His 2nd Life

Life is short, I’m gonna live it double!

Bian Yukun Yukun Bian Hollis Bian Yukun yukun.bioHis 2nd LifeMastodonGitHubbianyukun1213@outlook.com
Just a **S**illy **B**oy.
A white church with five golden domes and crosses on top. Dense pine trees are on the left side of the church, with a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds. In front of the church, there is a fence and vehicles.
Church behind the eternal flame, Khabarovsk

2025 Labor Day Trip to Khabarovsk

Hollis Life, Photography Travel note 6.4k 23 mins. Capital International Airport T2, sunny, 10°C m.cmx.im, t.me This post is copyrighted and reproduction is prohibited. Individuals, groups, etc., whose photographs and videos are taken own the right to their likeness. On the holiday of Labor Day in 2025, I visited Russia for the second time. This time I went to Khabarovsk and Vladivostok. In Khabarovsk I encountered kind people and also made a friend, as well as visiting museums and watching people celebrate the Victory Day. In Vladivostok I met previous friends, had a taste of classic Russian cuisine, went to the oceanarium, and also made a new friend.
https://his2nd.life/en/posts/6fca3b45.html

Why am I using the name “哈巴罗夫斯克” instead of the Chinese name “伯力” as last time visiting Vladivostok and using its Chinese name “海参崴”？ I have no idea, to be honest. Maybe because the name “Khabarovsk” sounds more interesting.

Bian Yukun Yukun Bian Hollis Bian Yukun yukun.bioHis 2nd LifeMastodonGitHubbianyukun1213@outlook.com
Just a **S**illy **B**oy.
Life Photography
Beijing Capital International Airport Airport West Road, Chaoyang District Beijing Beijing China
https://m.cmx.im/@Hollis/114846044074607808 https://t.me/his2ndlife/32

Why am I using the name “哈巴罗夫斯克” instead of the Chinese name “伯力” as last time visiting Vladivostok and using its Chinese name “海参崴”？ I have no idea, to be honest. Maybe because the name “Khabarovsk” sounds more interesting.

If you believe this post mentions you inappropriately, you can contact me and I will revise this post.

At the moment I am writing at the Capital International Airport T2. Now is 5:18 A.M. on May 6, 2025, so it is not actually the Labor Day holiday anymore. I woke up at 3 A.M. in the morning, couldn’t sleep well. On this trip I will go to Khabarovsk. But the flight-ticket from Beijing to Khabarovsk is not cost-effective and I’ve decided to fly to Vladivostok firstly and take a train to Khabarovsk. Роман had already helped me purchase train tickets online. I will be living in Khabarovsk on May 7, 8, and 9, then spend the time on May 10, 11, and 12 in Vladivostok. An aunt just dropped a coin. It reminds me of the experience where I also picked a coin on the street of Vladivostok. But the difference is, I knew exactly who dropped the coin this time and I also returned the coin in time. “Здравствуйте, you dropped this.” She didn’t know English, but that was as far as I could speak.

05-06 Arrived at Vladivostok, heading to Khabarovsk

On the flight from Beijing to Vladivostok, on my left was a couple. The woman sat next to me. I passed them gum. The woman folded a boat out of gum wrapper. During the time remaining, the man was playing Scrabble and the women was reading an e-book.

We landed at airport VVO. Actually, it is the city Artyom which surrounded the airport. It think it might be considered a low-level city of Vladivostok. I almost missed the train to the downtown because of the language barrier. On the train, I passed the gum to the people near me for another time. An Asian-looking guy gave me a mushroom pie. I got off at the destination, immediately looking for luggage storage. A staff at the station heard I was from Harbin, praising Harbin for its beauty. And I said to him that Vladivostok is also beautiful. The luggage storage required a bank card, so I had to wait for the T-Bank agent on the square. The square was being decorated for the Victory Day. On the square I saw a couple wearing military uniforms (which looked like sailor uniforms) walking hand in hand. In the end, I got the bank card without problems, and I headed to the luggage storage again. During the walk I encountered a Chinese guy using Xiaomi 15 Pro, found that we all took the same flight and the same train. When I was walking along the street, I was attempting to read the signs and slogans. “EXHIBITION”, I was halfway reading it when I realized it was a word in English. Arrived at the station and tried to store my luggage, however, still no luck because I could’t use the Fast Payment System. So I had no choice but to wait for the train in the station. When confirming the train number, the uncle I asked told me that I came here with the wrong carriage number. I knew, I just wanted to check if the train number was correct. After that, I went to the correct carriage at the tail. The uncle was worried and came to confirm with me.

Seatmates on the train was playing a song I like which was “Звенит январская вьюга”. I knew this song because of Atomic Heart.

And I was also taken good care by people. One of these people was Евгений (Yevgeny), the other two were aunts on the beds next to me. The aunts were eating bread and drinking beverage. The setting sun was shining on an aunt’s face, outlining a golden outline, and the drink was shimmering. Евгений came to talk to me, but he didn’t really know how to use a translator. After dozens of rounds I finally understood that he wanted to go to buy some beer with me when the train stops at Ussuriysk. But the stop was short and wasn’t enough. We came back with empty hands. I felt exhausted and fell asleep on the table. Then I was woken up by them. They were saying sentences I didn’t understand. So they asked me to stand up, and started to put the bed for me. The bed where I rested was foldable. If you fold it, it becomes a table. That was the table I was sleeping on. Actually I knew how to use it, I was just lack of sleep and directly fell asleep on the table without expanding it. To express my appreciation, I gave the aunts apples. However, the aunts invited me to their bed and treated me with foods. Breads, eggs, cheese, and Chocolate-filled pastries. They also poured me beverage. Later, I learned that they just came back from China. They had fun for ten days in places such as Yanji, Dunhua, Bohai, Hunchun.

