 1879 Muscovites celebrated in I.S.turgeneva's "Hermitage". In 1902 troupe MHT and M.Gorky marked here a premiere of performance "At the bottom". Traditionally in "Hermitage" students, graduates and teachers of university celebrated a student's holiday «Tatjanin day» — on January, 12th. In 1917 "Hermitage" has been closed. Nowadays in a building — theatre «School of the modern play».

Restaurant Hermitage:

Trubnaya square, near the "Hell" tavern:

Extreme champoinship of GPS-orientation

2009-11-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

One of organizers of action has invited us not only to look competitions, but also has suggested to be passed by military trucks on severe impassability. Evening on sixth of November – morning of the seventh: participants arrive to a place of competitions.

At 10.00 start. Crews rush to the first point of a route, and all them for a day it is necessary to find thirty eight.

Next wishing to sweep by military trucks prepare for departure. Weather spoils, becomes colder, the rain begins. At this time from a line of competitions the first information with the request for the help arrives – one of cars cannot independently get out. All "non sportsmen's" with enthusiasm go together with organizers on a gain. The truck rushes on wood road, we keep for body boards, continually we bend down to be saved from blows of branches – an extreme! When we approach on the got stuck car, exclamation is distributed: - mmmmmm-yes, and what for here it was necessary to climb? Professionals parry: - It was necessary to climb, because there a control point near which the car of participants of competitions should be photographed. The another matter that it was possible to approach on the other hand instead of to break straight …

We approach more close, the picture opens the magnificent: GAZ-66 has practically taken out on a stub, on it the petrol tank just hangs, metal-cable is torn.

First of all the command tries to clean a barrier, that is is banal saws a stub.

It is how much easy for making, it is visible on pictures, but as usually, wins persistence: the crew goes to untie a cable from a tree.

Then our truck "ZIL" pulls out victims from a bog.

At this time other participants of competitions easy approach on a control point.

And we go to travel. In the beginning we go on usual wood road.

Then we turn off on a glade on which, seemingly, nobody went unlimited quantity of years.

Alas, our truck "ZIL" here need a metal-cable, without it wee can't go ahead.

Drivers of "Ural - truck" estimate in the beginning a line...

... Then pass it almost without problems.

Behind there is well very much "sweety" path.

And ahead still weight of barriers: water, a bog, a rain, the tumbled down trees …

While men overcome obstacles, women pretend to be late mushrooms.

By the evening it is felt that people have got tired, but overcoming of dunes, lifting on the highest observant point of the former range, survey of vicinities is still planned.

And let in the street dank weather, let visibility not so, let many dream already only of as soon as possible to return to the warm apartments, we know: such travel will be remembered for a long time.

We have already tested ourselves, and you are ready to make it?

Moscow. The Bolshoi theatre.

2009-11-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

The Bolshoi theatre history is however majestic, so and is confused. The theatre repeatedly burnt, its troupe was restored, reconstructed, merged and separated. And even dates of birth at the Bolshoi theatre two. Why? Initially years the Bolshoi theatre counted from that day when on the Theatre square there was an eight-columned theatre executed magnificence with a chariot of god Apollo over a portico - the Big Petrovsky theatre which building became the present event for Moscow the XIX-th century beginnings. The fine building in the classical style, inside decorated in red-gold tone, by a recognition of contemporaries, was the best theatre in Europe and on scales conceded only Milan "La Scala".

Its opening has taken place on January, 6th (18), 1825. In honour of this event the prologue «the Celebration of muses» M.Dmitriev with A.Aljabeva and A.Verstovskogo's music has been given. In it it was allegorically represented, as the Genius of Russia by means of muses on theatre Medoksa ruins creates new fine хискусства - the Big Petrovsky theatre.

However the troupe by which forces «the Celebration of muses» has been shown caused general delight, existed by then already half a century.

