Jane’s travelogue

Apartments in Dobroye uploaded on 12 December 2007

Apartments in Dobroye uploaded on 12 December 2007

These typical Soviet-era apartment buildings are common thoughout Russia.

Roll the dice for some free wine! uploaded on 12 December 2007

The red Azerbaijani wine at Shesh Besh is some of the most delicious wine I have ever tasted. When you order it by the pitcher, you're given the opportunity to roll dice... if you get a five and a six (shesh and besh in Arabic), your next pitcher of wine is free. Here, my friend Joanna tries to win us a free pitcher.

Вход (Entrance) uploaded on 12 December 2007

The American Home in Summer uploaded on 12 December 2007

(The building seen in the background is the old Vladimir watertower, which currently serves as the Vladimir History Museum.)

Belltower of the Vsekhsvyatsky Cathedral uploaded on 12 December 2007

Uspenskyaya Church of the Uspensky Monastery uploaded on 12 December 2007

This church was used as an archive during Soviet times, and is currently undergoing restoration. It is located in downtown Tula, across from Lenin Square.

Lenin Square (Ploschad Lenina) uploaded on 12 December 2007

In downtown Tula, next to the former Uspensky Monastery and across the street from the Tula Kremlin is Lenin Square... home to a hideous monument to Soviet-era architecture, and (of course) a statue of Vladimir I. Lenin.

From the former Uspensky Monastery uploaded on 12 December 2007

This church, located in downtown Tula, directly across from Lenin Square, was formerly part of the Uspensky Monastery. Misused during Soviet times, it is currently undergoing restoration.

Downtown Tula uploaded on 12 December 2007

With wide streets and brightly painted, pre-Soviet architecture, downtown Tula is a treat for the eyes. (The wires crossing above the street in this photograph are for the trolleybuses.)