A square displays several military vehicles, surrounded by fences and pedestrians. Background buildings and red flags are visible. The sky is clear and there are several pigeons on the ground.
A statue stands on a tank, depicting a heroic figure in motion. The background is a white building with a red banner hanging on it. A military vehicle is parked beside.
A damaged military vehicle is parked within a fence, showing obvious signs of damage on its surface. The background consists of buildings and green vegetation. There is a metal fence in front of the vehicle.
Multiple large ships are docked at the port, with a parking lot and roads in the foreground. Background city buildings and cranes are visible. The sky is clear and the water surface is calm.
An open suitcase contains multiple beautifully packaged items. Chinese labels and decorative patterns appear on the items. The internal structure of the suitcase is clearly visible.
An airplane meal tray sits on a small table, containing fried rice and side dishes. The fried rice includes meat pieces, vegetables, and half a boiled egg. Beside it is a wrapped bread roll.
The view outside the airplane window is spectacular, with the wing extending to the right side of the frame. Below are clouds and ground landscapes. The sky is bright blue and the clouds are white.
A modern building features a primarily blue glass curtain wall. Several people are walking near the entrance of the building. The sky is clear and the ground area is spacious.
A yellow-background bus timetable is posted on transparent glass. The table details the departure times of different routes. The background shows outdoor grassland and distant mountains.
A hand holds a round bread roll wrapped in plastic film. Russian text and a barcode appear on the bread’s label. People wearing dark clothes and blue seats are visible in the background.
A yellow-and-gray railway maintenance vehicle is parked on the tracks, next to a building. The vehicle has number 19413665 and is connected to an orange trailer. Multi-story buildings are visible in the background.
A church with a golden dome stands at the center of the square, with red flags in front. There is a statue on the left side of the church and a propaganda signboard on the right. Pedestrians and vehicles are present in the square.
Several military armored vehicles are parked in the square, surrounded by fences. There are many pigeons on the ground, and people are walking near the armored vehicles. The background consists of multi-story buildings and red flags.
A large sculpture is located at the center of the square, surrounded by fences. Several people are taking photos in front of the sculpture, and pigeons are on the ground. The background consists of multi-story buildings and red flags.
Buildings along the street are decorated with red banners bearing the words “9 мая”. Cars and buses are driving on the road. The architectural style is classical with neatly arranged windows.
A hand holds a partially eaten bread roll filled with cream-like content. The bread crust is golden and wrapped in a transparent plastic bag. The background features a floor with circular patterns.
Inside a train carriage, the view outside reveals railway tracks and a multi-level parking lot. A blue bag and water bottle are placed near the window. Luggage racks and seats are present inside the carriage.
Beside the railway tracks lies a river with people rowing boats on it. Trees and buildings line the riverbanks, with high-rise buildings visible in the distance. Clouds are present in the sky, and power lines cross the scene.
An industrial area scene featuring two tall chimneys in red and white stripes. The foreground includes a road and parked vehicles, while the background consists of trees and high-rise buildings. Industrial facilities coexist with residential buildings.
A train platform with multiple railway tracks and a stopped train. Crowds gather on the platform, with overhead wires and signal lights above. A footbridge connects the platforms in the distance.
The sunset can be seen through the window as it slowly descends, painting the sky in shades of orange and red. Inside the cabin, a person sits sideways, with a beverage and a shopping bag displaying a logo placed in front. On the opposite bunk, someone is lying down beside some belongings.

Videos uploaded to YouTube. You may need a proxy to view them if you live in Chinese mainland.

05-07 Lenin Square, City Ponds, Museum of the History of the City, “The World of Talking Machines”, Khabarovsk Cliffs, playground

I arrived at Khabarovsk in the morning. The hostel was called “Orion”. And the aunt at the front desk was always kind to me with her smile. I went to a nearby small supermarket to buy some food and water, and went to the “Eight-Minute Canteen” for breakfast. Ordered a “white cube”, thinking it was cheese, egg, or salad. Turned out to be liver. It was a good way to taste how Russians cook liver. It tasted good, maybe a little bloody from the liver itself.

After breakfast, I started walking towards Lenin Square. While walking along the street, I waved to the aunt driver in the tram. A woman wearing military uniform passed by me from behind. I didn’t dare to take a photo. Eventually I found that on Lenin Square there was a rehearsal for the Victory Day, and streets were blocked. I took a photo of a resting military dog, spotted by the soldier nearby. He went to me to ask for the photo of him. I told him embarrassedly that I only shot the dog because I felt it impolite to take photos of the soldiers. I walked along the edge of the square and was asked by another soldier, that how much I had spent on the camera. And I started walking towards the Khabarovsk City Pond. There was a man in military uniform guarding the road every few meters. I went to the Museum of the History of the City of Khabarovsk after visiting the pond. The saleswoman was kind and enthusiastic. They kindly guided me through the museum. At here I saw pictures of Harbin, because Harbin is a friendly city of Khabarovsk.

There was a television model which was actually a monitor connected to a PC playing “Soley Soley” in a room with retro decor on the second floor.

Though the neighborhood surrounded by Khrushchev buildings, walking along the street, I arrived at the position of T-34 tank.

After that, I called a cab to “The World of Talking Machines” museum. However, only after I arrived there I found it need an appointment in advance. And I still could not use the Fast Payment System. Luckily, I was allowed to have a tour with those who had made appointment. The tour guide Юлия told us the history of audio playback equipments in a vivid and humorous way. Through the translator I understood some of the content, for example, the so-called “патефон” which looked like a phonograph, the story behind the photo “His Master’s Voice”, the bricks in the Far East using Chinese clay, X-ray records, ads on the wrappers of records in from USSR, records published as a journal…

In a room on the second floor, Юлия introduced us the singer Africa Simone and then played his “Hafanana”.