The beginning to it was put by the provincial public prosecutor prince Peter Vasilevich Urusov in 1772. The highest pleasure «on March, 17th (28), 1776 has followed to contain to it theatrical any representations, and also concerts, воксалы and masquerades, and except it, to anybody any similar amusements not to permit during all time appointed under the privilege that to it to blasting was not».

Three years later it has submitted the application to empress Catherine II about delivery of the ten years' privilege on the maintenance of Russian theatre in Moscow, having taken up obligations to construct for troupe a constant theatrical building. Alas, the first Russian theatre in Moscow in the Big Petrovsky street has burnt down even before opening. It has resulted in decline of business of the prince. It has transferred affairs to the partner, Englishman Michael Medoksu - to the person active and enterprising. Thanks to it on the waste ground regularly flooded with Neglinkoj, contrary to all fires and wars, the theatre which in due course has lost the geographical prefix Petrovsky and remained in the history has grown is simple as Bolshoj (Big).

"Belarussian railwaystation", Moscow

2009-11-08T03:57:00.000-08:00

The Belarus station opened to 1870 (or as then it named Smolensk station) became the second, in the sizes, station of Moscow (after Nikolaev). Trains (on a new branch line) in a direction of Minsk and Warsaw through Smolensk From here went.

For all history of existence the Belarus station has replaced some names and has undergone some large reconstruction. The leapfrog with station names has come to the end in May, 1936 when after next reorganisation of railways, the station has received the present name — Belarus.

In second half of 60th years of a XIX-th century from the Tver outpost in the west of Moscow the lining of the railway which conducted to Smolensk, and from it to Brest and then to Warsaw has begun. The road was called as Moscow-Smolensk.

For a way lining "the Sovereign the Emperor has permitted researches of district to the Smolensk zemstvo to spend into the account". The Smolensk industrialists interested in connection with Moscow, willingly gave money for the future railway, Muscovites too understood its advantage. In April, 1867 the Moscow Municipal duma has made decision to concede to the railway "free of charge sites city пустопорожней the earths which can be necessary for it under the Moscow station and under the road, as in city boundaries, and in general in city possession...".

On April, 23rd, 1868 emperor Alexander II has allowed "to start works on the prospective railway from Smolensk to Moscow and to confirm in a general view a direction of this road". It was necessary to find a place for station and station. As the most convenient have considered district at the Tver outpost: it was close enough to a city, allowed to clear from new road a connecting branch with the Nikolaev railway. Besides the choice has been dictated also by economic reasons: the most part of the earths intended under station and ways, did not bring to a city any income so city costs on alienation of the private earths and a pulling down of constructions have made all 50 thousand roubles. The new railway passed, the truth, through a place of horse races. However the governor general prince V.A.Dolgorukov though itself also was the president "Imperial Moscow Race society", could not comply the request of horse-selectors about assistance rendering, "that a line of the marked road to reject from hippodromes, on how many it will appear possible".

General prince V.A.Dolgorukov:

Building of station to which have entitled Smolensk, has begun in the end of April, 1869 Responsible for erection of buildings and all constructions, according to the contract, there was a large businessman, the owner of brick-works councillor of state Nemchinov. (Of it reminds today the name of station Nemchinovka arranged at the desire of brothers of Nemchinovyh, based in suburb of Moscow a housing estate.). The single-line Moscow-Smolensk railway was under construction simultaneously of Smolensk and from Moscow. On August, 9th, 1870 from Smolensk to Gzhatsk (nowadays Gagarin) have passed the first working trains. On the Moscow site the way to station Borodino was already ready, and rails hastily kept within to Gzhatsk: the commission on line acceptance on August, 25th was expected. On road the rolling stock ordered in Europe began to arrive.

