Tag Archives: russia

Winter Olympics 2014 Sochi

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Last Friday marked the official start of the 2014 Winter Olympics, hosted in Sochi in Russia. Hosted every four years this sporting event draws tourists from around the world as they see famous athletes from their home country battle it out against the best of the best in a worldwide competition. Although the games are always subject to some controversy due to illegal bidding, arguments about the legitimacy of hosting the games, and on occasion the controversy of the laws surrounding the host country, ultimately the Winter Olympics, must like its Summer counterpart, does a fantastic job of bringing the world together to share the love of a common thing; sport.

winterolympicstamps

In the run up to the Winter Olympics, the Sochi Art Museum opened a history of Russian Sports exhibition starting from the 21st December. The exhibition was dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty and is the final event of the Year of the Museum of the Sochi 2014 Cultural Olympiad. During the Cultural Olympiad, over 100,000 artists from across the country participated in over 3,000 different activities, garnering the support of over 3 million spectators from these various art projects.

Visitors can learn about the various Russian rulers and their dedication to various sports, from the chess loving Peter the Great, to Alexander II’s passion for cycling. The exhibition is open from the 21st December 2013 to the 23rd March 2014, at the Sochi Art Museum, which is located a short 5 minute drive away from Sochi city centre.

agurawaterfsllWhile you are visiting Sochi to take in the excitement of the Winter Olympics, don’t forget to take a look at the grand Agura Waterfalls, also known as Agursky, one of the most famous tourist attractions (aside from the Olympics) in Sochi. These waterfalls are staggeringly tall at just under a hundred feet and are a popular stop off the Agura Ravine hiking trail. The Agura Waterfalls are located just outside the city of Sochi, and provide beautiful panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea beyond.

For those into hiking, make sure to ta ke the Agura Ravine hiking trail, stopping at the Agursky along the way. This is great for people who want to forget modern day life and get back into nature, as this hike is pretty challenging. Best of all, because of its location, the Agura Waterfalls are not very densely populated, so you can really get in touch with nature as you watch the water cascade over the edge of the falls. Then it’s off back to the cosy hotel room to get ready for a jam packed day of sports and more sports!

For excellent car hire rates in Sochi, try out Penguin Car Hire. Our services are second to none.

Things To See In Moscow

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Moscow is the capital of Russia, and the hub of much of the country’s financial and political activity. Along with St Petersburg, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia, and is known primarily for its long history, its spectacular architecture and its eclectic culture.

Moskva River

Moskva River

One of the first things you will likely see upon entering Moscow is the Moskva River, which flows through the centre of the city, followed by the famous ring road system with which you will need to acquaint yourself if you are planning on driving in Moscow, as much of the city’s layout is determined by these essential roads.

Red Square

Red Square

There are some beautiful sights to be seen in Moscow, and you’ll want to make sure you get as many of these in as possible. One of these sights you absolutely can’t miss is the Red Square, found at the very heart of the city. This is surrounded by some of Moscow’s greatest landmarks, including St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum and one of the walls of the Kremlin.

St Basil’s Cathedral

St Basil's Cathedral

The 16th century St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic sites in the entire country, and is breathtakingly beautiful. This Russian Orthodox building is highly characteristic with its onion-shaped domes, golden spires and vibrant colours, and it is thought that the influences for the building were primarily Byzantine and Asian in origin, rather than European as many people thought.

The Kremlin

The Kremlin

The Kremlin is another significantly important site in Moscow, and is well worth a visit. This historic complex overlooks the river, and is the official residence of the Russian president. The Armoury certainly shouldn’t be missed, especially for its stunning diamond collection. You may also like to attend the ballet to see some world class performances, go on a guided tour or take yourself off to wander at your leisure.

Museums

Tretyakov Gallery

If you are interested in museums, you’ll certainly be in the right place in Moscow. The Tretyakov Gallery is dedicated primarily to Russian art, featuring the work of famous Russians through time. The Pushkin Museum, in contrast, displays an impressive collection of Western art, focusing particularly on Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. For Realism, the Institute of Russian Realist Art (IRRA) should be your first stop.

Summer Trips

Gorky Park

For summer visits when the weather is fine, take a trip to Gorky Park for a laid back afternoon of relaxing and exploring. There are cafes, open-air film screenings, public art projects and design and craft fairs taking place all the time in this buzzing park, and it’s a great place to sit and watch the residents of Moscow going about their daily business.