I left the museum and walked to the eternal fire and the church near it by myself. And then I walked all the way to the Khabarovsk Dormition Cathedral and the Khabarovsk Cliffs. I encountered a couple taking photos with their child in the park covering the cliff. The husband asked me if I wanted to visit the cliff and pointed out the route. At the playground below the cliff I knew some young guy. They were called Джоджи (George), Aidan, and Shaw. Aidan took us on a pirate ship, bumper cars and a circular ride. The amplitude was quite large. I hadn’t done these projects for a long time, and I couldn’t help but shout out with excitement. Aidan told me these are Russian entertainments. Hardcore, I commented. And then he led us to an Asian restaurant. Aidan and I both ordered the bibimbap and kimchi cocktail. The bibimbap was delicious, and the kimchi cocktail was salty. During this trip I was so fortunate, everyone was so kind and enthusiastic to me. Now I am writing things down in the hostel, finishing the missing part of yesterday’s experience, not knowing what I’m gonna meet in the future.

The exterior of an art studio, with a red sign reading “АРТ-СТУДИЯ”. There are stairs and displayed paintings at the entrance. Next to it are trees and a children’s playground with colorful equipment. The building’s facade is pink and white, with shop signs on the ground floor and several cars parked in front.
Inside a children’s playground, there are slides and climbing frames, surrounded by trees and yellow fencing on the ground. An adult sits near a swing, and several cars are parked in the distance. The ground is paved with bricks, with steps and a building nearby.
A multi-story building with a light-colored brick exterior, arched porches and shop signs on the ground floor. Several cars are parked in front of the building under a clear sky. The building features a classical architectural style with neatly aligned windows.
A high-rise building with a ground-level shop sign that reads “САЛОН БРЕНДОВЫХ ТКАНЕЙ”. Parts of the exterior wall are peeling, and the windows are neatly aligned. The sky is clear, with power lines crossing the scene.
A group of people walking on a plaza with buses and trees in the background. The plaza is paved with stone bricks, with steps and buildings nearby. People are dressed in spring clothing, and the scene is busy.
A person with a bicycle stands by the roadside next to a pedestrian. In the background is a yellow building with white columns. Vehicles are driving on the street, and traffic lights are clearly visible.
A silver globe sculpture is located in the middle of the road, surrounded by greenery and trees. Behind the sculpture is a high-rise building with neatly aligned windows. There are traffic lights and street lamps on the road.
A blue mural featuring soldiers and airplanes, with benches and pedestrians in front. Next to the mural is a yellow building with white columns. The scene also includes trees and billboards.
A black and white pigeon foraging on lush green grass. Its feathers are smooth and its eyes bright. The environment is natural with no other animals present.
A multi-story building with entrance steps and red decorations on the ground floor. A banner celebrating Victory Day hangs on the front, and the windows are neatly arranged. The sky is overcast with greenery along the ground.
A red billboard shows a person raising a fist, with buildings and shops in the background. Next to the billboard is a red door and a bench. A person is walking past the billboard.
A tray on the table holds a teacup, a croissant, and a bowl of food. Sunlight shines through the window onto the table, with wooden chairs and a wall in the background.
An orange bus is parked by the roadside with two cars in front of it. Power lines run above the bus, and trees are nearby. The ground is asphalt.
A commemorative plaque on a wall, featuring a person’s relief and Russian text. To the left of the plaque is an air conditioning unit, and to the right is a window. The wall is made of gray tiles.
A door and surrounding walls covered in graffiti. Above the door is an arched structure with columns on both sides. The ground is cracked and damaged.
A piece of paper on the wall shows a red line-drawn cat with the text “HELLO my name is”. Red graffiti surrounds the paper, and the background is a gray wall.
At the entrance of a white building are steps and handrails, with graffiti on the door. Some bricks on the exterior wall are exposed, and there are pipes on the right. A high-rise building is visible in the background.
An unfinished building with exposed structure and graffiti on the walls. A fence stands in front, with trees surrounding the area. The sky is overcast.
Next to a red brick building is a white one, with a communication tower on the roof. Many power lines cross the sky, and metal railings are in the foreground.
Several people are on the street with red decorations and posters nearby. The posters show soldiers’ photos and information, and the decorations display the years “1945” and “2025”. In the background are multi-story buildings.
A group of uniformed soldiers marching, holding flags and documents. Buildings and trees are in the background, with metal fencing in front. Spectators stand to the side watching.
Soldiers marching in neat formation, holding red and tricolor flags of blue, white, and red. In the foreground, two personnel in green uniforms stand, with several cars parked in the background.
Several soldiers stand beside a statue, with a German Shepherd lying on the ground. Trees and pedestrians appear in the background.
Several military trucks parked by the roadside, painted green and covered with black tarps. Traffic signs and trees are nearby. The road is concrete.
A gray pigeon stands on a stone-paved road, with sculptures and trees in the background. A man holding a phone and coat stands behind the pigeon. More pigeons are foraging further away.
Two sculptures face each other, with one raising a hand holding a ball. Trees and blue sky are in the background. The sculptures are detailed with vivid expressions.
Several cars are parked in a parking lot, with license plates clearly visible. Buildings and yellowish-green trees are in the background. A tree trunk partially blocks the foreground.
A sculpture depicts a person wearing a hat and holding a tool. Trees and distant buildings are in the background. The ground is paved with stone slabs.
Three sculptures stand together in different poses. Trees and buildings are in the background. The ground is paved with stone slabs and surrounded by stone walls.
A two-story building sits on the water, with a red roof and yellow framework. In front of the building is an arched bridge connecting both sides of the bank. The calm water reflects the building and the bridge. The surroundings include bare trees and distant buildings.
A two-story building sits on the water, with a red roof and yellow framework. In front of the building is an arched bridge connecting both sides of the bank. The calm water reflects the building and the bridge. The surroundings include bare trees and distant buildings.
A two-story building sits on the water, with a red roof and yellow framework. In front of the building is an arched bridge connecting both sides of the bank. The calm water reflects the building and the bridge. The surroundings include bare trees and distant buildings.