Solemn opening of the Moscow-Smolensk railway has taken place on September, 19th, 1870. About new station - a pole under the account and the second (after Nikolaev) in the sizes in Moscow - the press wrote: "the Station represents beautiful enough building. With movement opening on Smolensk road all district adjoining to the Tver outpost and four Jamsky streets, will strongly quicken: already now the prices for houses and пустопорожние the earths here have towered considerably enough". "The Smolensk" station carried the name till November, 1871 the Railway has been prolonged from Smolensk to Brest, and the line Moscow - Brest became the most extended in the country (1100 km). The station in Moscow began to be called as Brest.

In the spring of 1896 in connection with Nikolay II forthcoming crowning it was entrusted to known architect Lvu Kekushevu to construct urgently for a meeting of an imperial family at the Brest station Imperial pavilion. To the beginning of May in the right part of station there was a wooden tower. Inside this building executed in pseudo-Russian style, admired with rich furniture. In the means allocated for building, the lack was not. Walls and ceilings of Imperial pavilion have been upholstered by a tic of steel colour, friezes and a ceiling decorated gilt ornaments, the furniture has been delivered the French. The tower shared on three parts: in the centre there was a reception; and on each side - the covered glazed galleries behind which the following - covered, but without glass - galleries went to the platform. The porch was crowned with the relief State Emblem. Nearby there was a flagstaff on which on May, 6th, 1896 at the moment of arrival of an imperial train has been lifted imperial штандарт. The exit from pavilion on the station area dimmed a velvet carpet. The imperial pavilion long served for grand welcomes of notable persons. Have disassembled it only in 1908 during building of a modern station building.

In process of growth of passenger transportations the Brest station became close. In the early nineties of the nineteenth century the railway became two-acceptable, and the departure platform was one. Station premises, especially the third class, too could not contain in themselves passengers even one train. The chief of road D.A. Kriger, since 1898, repeatedly addressed in Ministry of Railways with the request to allocate money for updating and station expansion (since June, 1st, 1896 the road became state). But to start reconstruction it was possible only in 1907.

Architect I.Strukov became the author of the project of new Brest station. The building consisted of two cases converging at an obtuse angle. The angular part - at that time one-storeyed - intended under imperial rooms and has received the name "Imperial corner". Active participation in building the new chief of road, the military engineer, the general F. accepted Metz. To spring of 1910, the right wing of a building was ready. At station there were four landing platforms. Extreme, Imperial, was simultaneously and transfer - through a connecting branch with the Nikolaev highway. Station first stage have solemnly opened on May, 25th, 1910 And ceremony of consecration of the left wing has taken place almost in 2 years - on February, 26th, 1912

To spring of 1910, the right wing of a building was ready. At station there were four landing platforms. Extreme, Imperial, was simultaneously and transfer - through a connecting branch with the Nikolaev highway. Station first stage have solemnly opened on May, 25th, 1910 And ceremony of consecration of the left wing has taken place almost in 2 years - on February, 26th, 1912 The new station was beautiful and spacious, its area in 3 times exceeded the area of former station. Reconstruction has managed to treasury almost in one million roubles, however money have been spent not in vain. General admiration was caused also by architectural shape of a building, both furnish of interiors, and the newest technical equipment of telegraph and ticket offices where for the first time in Moscow the devices printing railway tickets have been established. And the press especially underlined that, "all building have executed from iron and concrete and it is safe in the fire relation".

Constructed in style of neoclassicism with elements of a false gothic style and an empire style the station has turned out, really, very expressive. The building facade was decorated by cartouches in the form of boards with railway emblems. Over inputs in waiting rooms four graceful turrets with flagstaffs towered. In a year of opening of new Brest station Russia celebrated century of war with Napoleon. In this connection "on всеподданнейшему to the report of Mr. of the Minister of Railways (S.V.Ruhlova) of the Highest Its Imperial Majesty the pleasure on renaming of the Moscow-Brest railway in Aleksandrovsky" on May, 4th, 1912 has followed. From now on the station has received the name Aleksandrovsky, and steam locomotives and cars began to decorate volume Alexander's monogram. Later because of dearness of their steel simply to draw on rolling stock walls.

