JUN 1, 19 .. IRKUTSK DAY YEAR 2019 .. 358th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF IRKUTSK

Today, Saturday June the 1st, 2019, was celebrated as the 358th Anniversary of the founding of the City of Irkusk, Russian Siberia.

Had it not been for our friend and host Sergey, Patti and I would never have known about all of the below doings.

THANK YOU SO MUCH SERGEY!

At the top left of the below photo, do all of you recognize Babr, Irkusk's Mascot?

Below are a few photos to re-familiarize you with Babr just in case you don't remember him.

If you want to see maps showing the location of the below events, please click onto the below link:

http://babakaps.net/?m=201906

THE ROCK CONCERT.

First some photos of the Rock Concert that was going strong at the Monument to Alexander the III.

The above photos don't quite show the size of this event. We mean to tell you there was a literal 'Sea of People'.

Off in the distance, along the left side of the below photo, the 'Sea of People' continued along the Angara River.

The below photos show you our host, Alexander III.

CRUISING THE ANGARA RIVER

After Patti and I had enjoyed both the Rock Concert and the energy of the 'Sea of People', we two took a very nice, one full hour, cruise on the Angara River. The total cost for the two of us was 1,200 Russian Rubles (US $18.46) an amazingly good deal in our opinion.

Here comes our cruise ship.

There are two matching cruise ships. The below photos, taken from aboard our ship, show our ship's twin.

We are off for our cruise on the Angara River.

Now here is a surprise. The temperature was in the 60's. These people with the blankets to keep warm must have been tourists from Hawaii!

Amazing! Absolutely, positively amazing!

All of these tourists from Hawaii spoke absolutely fluent Russian.

Below are several from-the-river views of our local Ferris Wheel.

Below is a photo of a walkway bridge that crosses a street so people can access the river.

Below is a photo of the above bridge walkway showing what it looks like from its other side.

Below is a photo taken from the above bridge walkway showing the street the bridge crosses over.

In the left foreground of the above photo, you see the Monument to the Founder of Irkutsk. Below you see it up close.

Now, in the next photo below, we are back on our cruise ship. Do you see the back side of the above monument in the below photo?

Below is a from-the-river series of photos showing a well known landmark here in Irkutsk, the Moscow Gate.

I have photographed the Moscow Gate extensively from the street side.

Below are two photos of the Church of the Sign.

Another well know Irkutsk sight is the below Church of the Epipany.

STREET MUSICIANS

Below are a few photos of street musicians we enjoyed.

In the distance, on the right you can get your first glimpse of them.

WHAT A DAY!

"Patti? Did you enjoy our day?"

"Oh Yes! What a great day it was!" 

Patti and Cap