Two pigeons stand on a stone-paved surface beside trees and a body of water. The pigeons’ feathers are mainly gray and black, with one facing left and the other facing right. Some stones and grass are visible in the background.
A stone-paved path runs along the water, with white railings and street lamps on both sides. In the distance stands a large building with a curved roof, and in front of it are green lawns and trees. There are few clouds in the sky and the weather is sunny.
Multiple high-rise buildings are arranged across the scene, with facades mainly made of glass and concrete. In the foreground are trees and grass, and in the background are buildings under construction with cranes. The sky is clear with few clouds.
Several high-rise buildings stand tall under the blue sky, with facades mainly made of glass and concrete. In the foreground are trees and grass, and some vehicles are parked at the base of the buildings. The sky is clear with no clouds.
A modern building features a blue glass pyramid-shaped tower. The base of the building is made of light-colored stone, with several street lamps and a billboard in front. The sky is clear, with some trees and shrubs in the background.
A multi-story residential building with a brick and concrete exterior and neatly arranged windows. In front of the building is a large billboard with text and images. Several cars are driving on the street, with pedestrians and trees nearby.
A multi-story residential building with a brick and concrete exterior and neatly arranged windows. In front of the building is a parking lot with several parked cars. A few people are walking in front of the building, with power lines and trees in the background.
A stone structure stands on a grassy area, surrounded by trees and buildings. Yellow flowers are blooming on the grass, with a metal railing visible in the background. Cranes and multi-story buildings can be seen in the distance.
In front of a multi-story building is a square, with a flag flying atop the building. Several people are present in front of the building, and a leafless tree stands nearby. The sky is clear and blue.
The top of a multi-story building has several ventilation pipes and railings. The facade has multiple light-colored windows. A few white clouds are in the sky, with branches partially blocking the view.
Several cars are parked in front of a multi-story residential building, which has balconies and air conditioning units. A person is walking nearby, with trees providing shade. The building looks somewhat aged, with peeling on the walls.
A children’s playground features slides, climbing frames, and swings. The ground is covered with sand, and trees surround the area. Buildings and parked vehicles are visible in the background.
A narrow road lies between two multi-story buildings, with a parking barrier on the road. The facades have balconies and windows, with light-colored exteriors. The sky is clear, and power lines cross the scene.
A street runs alongside multi-story buildings, which feature billboards and signs. Vehicles are driving on the street, along with traffic signs. A few white clouds dot the sky, with power lines crisscrossing overhead.
Vehicles travel along a street in front of multi-story buildings that display large billboards. The billboards contain commercial information in bold fonts. The sky is clear, with power lines spanning the scene.
A green field is covered with small yellow flowers, with tree branches partially obscuring the foreground. In the background are trees and parked vehicles, with the ground covered in green vegetation. Some buildings are visible in the distance.
A tall metal power tower stands in the foreground, with a multi-story building and trees in the background. The building has neatly arranged windows and a light-colored exterior. A person is riding a bicycle past the right side of the tower.
The metal power tower has a complex structure, with multiple power lines extending from it. The sky is clear and the sun is bright, illuminating the tower and nearby buildings. The windows of the buildings reflect the sunlight.
A multi-story residential building with a brick exterior, with some red-colored sections. Several cars are parked in front of the building, with trees and shrubs nearby. A person stands on the open area in front of the building.
A high-rise building with a gray tiled exterior, featuring many windows and balconies. In front of the building is a children’s playground with slides and swings. Trees surround the building.
Two high-rise buildings form a U-shaped structure, with gray tiled facades and many windows. Some sparse trees grow between the buildings. A few white clouds are in the sky.
Against the blue sky, an airplane is flying. The plane is on the left side of the image and clearly visible. Below is a large white cloud.
An airplane is flying in the blue sky, with a tall pine tree below. The plane is slightly to the left of center, with the body clearly visible. A power line crosses the scene, connecting to distant poles.
A tank memorial stands in a flower bed, with the tank’s barrel pointed towards the sky. Several tall pine trees with dense foliage surround the memorial. In the background, there is a building with bright windows.
An old wooden building with a dark exterior and numerous windows. Several cars are parked in front of the building, with the ground made of dirt. A few trees with bare branches surround the building.
A high-rise building with a spherical structure on the top and a gray tiled exterior. The building’s front has multiple windows reflecting light. In front of the building, there are a few trees with bare branches, and white clouds can be seen in the sky.
A white church with five golden domes and crosses on top. The church’s front features arched windows and decorative round patterns. Pedestrians and street lamps can be seen in the square in front of the church.
The church’s top has five golden domes and crosses, set against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds. The church building is white with green decorative lines. There is ample empty space on the right side of the image.
A white church with three golden domes and crosses on top. The church’s front has multiple arched windows and three large doors. Stairs and street lamps are visible in front of the church.
A white church with four golden domes and crosses on top. A tall monument with engraved text and stars stands beside the church. Pedestrians and street lamps are seen in the square in front of the church.
A red monument with a unique shape and a badge on top. On both sides of the monument are black stone slabs with engraved text. In the background, a golden-domed church and high-rise buildings are visible.
A red monument with a unique shape and a badge on top. On both sides of the monument are black stone slabs with engraved text. In front of the monument, there is a flower bed and a flame sculpture.
A concrete path with a smooth surface, accompanied by steps and greenery on the sides. A pigeon stands on the path. In the distance, trees and grass are visible.
A white church with five golden domes and crosses on top. Dense pine trees are on the left side of the church, with a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds. In front of the church, there is a fence and vehicles.