In August, 1922 Aleksandrovsky and Moscow-Baltic roads have been united in Moscow-Belarus-Baltic, and the station has been renamed in Belarus-Baltic. And since May, 1936 - after next reorganisation of railways - the station has received the present name - Belarus. Under this name it has entered and into WWII history as station from which echelons left on front for the sake of the Great Victory. The Belarus station was some times reconstructed. But thanks to skilful and careful reconstruction we and can admire today a majestic facade of a building, its stucco mouldings and an ornament, kept the original form. But the Belarus station is not only a monument of domestic architecture, and, first of all, the modern station complex answering to the world standards.

Moscow - a city of the most expensive hotels in the world.

2009-11-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Hotel business in Moscow has no such deep roots and traditions as, for example, in the Western Europe, but its development was prompt. In the XIX-th century beginning the hotel network consisted of 7 units, their predecessors were basically farmsteads. But in 1910 in a city about 77 inns operated 228 hotels and appartments for visitors. Last year the room in hotel in the Russian capital on the average price was about 165 pounds sterling - more expensively, than in London, Paris or New York. The prices in Moscow in comparison with 2004 have grown for 29 percent. The room of five-star hotels has sharply increased. Such are results of the research spent by company Business Travel International (BTI), engaged organisation of business trips.

Prompt growth of cost of dwelling of the visitor in Moscow was fixed also by the previous research of company Deloitte. It has found out that the mid-annual income of a hotel appartment in a city in 2004 has increased by 26 902 pounds. It for 31 percent above, than in the others 22 surveyed cities. The lifted up prices - a deficiency back, especially on inexpensive and democratic hotels without which any mass tourism is impossible basically. As though purposely lately the city has lost the largest hotels of a tourist class - "Intourist" and "Moscow" are disassembled, "Russia" and "Minsk" prepare for a pulling down.

It was "Inturist" hotel, this is "Ritz-Carlton" hotel, now.

Hotel "Moscow", the pic of 1940:

Hotel "Russia":

Hotel "Minsk":

Replacements by it is not expected, though the mayoralty accepted time and again special programs of a construction of inexpensive hotels. So was in 2000 when the network of hotels for visitors of middle class has been promised to capital, and the Institute of the General plan of Moscow even has picked up for them 170 sites, including in the centre. Any accessible hotel as a result and have not constructed: investors have not managed to master one sites, others have been transferred by decisions of the authorities under habitation building, the third in general have appeared are unsuitable for a construction of hotels. The same fate has comprehended and developed the General plan in 2003 the new general scheme of placing of hotels, basically three-stars, - 150 addresses appeared in it, and for working out of the concept and business plans of new hotels have allocated then 1,8 million budgetary roubles.

For any visitor naturally desire that the history began with a hotel threshold. Much it is not so indifferent, what its facade, an interior and a view from the window will be. Money also is paid for it, actually. Knowingly in the world so hotels with the big history and traditions where great and known writers, artists, politicians stopped are appreciated today. In this sense it especially nothing to offer Moscow. The hotels constructed still during imperial time, there are not so much: "National", "Metropol", "Sava" (former "Berlin"), "Centralnaya" (in the past "Lux-hotel"), "Balchug" (before "Novomoskovskaja") and "Budapest" (former "Russia").

Hotel "Natioanal", Tverskaja str., 1910:

Hotel "Metropol":

Hotel "Savoy":

Moscow - capital of the Russian Federation

2009-11-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

Communication of Moscow and Russia is indissoluble. Everything that has fallen to a lot of Russia, its capital has to the full tested also. At 12th of June in Moscow the state sovereignty of the Russian Federation has been proclaimed, and since December, 1991 Moscow became capital of Russia. Daily use included concepts "State Duma", "Municipal duma". Here again it is necessary to recollect that municipal government bases have been put not one century ago.

