True stories from travelers: why fly to the other side of the world and what to do in Vladivostok?

When our editorial team was called to Media Intelligence with Tutu.ru in Vladivostok, we tried for a long time to calculate the time difference, and to the joy of the author of this article, it turned out that remote work will not work. with the editorial team there – our active time would only coincide for a few hours. This was the first thing that struck the Muscovite – while the capital was asleep and the channels and instant messengers were quiet – a true digital detox takes place.

After this happiness, it turned out that the city sung by the Mumiy Troll group was not just suspended bridges, leopards and a two thousandth banknote, but a completely different world to which a metropolitan resident got used to for only two days. -hand drive cars and a clam just found here don’t put it in the tea (although I exclude it). So I suggest you, readers, travel with me to the other side of the world and read the travel diary of the editor-in-chief, who spent five days in Primorye and now knows exactly what to eat, where to live and where to live. Where to go if you arrive at Vladivostok International Airport?

First day. City

Having stopped by Vladivostok, at first you do not even know what to buy – your eyes instantly want to “eat” everything, but such a diet will certainly harm you, so start getting impressions in moderation. First you need to find your comfortable place in the city, for me it was the Novotel hotel – the location allows you to walk to all interesting places. But I recommend you to visit the city only in the center, because Vladivotok is all about height changes, and a person who is not used to hills will get sore legs very quickly. But in the center, you can take an immersive tour from the Voice Inside project and pass all the highlights of the young (a little over one hundred and sixty years old) city at a leisurely pace, on your own wave. See monuments, beautiful houses, listen to legends and see Trans-Siberia.

And of course you are hungry. No matter how great the desire to run right away to eat local seafood delicacies, slow down and dive into Millionka. This is a district and restaurant of the same name, built in the very center of Chinatown, which was fought by the Soviet authorities. I fought in my own way, not humanely, but I succeeded, I must admit. Still, the place has managed to retain the air of the past – and even a rich mythical and divine component to the culture of opium barns, Chinese prostitutes and dancers (whatever that sounds) and all that turned out to be emotional and interesting. No, no, and you’re waiting for a thief-looking Chinese boy to wander through narrow red-brick streets and get lost in hidden manholes.

It gets dark in the city lightly but quickly, so after dinner take a leisurely stroll to the hotel, gaze out the windows, the graffiti (almost all anime or ocean-related) and, of course, indulge in meditative observation. hills where the fog from the ocean is slowly being beaten. Turn off notifications and go to bed – just let the world exist in a different time zone.

The second day. Russky Island Bays

Until recently, the island was a military facility and only a mortal could not get there, but thankfully, now you just have to cross the suspension bridge (remember that you cannot stand on it, the object is under serious protection) and enter an idyllic place – the recessed Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bJapan here and there. a completely green world with protruding bays. Be prepared for the fact that it’s worth spending more than a day on the island because you won’t be able to learn it in one day, but there is something to work with. Weather permitting, rent a SUP board and embark on a meditative journey across the water’s surface, beneath which there are all the world’s oysters, sea urchins (careful, they’re thorny!) and even funny dark-looking red book trepangs. brown slippery cucumber. Do not catch them – otherwise you may get into trouble with the police. Yes, yes, before trepangs lived in the Golden Horn Bay and in general – everywhere, until the Chinese declared a prey for them. In folk medicine of this culture, sea cucumbers are considered a remedy for almost all diseases and are especially valuable for men’s health (is it worth saying that this is pseudo-scientific?). For this reason, they have become an endangered species.

But don’t worry – a farm in Voevoda Bay grows trepangs and oysters, like scallops. Moreover, if the second and third are for sale, the first is under the control of the FSB, primarily to restore the population. All this will be explained to you in detail and shown on a farm tour! When you realize you have enough food in your mind, give food to your body. Send him to the bathhouse. But of course it’s not simple, it’s a floating project – the Sea of ​​Steam project is hidden in Rynda Bay. The bathroom to which you will be sent by boat. And already there, you will dive into the salty Sea of ​​​​Japan from the steam room, relax on the sun loungers, lazily gaze at the herons on the shore and expose your face to the breeze.

So, it’s time to return to the city from the Russian bridge – catch the “golden hour” and enjoy how great water absorbs the sun to rise again tomorrow.