A red brick building with an orange wooden door and black wrought-iron decorations. The building’s front has arched windows and a balcony. Stairs and street lamps are in front of the building.
A church with a golden dome and a blue roof stands under the blue sky. The church’s front has multiple arched windows and decorative columns. People are walking in the square in front of the church.
A statue stands on a stone pedestal, with the figure’s hands crossed. There is an inscription in Russian on the pedestal, and the background features a clear blue sky. A few trees surround the statue.
A river flows alongside a sandy beach, with pedestrians and facilities on the sand. In the distance, there are high-rise buildings and a golden-domed church. A few white clouds are in the sky.
A statue stands on a tall stone pedestal, facing to one side. The background features a clear blue sky with a full moon in the air. The statue’s posture is upright.
A blue vintage tractor is parked in front of a red brick building. Next to the tractor, there is a large stone, and the ground is covered with green grass. The glass door of the building reflects the light.
A woven birdhouse hangs from a tree. The birdhouse is cylindrical, with a conical top. It is made of bamboo strips, and its wooden structure is visible inside. Tree branches surround the birdhouse.
A semicircular colonnade stands by the water, supported by multiple white columns. Two people walk in front of the colonnade, with a vast expanse of water and distant mountains in the background. The sky is clear.
A vast field appears tranquil under the setting sun, with a power pole standing in the field. The sky has an orange-to-blue gradient, with tree silhouettes in the distance. A slight mist covers the surface of the field.
A crowded train platform with many people carrying suitcases. Two trains are parked on either side of the platform, with tracks and overhead power lines visible. There are signboards and an information display screen on the platform.
An old high-rise building with a gray exterior and neatly arranged windows. Multiple billboards are placed on the building. Vehicles are parked in the foreground, and many people are walking along the street in front of the building.
A large building with a green roof and a golden clock, featuring many arched windows on the front. There are stairs in front of the building, and people are walking up and down. The sky is cloudy, and more buildings are visible in the background.
A statue stands on a stone pedestal, with the figure wearing a robe and holding an object. Shrubs and trees surround the statue, and multi-story buildings and street lights are visible in the background. The sky is overcast, and the ground is neatly paved.
A high-rise building with a light-colored exterior and blue decorations at the bottom. The building has multiple balconies and windows, with slight stains on the exterior. Trees and power lines surround it, and there is a path and grassy area on the ground.
A high-rise building with a light-colored exterior, featuring arched balconies on each floor. The building has blue decorations at the base, with trees and greenery around it. A small path leads in front, with a car parked nearby.
A multi-story building with a light gray exterior and neatly arranged windows. The entrance features a blue door, and there are trash bins and trees in front. A black car is parked nearby, and the ground is paved with concrete.
A silver SUV is parked in front of an iron fence, behind which is a building. The building has a red sign above it with the text “ОРИОН.” Trees surround the area, and the ground is covered with fallen leaves.
A decorative area with a black pot filled with pine cones at the center. Nearby is a sculpture of a person holding a broom and two geese. In the background, parked vehicles and high-rise buildings are visible.
A tray with a cup of tea, a croissant, and a piece of cake. The transparent tea cup holds the drink, the croissant is golden brown, and the cake is decorated with cream and orange slices. The tray is brown and placed on a white table.
The wall is adorned with several paintings and photographs, with a display case below. The artworks and photos showcase historical scenes and maps. The display case contains small exhibits, and there are explanatory texts on the wall.
A framed map hangs on the wall, with various color-coded markings. Below the map is a Russian title, and next to it stands a decorative pillar. Other exhibits and explanatory texts are visible on the wall.
The museum display area features ancient pottery and tools, with informational plaques hanging on the walls. A wooden canoe is placed on a green carpet, with a large ceramic pot next to it. The background wall displays murals and sculptures.
The museum corridor is lined with historical artifacts and furniture, with wooden flooring. The walls are filled with photographs and framed artworks, and display cases contain various items. The central passage is wide and well-lit, guiding visitors forward.
Two information boards in Russian and English introduce the exhibition content. The left board provides detailed descriptions of each exhibition section, while the right board offers English translations to assist international visitors. The background of the boards is light gray, and the text is clearly legible.
In the room, an antique piano and matching chair are displayed, with a mirror and decorations hanging above the piano. A red rope barrier protects the exhibit from being touched. The background wall is adorned with religious portraits and picture frames.
The exhibition area features a vintage desk with documents and seals on it. Behind the desk stands a mannequin dressed in a uniform, with historical photographs hanging on the wall. A nearby display case contains a sewing machine and other items.
A glass display case showcases several ancient documents and a photograph of a person, with handwritten text and seals on the documents. The base of the display case has a label explaining the historical context of the documents. The background wall features an image of a building.
On the table are several documents and a decorative clock sculpture. The documents are neatly arranged, covering historical records. The background wall features a map and a portrait painting of a person. A chair is placed in front of the table.
An antique sewing machine sits on a wooden table, with a document placed next to it. The background wall is made of brick, with historical photographs and posters affixed to it. The sewing machine design is intricate, showcasing early industrial craftsmanship.
A vintage carriage is displayed in the museum, with its structure intact, complete with seats and a canopy. The front of the carriage has bells and lamps, with finely detailed elements. It is surrounded by a red rope barrier to protect the exhibit.
The exhibition area is predominantly red, with the walls covered in historical photos and slogans. Display cases contain various documents and memorabilia, and the background wall features large historical scene paintings. The layout is compact, with abundant information.