So, in the end of XVII century management of a city has been concentrated in the Zemsky order, and the Digit order carried out a part of police functions. On city reform of 1699 the first body of local management - Burgomistersky chamber (soon renamed into the Town hall), consisting of burgmisters - the people chosen at meetings possadskiy people has been created.

On 1720 to a change of the Town hall the City council has come (its members were selected only merchants and the industrialists entering into 1st guild), and in 1785 the Municipal duma has been founded. Today the Moscow municipal duma - representative and a legislature of the power which accepts acts, confirms the city budget, Executive power in Moscow establishes taxes etc. is carried out by the mayoralty. The higher official of Moscow is the mayor (now - Jury Mihajlovich Luzhkov). Bases of a municipal government of Moscow keep continuity.

Moscow lives under the charter which has been accepted by the Municipal duma on June, 28th, 1995, has the arms and a hymn. In the city Charter it's told: «the Arms of Moscow is the image on a dark red heraldic board of the horseman - Sacred Victory George in the silver armour, a black Dragon amazing with a gold spear».

Under the legend, Sacred George is the Roman soldier he come from Lydia (district in a southwest part of Minor Asia), become by the Christian, and during persecutions on Christians (the emperor of Rome Diokletiana), accepted for belief martyr death and recognised as church the Great martyr and Sacred. The legend is connected with George's name about rescue of the daughter of east king given on worry to a dragon.

Moscow always was a hospitable city. From XII century it occupied not only Slavs, but also other people. In 1237-1238 of a horde of khan Batyja have attacked Moscow, have plundered and have burnt it, however it is fast enough it it has again started to be occupied at the expense of refugees from neighbouring villages and villages, and from such cities, as Tver, Novgorod, Dmitrov, etc.

Among the first overseas settlers there were Greeks, and among them priests, translators, icon painters (we will recollect, for example, known master-icon painter Feofana of the Greek) which participated in a list of Uspensky and Arkhangelsk cathedrals of the Moscow Kremlin. But there were among Greeks handicraftsmen and dealers.

Especially considerable migratory wave of Greeks has followed after a marriage in 1472 of Ivan III on Sofia Paleolog - the niece of last Byzantian emperor. Greeks have based the whole colony in Moscow, and at first they were settled in the centre - between streets Nikolsky and Ilyinka, and then have moved for the river of Jauza. It is difficult to overestimate their influence on a religious and cultural life of capital.

When at Ivan III in the Moscow Kremlin have started to construct walls, towers, cathedrals etc. experts were required. And in capital the Italian architects and building masters (in basic Surozh from the Genoa trading colony in Crimea) have been invited. Some Italians (surozhane) have settled in Moscow for a long time, have built up to itself houses, benches and have got trade in silk fabrics, jewelry, glass.

There came to Moscow visitors and from Italy – Venetians and genoeses, especially in XV century They named «fryag» or «frjazin». So, under Ivan's invitation III in capital built and reconstructed cathedrals and houses, and the main thing - the Kremlin, Aristotle Fioraventi, Aleviz Frjazin Milanets, Mark Frjazin, Peter Frjazin. Many of them have settled in Moscow, married Russian and even accepted Orthodoxy. Memory of it has remained, for example, in the name of the city of Frjazino situated near Moscow.

Among handicraftsmen and the merchants coming to capital, there were many Germans («Livontsi» and «Ostezijci»), and also Estonians and Latvians («Lifljanci»). It is necessary to tell that then Germans named natives not only Germany, but also from England, the Scandinavian countries.

To Moscow came and natives of the different countries of Asia and Europe settled in it. At first the foreigners especially rich and eminent, lodged near city centre: built to itself manors, trading benches, warehouses etc. Were at them and the churches (Lutheran and Calvinist) where they freely sent religious practices as Russian Orthodox Church concerned adherents of other belief without biases.

