10.10.11

Transsiberian, Transmongolian ... Irkutsk

Three days and nights after leaving Ekaterinburg (see previous post), we reached Irkutsk. One major reason for a stop at Irkutsk is the nearness of the Baikal Lake (next post). The city lies at the Angara River, the major outflow from the Baikal Lake, some 70 km (45 miles) away.

Irkutsk is one of the biggest cities in Siberia, and one of the cold days we stayed there, the city celebrated its 350 years of existence. The first road to Moscow, the Siberian road, dates from 1760 and the Transsiberian Railroad reached Irkutsk in 1898. The city became important for trade with China, Mongolia…

In the early 19th century many nobles, officers, artists… who had taken part in the so called Decembrist revolt against the then Tsar Nicolas I were exiled to Irkutsk. There are many wooden houses from this period, unfortunately only a few in good shape. We understood that the possible restorations are heavily supervised and often too expensive for the people who occupy them.

17 comments:

Olivier said...

encore une tres belle balade, c'est vraiment magnifique

Dianne said...

A wonderful glimpse into another world - it was interesting to observe the ladies fashion which I found very colourful - I guess this helps to brighten up an overcast cold day! Those wooden house are very unique.
Thanks for the visit to Irkutsk!!

Nelson said...

Hello my friend! I have been visiting your blog. Very understandable , simple and elegant. Thanks for sharing! Visit me too. I wish a excellent new week for you, with very smiles and peace!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Wonderful photos, my friend, and a glimpse into places I have not been. The ornate trim on some of the wooden houses is charming, and the architecture is fascinating.

How wonderful that you were there for the 350 year celebration with all its color and festivities!

Bises,
Genie

amatamari© said...

Ohhh that charm...the place, people and in particular I love the wooden buildings and those moments of celebration ...
Thanks, a wonderful gift!!!
:-)

claude said...

Je viens de voir tes deux derniers diapos, cela fait rêver. Quel voyage tu as fait là ! Quelles beautés tu as vues !

Cezar and Léia said...

wow Irkutsk!!!!
Thanks for these pictures and for the sweet memories that they brought to my heart! :)
Hugs
Léia

Starman said...

As much as I like your photographic travelogue, I still have no desire to go to Russia.

Virginia said...

Love these slideshows Peter. Grand idea. I too loved the details of the wooden homes and the spires and domes as well. That said, the little angel in the pink coat and hat, won my heart. I know you're not surprised! :)
V

Paris Paul said...

The locks on the bridge! Very cool. And I love the vibrant colors on the painted ceiling. Thanks again for getting me out of my office for nearly 5 minutes!

Nelson said...

Hello, I am a new follower(1150). Thank you for stopping by!I wish you a wonderful tuesday. Greetings from Rio de Janeiro/Brasil!
Literatura& LInguagens
http://nelsonsouzza.blogspot.com

Owen said...

Getting more exotic as you get farther east... were you completely free to go where you wished, with no one following ? When I was in Russia years ago we had to stay with the group, the Intourist guides would not let us out of their sight...

hpy said...

Malgré quelques détails, la vie me paraît bien "normale". Tu aurais du faire ton voyage il y a cinquante ans! Ou plus.

Maria O. Russell said...

Any chance of a street named Полтава?

Beautiful post Peter!

Cergie said...

Je suis interpellée par la façon dont sont déjà en août habillés chaudement les gens. Je sais qu'ils ont des doudounes encore plus performantes et ensuite ce seront des chapkas rabattues sur les oreilles. Ils ne rigolent pas avec les éléments comme nous à l'ouest de l'Europe. Même les maisons en bois semblent tout à fait prêtes à protéger des frimas.

Nathalie H.D. said...

Merci Peter d'avoir rajouté ces quelques mots sur l'histoire de la ville qui nous évitent d'avoir à aller fouiller wikipedia. Je me souvenais d'Irkutsk à cause de mes cours de géo de Terminale mais ton petit rappel m'a été bien utile.

Les gens semblent très couverts en effet. Vive l'été ;-)

Shionge said...

Lots of historial memories and the buildings...absolutely beautiful and glorious :D