An old newspaper is displayed on the wall, with Russian text and black-and-white photographs. Next to the newspaper is an image of a building, set against a light-colored wall. To the right, there are dark curtains and a metal-framed window.
Several historical photographs and documents are hung on the wall, including a group photo of soldiers and military orders. Labels are placed beneath the photos, set against a dark wall.
Four black-and-white portrait photographs are embedded into a green wall, with explanatory texts underneath. The individuals in the photos are dressed in military uniforms, each posing differently.
Several black-and-white photos and a notice are displayed inside a wooden door next to a brick wall. The people in the photos have serious expressions, and the notice pertains to revolutionary themes.
The exhibition room showcases weapons, helmets, and historical photos. Multiple black-and-white photos are hung on the walls, with a glass display case at the center.
The wall displays several historical photographs, along with a colorful painting depicting a war scene. The photos depict soldiers in various activities and environments.
A wooden table is set with an old-fashioned typewriter and a newspaper. Several black-and-white photos are hung on the wall, and a telephone is placed nearby.
A newspaper titled “Their War Was Worse Than War” is placed on a wooden table. Next to it is a black typewriter, set against a wallpapered background.
The exhibition area displays paintings and related items. Several paintings are hung on the wall, and in front of them are easels and palettes.
The industrial exhibition area showcases mining tools and machinery. On the wall is a mural depicting a mining scene, with a red slogan hanging above.
A white tablecloth covers a table with plates, cups, and utensils. In the background is a black-and-white photograph of a city street scene, showing pedestrians and vehicles. A nearby display board is filled with posters and photos.
A white statue is placed on a table draped with red fabric, accompanied by a chair and a piano. The background wall features a blank projection screen.
A brown leather sofa is placed in the room, with a small table next to it that holds an old typewriter. On the wall is a clock, and nearby stands a wooden wardrobe and a telephone model.
A small indoor scene model displays an entryway. On the left is a table with a sewing machine, and on the right is another small table with a teapot and cups, next to a window. A round rug is laid on the floor.
A red-covered book is placed on a music stand, with a photo of a man in a suit on the cover. The pages of the music score are opened, displaying musical notation and notes. Russian text is visible above the music stand.
Three exhibition boards display historical photographs and information from different years: 1914-1918, 1900-1901, and 1649-1653. Each board contains multiple black-and-white photos and corresponding descriptions. The background of the boards is red and white.
A document is displayed inside a transparent glass case, with the national emblem and the word “УКАЗ” at the top. The document mentions the granting of the title “City of Military Glory” to Khabarovsk. Below the document is the president’s signature and the date.
A city map model is displayed inside a glass case, featuring landmarks and streets. In front of the map, several decorative swords and information plaques are displayed. The center of the map features a large church model.
Several historical photos are displayed on the wall, including a group photo of uniformed individuals, a funeral scene, and naval fleet photos. The accompanying text describes historical events from 1929 and related details. Below the photos, there are Russian captions.
An exhibition board displays photos of soldiers, including group marches and collective portraits. The board’s text describes the soldiers’ heroic deeds and honors. At the bottom of the board is a photo from a “Victory Day” celebration.
A green machine gun is displayed inside a glass case, next to a belt of ammunition and an ammo box. The machine gun has a complex design, featuring a wooden grip and aiming device. A white label in front of the display provides explanatory text.
A military map is hung on the wall, with a wooden table beneath it. The table is equipped with a telephone, desk lamp, and other items. Several glass display boxes containing small objects are also on the table. The map uses different colors to mark strategic positions.
The display case contains several handwritten letters and photographs, set against a red gradient background. The letters and photos are neatly arranged, with two black-and-white portraits hanging above. A white label at the bottom provides relevant information.
The display case contains military items such as helmets, caps, and water bottles. The background wall is adorned with black-and-white photos and documents. On the left side of the case, several medals and honors are displayed, while the right side features detailed text descriptions. The case is designed simply to highlight the historical artifacts.
Inside a wooden display case, there is a rifle and several grenade models. Black-and-white portraits of people are attached to the sides of the case. Above the case, a red propaganda poster in Russian hangs. The case has a vintage design with rich details.
The wall displays several World War II propaganda posters and photographs, depicting soldiers and war scenes. The posters are colorful, and the text is in multiple languages. In the corner of the wall, a metallic object, possibly a weapon part, is placed.
The display case showcases several black-and-white photos and documents. Above the case, a large propaganda poster features a helmeted figure with tanks and airplanes in the background. The case has a modern design with substantial information.
A black steam train model is placed at the center of the exhibition hall. The train’s front is decorated with a red star and floral patterns. A portrait of a person hangs above the train, with a red slogan beneath it. The background wall features several historical photos.
A round table with a patterned cloth holds several letters and photos. The table also has a desk lamp and a small basket. On the wall behind, several family portraits are displayed. The overall scene is cozy and rich in historical ambiance.
A black-and-white cityscape painting is hung on the wall, framed in gold. The painting depicts streets, buildings, and pedestrians, with clouds flowing in the sky. Below the painting is a white label providing information about the artwork.
A black-and-white architectural painting depicting a large multi-story building with several people standing in front. The painting is framed in gold, with Russian explanatory text below.
Another black-and-white architectural painting, featuring a building with a pointed roof and a balcony. In front, a small bridge and two people pushing a cart. The painting is framed in gold, with Russian explanatory text below.
A yellow vintage car model, with a yellow body, black seats, and a steering wheel. The background features a city mural.
A glass display case containing several black-and-white photos showcasing various historical scenes and figures. A red flag is hung on the left side, with documents and books placed on the right.