Believe me, you will have a serious appetite for this day, so I recommend you dine at a legendary venue – Georgian Supra, which is unanimously praised by the locals. Well, in Georgian … in addition to the classic khinkali and chebureks, you will be offered scalloped khinkali (remember what I said about scallops?) or craburek. Pay attention to the local pomegranate wine – it is very tasty and very “drunk”.

The third day. Cape Tobizina

As soon as the sun rises in the east, put on your trekking boots, take your glasses, high socks, hat and hit the road again. In one of the most beautiful places in Russia, if not the world. Yes, I am talking about Cape Tobizina on Russky Island – a place where you will first be brought by jeep (get your order in advance) and then still walk for an hour and a half along the rocks and gorges, but you won’t think for a second – why am I doing this? All this time seagulls will rustle around you, plates of blue waves with a rim of snow-white foam will break on wise quiet rocks, snow-white poppies and creeping and stubborn yellow and pink flowers will flutter in the wind. And when you reach the end of the world, sit on a sun-licked rock and contemplate eternity. Plan as much time on the cloak as possible, take sandwiches and drinks with you – take my word for it, you’ll never want to leave.

Of course, it will be difficult to interrupt the impressions of the cape, but I recommend stopping by the Oceanarium on the way back – especially if you are traveling with a child. A well-bred walrus, funny penguins, a group of fish, jellyfish and octopuses – fun is guaranteed for everyone!

Meanwhile, the island is home to FEFU, an incredibly comprehensive university, literally a student city, where the Eastern Economic Forum is held every year. When planning your trip, keep in mind that during the forum everything becomes more expensive in the city, and the level of security and the number of military personnel on the island increases.

Fourth day. Lighthouses and drift

Take a break from big walks and have a quiet day in the city – find the end of the Trans-Siberian Railway at the station, go to the port, spend money on local sweets and Korean cosmetics – the trend is if you can buy cosmetics, there are tons of them in Vladivostok, then sweets should only be from “Primorsky confectioner” – There are legends about “bird’s milk”. And rightfully so – agar agar from red algae is added to sweets, and its shelf life is only 14 days. So give it a try, it’s worth it. And of course take the chocolate with you, here’s seaweed, sea salt, and leopards and scallops on the package (and I said!).

Once you’ve completed your mandatory shopping, get ready to learn something new about the city. Vladivostok is the cradle of Russian drift, which came there from the country that invented this type of racing – Japan. At the local Zmeinka karting track, you can try drifting with the help of a drift taxi. In a race where you are driven by an experienced racing instructor. The important thing is not to go there on a full stomach, I warned. You are likely to get out of the taxi a little bit lost in space, but full of adrenaline. And most likely, you will immediately begin the Google drift in your hometown.
At the end of the day, head to Tokarevsky lighthouse, the most postcard place in the city. The lighthouse is active (although Moominpappa appears to live in it) and allows ships to pass through the narrowness of the East Strait. It also provides beautiful photos for the coming year.

Fifth day. leopards and casino

So it’s time to leave the city, but with what an important goal – to see leopards in the wild in Primorsky safari park. This is exactly where Amur the tiger and Timur the goat became friends. Now there is only Cupid but still. You can reach the park by bus or car, it will take at least an hour. And the park itself will take even more time – tigers and leopards live there, as well as bears, owls, raccoons, deer, badgers, wild cats and lions. And even rabbits. It would be a lie if I said that the children will be very happy, but the adults are just as happy. I still remember the squeak when the raccoon snatched the treat from my hand. Pure happiness and nothing more.

After the park, I offer you the most adult entertainment – a visit to the casino. Yes, there is a playground in Primorye where both Chinese and Russians flock to spend time and spend money. But if you’re not a gambler (which is commendable, remember that excitement isn’t good), then treat yourself to a luxurious night at the Tigre de Cristal, a five-star casino hotel with everything and more. Huge rooms and service that will make you feel like you are in a Hollywood movie. If you still decide to go to the playground, take a closer look at the players, the music, the smells – the casino is a unique meeting place for excitement, despair and at the same time for complete disconnection. But there will be no photography – it is strictly prohibited there.

Another important advantage is that Tigre de Cristal is within easy reach of Vladivostok Airport, which will be your starting point to your home. Buy seafood as a gift from there, go to trendy cafes and wave to the shore where you will definitely want to return.