However at Ivan Grozniy (1533-1584) foreigners have started to oppress and move for city line - for the river of Jauza. This settlement began to be called as the German large village. At the time of Ivan Grozniy board even churches of foreigners have been destroyed, and building of the new was not encouraged.

Moreover, Oprichniks (soldiers) arranged pogroms of houses and benches «livons» merchants.

«Livons» in those days named captured German dealers and handicraftsmen who have been taken out by order of Ivan Grozniy from the cities of Narva, Derpt, etc. during Livonsky war. Many foreigners from among captured were skilful masters on weapon manufacturing - bronniks which did a cold steel and the reservation for Russian armies (about it remind names: Bronnaja, the Pushechnaja, Kuznechnaja Sloboda, and now - streets).

From XVII century the relation to foreigners changes for the better - many of them obtain the permit to be under construction and lodge on the central city streets, to erect in Moscow the temples. And the Time of Troubles has appeared and at all favourable for the Dutch, Italian, English, German merchants who crowds gather in Moscow. However together with trading and workmen people here there come adventurers and is simple robbers. Among visitors there were different people and concerned them at various times differently.

At tsar Michael Fedorovich (1613-1645) - the first of Romanov's sort and his son Alexey Mihajlovich (1645-1676) foreigners (not accepted Orthodoxy) gradually move for Pokrovsk gate in Kuckuy (in the German large village). New houses, manors, schools and churches (Lutheran, Calvinist, English) here are under construction.

Tsar Michael Fedorovich (1613-1645):

Alexey Mihajlovich (1645-1676):

Despite Alexey Mihajlovich's protectionist policy in relation to Russian merchants and handicraftsmen, inflow of foreign merchants, workmen, military to Moscow nevertheless amplifies.

At Peter I (1682-1725) number of inhabitants of the German large village has grown very considerably. Thus their structure radically varies: to Moscow there come experts in military and ore business, engineers and architects, doctors and druggists. In the German large village in those days already there was metal factory, one of the first manufactories on silk manufacture, a paper-mill. By order of Peter I the state linen factory there is under construction.

In the German large village there lived friends and Peter I colleagues - F.J.Lefort, JA.V.Bruce, P.Gordon, etc. They have much made and for Peter I formation as persons, and for development of Russian army, printing business, a science, the industry. Peter I has based School of the navigating and mathematical sciences which many teachers were foreigners in Moscow. Greeks by origin И and S.Lihudy taught in Slavjano-Greek-Latin academy. The German large village from not "became russian's" foreigners has made strong impact on Peter I.

Lefort:

Bruce:

Gordon:

At after Peter I times to Moscow still came many Germans, Frenchmen, Italians, Poles, Armenians, Jews. They recruited ranks of dealers, teachers, tutors, tailors, milliners etc. the French and Italian actors played and sang at the Moscow theatres, participated in a cultural life of capital. Rich merchants-foreigners had large shops of the colonial goods, clothes and footwear (from 18 boutiques which were settling down then on Kuznetsk to the bridge, one was Russian only), jeweller shops, book and manufactory benches, and businessmen were opened by new factories and factories. All it very much promoted development of Russian industry and trade. At after Peter I times foreigners continued to participate in a cultural and economic life of a city actively.

Moonlight

2009-11-05T23:16:00.001-08:00

Nice pic

Tiny pigs :-)

2009-11-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

On one of English farms plant improbably nice and touching pigs.

Babies "micropigs" in the size of about a tea cup, and the adult individual - height no more than 35 sm. In two years after a birth they reach the maximum growth and 18-30 kg weigh.

42-year-old Jane Kroft is engaged in cultivation of these pigs on a farm "Little Pig Farm" in Kristcherche where they are on sale on 700 pounds sterling for a piece.

Many celebrities buy to themselves such favourites, for example, the actor of a film about Harry Potter Rupert Grint, he Ron Uizli, has bought such kid.

The comparative sizes of the adult individual and hen.