Another glass display case with several black-and-white photos, including group portraits, sports activities, and daily life scenes. Below the case are stamps and newspaper clippings.
A green wooden counter with a blue scale and canned foods on top. Beside the counter is a mannequin dressed in a green uniform.
An indoor scene with a wooden table, a chair, and an old-fashioned television. The wall is adorned with several black-and-white photos and a landscape painting.
A wooden desk with a typewriter, a book, and several documents. The desk also has a desk lamp and a small globe.
Two information boards with Russian text listing the names and descriptions of various items. The background is a light-colored tiled wall.
A wooden display cabinet with glass doors containing various decorative items and utensils. Two thermos bottles and a pair of antlers are placed on top of the cabinet.
A black-and-white photo showcasing a large building and plaza, with a sculpture and a green belt at the center. A clock hanging above shows the time as 10:10. Below the photo is another black-and-white image of a different building.
Two paintings hung on the wall. On the left, a field with neatly arranged white conical objects; on the right, trees and abandoned structures at sunset. Each painting has a white label with a description below.
Two paintings on the wall. On the left, a muddy road with bare trees; on the right, a cracked wall and distant fields. Each painting has a white label with a description below.
Two paintings hung on the wall. On the left, three people in an indoor scene; on the right, a street scene of an old building. Each painting has a white label with a description below.
Six sketches arranged on the wall, depicting trees, houses, people, plants, shoes, and forests. Each sketch has a unique style with rich details.
A black-and-white sketch depicting a city alley scene, with buildings, stairs, and power lines. The details are exquisite, and the composition is compact.
A photo showing a dog lying on the ground, with shattered glass and branches in the background. A white label with a description is placed below the photo.
Two paintings on the wall. On the left, a field with trees; on the right, a person crouching beside a red car. Each painting has a white label with a description below.
Two paintings on the wall. On the left, a lightning scene at sea; on the right, a sunset at the seaside. Each painting has a white label with a description below.
A large bronze tripod is placed on a black base, with golden text labels. The tripod is intricately carved with patterns, surrounded by a red rope barrier. The background features an indoor exhibition setting.
A group of people in formal attire posing for a photo indoors. The background features ornate windows and curtains. The person in the center holds a framed certificate, while others hold wine glasses. The photo is framed in a dark wood frame.
The wall features several cityscape photos and documents, with a red Chinese knot ornament hanging beside them. Below the photos, medals and souvenirs are displayed, and the wall tiles are gray. On the right side, there is a picture depicting musical instruments.
The room contains an old-fashioned television displaying a person singing. The television sits on a stand covered in a gray cloth, with a patterned rug in front. The background features a bookshelf, a sewing machine, and other furniture.
A person is standing in front of a mirror taking a selfie. Several scarves hang above the mirror. On the table beneath, various cosmetics and grooming items are neatly arranged. In the background, some furniture and decorations are visible.
Two framed photos and documents are hung on the wall, depicting crowds and buildings. In the foreground, a yellow toy bear sits atop a blue object. The background features white curtains.
In the room, an old-fashioned sewing machine is placed on a wooden table with magazines piled beside it. In the background, a vintage refrigerator and a table covered with a blue-and-white checkered tablecloth are visible. Clothing and posters hang on the wall.
A bookshelf neatly arranged with books of various cover colors. To the right of the shelf, there is a small tower-like decorative item and a stack of paper. The surface of the shelf is smooth, reflecting light.
An old-fashioned television placed on a stand covered with a gray cloth. Multiple speakers are connected behind the TV, and below, a black equipment box holds a mouse and other items. The floor is covered with a patterned carpet.
A black-and-white painting depicting a factory building by a river, with smoke rising from the chimney and boats on the river. The painting is framed in gold, with a label below. The background is a white wall.
A wooden building with a black door at the entrance. Above the door, there is a sign hanging. In front, a metal sculpture resembling a bird with outstretched wings stands. Nearby, a long bench and some plants are visible.
A room with several people seated on vintage chairs, facing a projection screen and sound equipment. Black curtains with Russian text hang on the wall, and various electronic devices are placed nearby. The ceiling features lighting and a projector.
A red shelf displaying various items, including patterned cards and price tags. Above the shelf, black-and-white photos and colorful illustrations are shown. The background wall is light-colored.
A person in a striped shirt holding a frame containing Russian text and images. In the background, vintage devices and decorative paintings are visible. The person is standing in an indoor environment.
A wooden turntable is placed on a cabinet, with a hand operating it. The turntable has a vintage design, complete with a metal horn. Other similar devices and decorative items are visible in the background.
A painting in a golden frame on the wall depicts a dog facing a turntable. On either side of the painting, other similar artworks are displayed. The background wall is light-colored.
A record album cover displayed in front of a glass cabinet, featuring a dog facing a turntable. Inside the cabinet, there are small turntable models and other items. Related posters are hung on the background wall.
A hand holding a piece of paper featuring various turntable designs, displayed in front of a glass cabinet. The cabinet contains different turntable models. In the background, an open suitcase is visible.
A piece of paper with various turntable designs lies flat on a table, with Russian text printed on it. Above the paper is a suitcase, and other items are placed beside it. The background is an indoor environment.
A poster with a yellow frame hanging on the wall shows a bear standing on a block. The bear is wearing an Olympic ring belt, and the background is white. Text in multiple languages appears below the poster.
A person in a striped shirt is showcasing a golden record, with a green desk lamp beside them. Guitars and other musical instruments are visible in the background, and a display case holds various items.
A blue vintage turntable placed on a wooden cabinet, with several drawers. A record and a piece of paper with Russian text are on top of the turntable. Nearby, there are wires and headphones.
A display case filled with various items, including a book with a purple cover, some paper money, and a small ceramic pot. The book’s cover features images of people, and the background is purple. Above the cabinet, there is a white lace cloth.
