Final Thoughts on Vladivostok

Some things occurred to me while on the train to the next destination. There are three observations in particular that stuck in my mind.

First, the pyan-se. It's a steamed bun, chinese style, but filled with a pretty russian combination of cabbage and meat. A bit more flavor than typical russian fare, though. They are really tasty, and for 16 rubles they are especially filling. It's a huge bang for your buck - well, make that about $0.60.

Second, it's taking your life in your hands to cross the street in most places in this country. There are no "pedestrial rights". This situation is greatly exacerbated in the Russian Far East by the cars themselves; a vast majority of which are right-hand drive imported from neighboring Asian countries. Russia, however, is a "keep-right" country - making the traffic situation all the more confusing.

Third, Vladivostok is a city of cranes. The port, naturally, bristles with cranes for handling cargo. But the skyline is also spiked with construction cranes for commercial and residential projects alike. Most of the city seems to be under construction, indicating that the trade corridor here is very vibrant.

Ah, Vladivostok. Now I can always say that I saw it for myself.