Yekaterinburg, Russia 2009

The fourth largest city in Russia, Yekaterinburg is located near the Ural mountains. It was founded in 1723 and is a major stop along the Trans-Siberian railway. More than one and a quarter million people call the city home. The last Russian Czar and his family were killed here in 1918 by the Bolsheviks after the October Revolution. On 01 May, 1960, American Francis Gary Powers was shot down in his U-2 spy plane over the district.

Concrete and Glass

Quite a beautiful city, unlike its neighbor Chelyabinsk. Yekaterinburg has embraced modern steel and glass office buildings, and they can be seen rising all over the city. Even the old drab but useful Communist buildings do not take away from the feeling of the city.

Church on the Blood

Built on the location of the Ipatiev house, where Nicholas II, the last Tzar of Russia, and his family were killed by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War. It is an impressive church in a beautiful area.

The Modern Era

A view overlooking the city from The Church on the Blood. Many modern high rise buildings being constructed can be seen.

The Romanov Family

Portraits of the Romanovs surround The Church on the Blood. It is always interesting and worthwhile to dream about what the country and world would be like if the war had gone the other way and Czars still ruled Russia.

A Russian and American in Yekaterinburg

My Russian guide and friend, Anastasia. She lives in Chelyabinsk and drove me to Yekaterinburg, probably to give me a nice impression of her country since her home city had nothing to offer. Visiting foreign lands are so enjoyable as friendly helpful people are always to be found.

Beautiful Simply Beautiful

A marvelous piece of architecture. Old fashioned Russian architecture fascinates me. It sets my mind to romancing about a life and time that probably never existed. Absolutely amazing that they could go from such beauty to Communist drabness in less than a lifetime. 

Vasily Tatishchev and Georg Wilhelm de Gennin

Said to be the two founders of the city. Of course Russia being Russia, they decided the best and most reasonable thing to do is build a massive statue of them. 

Always a Russian Convoy

The military is a more common sight in Russia than stray dogs or cats. On our drive between cities we continually passed this convoy of military trucks. It had no beginning and we reached our destination before coming to the end.

Romanov Family Reminders

Behind the portraits of the Romanovs is a beautifully kept garden and building. What is was I do not know. Perhaps serving a government  function. 

 Simple Canal

A large canal that was a popular place for youths and office workers on their lunch to relax and ponder, as water banks are used for in every city. The padlocks attached to the bridge are a Russian tradition signifying that a couple are locked together forever. I tried to pull a few apart but without success. They must have been committed relationships.