Two people stand in front of an old-fashioned television, which is covered with a white lace cloth. Above the TV, two black-and-white photos are hung, and a small sculpture sits nearby. The background wall is red, with posters attached.
A person holds a transparent film with a landscape painting on it. The edges of the film have holes, and in the background, some recording equipment is visible. The person is wearing a striped shirt and a ring on their finger.
A person is holding a blue record, which is placed in an open sleeve. The inner side of the sleeve features text and patterns. Electronic equipment is visible in the background. The person is wearing a striped shirt and a ring on their finger.
In a room with several people, one person is sitting on a sofa using their phone. The room is filled with record shelves and sound equipment, with multiple screens on the wall. Another person stands in front of the record shelf, holding an item.
A person is holding a movie poster for Titanic, featuring the images of the lead male and female characters. The person, wearing a striped shirt, stands in front of a record shelf. In the background, several records and sound equipment are visible.
A person is sitting on a black leather sofa. Behind the sofa are multiple shelves displaying various sound equipment. The person is wearing a blue top and light-colored pants, with their hands crossed on their knees. The room’s walls are blue, decorated with more sound equipment.
On a wall, a large poster featuring the words “1941-1945” and related images is displayed. In front of the poster is a metal railing, behind which a tree is visible. The building’s exterior wall is made of light-colored bricks, and the windows reflect the surrounding scene.
On the street, several cars are parked, one of which is an old vehicle. A person is unloading a large cardboard box from the car. The building’s exterior is light blue, and the door features the text “РЫБАЛКИ ОТДЫХА ТУРИЗМА.” Above the street, a large billboard displays “1941-1945” and related imagery.
A poster with a yellow background shows a black silhouette, with the text “21 июня ГДК” next to it. Below the silhouette, red text reads “ЦОЙ ЖИВ,” and in the lower right corner, it says “День рождения 2025.”
A woman is taking a photo of two children standing on stairs. The background features a large building.
A man is holding a child, while a woman is taking a photo. In the background, trees in full bloom and a grassy field are visible.
A stone tablet is inscribed with Russian and Korean text. In front of it, some flowers and purple ribbons are placed.
A stone tablet is inscribed with Russian text. Nearby, two flags are displayed, and the background features trees and grass.
Two large black cannons are placed on a brick-paved surface, with trees and buildings in the background.
A very dirty square squat toilet, with a purple toilet brush beside it. The floor is tiled with ceramic tiles.
Four people stand together for a group photo, with three of them making victory signs. The background features columns and the sky.
An outdoor fitness area with a sunshade on top, where several people are using the gym equipment.
A person carrying a backpack walks along a road. Ahead, there is an amusement facility, and the background features the sunset and trees.
A bowl of food on a table, including fried eggs, vegetables, and meat. Several drinks are placed beside it, one of which has a straw. A pair of chopsticks is positioned in the lower left corner of the table.
A translation interface in Russian and Simplified Chinese, with the time displayed as 15:27 and the battery at 46%. The text discusses the impact of dust on the quality of records and an explanation of the modernity of vinyl records. The bottom of the interface has voice input and pause buttons.
A translation interface in Russian and Simplified Chinese, with the time displayed as 15:29 and the battery at 47%. The text discusses the production and use of shellac, as well as its application in furniture coverings.
A translation interface in Russian and Simplified Chinese, with the time displayed as 15:31 and the battery at 47%. The text describes how locals use the number of songs to measure distance.
A translation interface in Russian and Simplified Chinese, with the time displayed as 15:35 and the battery at 49%. The text introduces the role of tubes inside a gramophone and the principle behind sound acceleration.
A translation interface in Russian and Simplified Chinese, with the time displayed as 15:42 and the battery at 50%. The text describes a scenario of people chatting together at different locations.
A translation interface in Russian and Simplified Chinese, with the time displayed as 15:42 and the battery at 50%. The text tells a story of a person who passes away, and his dog reacts to the sound from a gramophone.
A translation interface in Russian and Simplified Chinese, with the time displayed as 15:43 and the battery at 50%. The text describes a dog waiting in front of a photographer, listening to the voice of its owner.
The image shows the translation of a text where a person paints a picture and sells it to a company. Below, there are Russian and Simplified Chinese options and voice playback controls. The time shows 15:43.
The image contains Russian and Chinese translations, telling a story about what happens after basil is placed somewhere, and a dog comes to listen to its owner’s voice. Language selection and voice control buttons are at the bottom, with the time showing 15:48.
The text describes the color of bricks, mentioning that bricks from the Far East are gray due to Chinese clay. The interface offers Russian and Simplified Chinese translation options, with the time showing 15:49.
The image displays a translation about understanding and traveling in Russian and Simplified Chinese, suggesting that one can try to understand even without knowing the language. Language selection and voice buttons are at the bottom, with the time showing 15:49.
The text discusses a unique form of Soviet music — bone music, recorded on X-ray film. Below, there are Russian and Simplified Chinese translation options, with the time showing 15:57.
The text in the image describes an artist who was sent to prison and passed away three years later, with their records being released only in the 1980s. The interface provides Russian and Simplified Chinese translations, with the time showing 16:00.
The text inquires about the advertisement situation during the Soviet era and mentions that ads were everywhere. The interface has language selection and voice control buttons at the bottom, with the time showing 16:03.
The image includes an interview with musicians and artists, mentioning a catalog number on a record and celebrity interviews. The interface offers Russian and Simplified Chinese translation options, with the time showing 16:16.
The text describes a song about freedom and its impact, mentioning that the singer is from Africa. Language selection and voice buttons are available at the bottom, with the time showing 16:37.

Videos uploaded to YouTube. You may need a proxy to view them if you live in Chinese mainland. Due to copyright restrictions, many videos recorded inside “The World of Talking Machines” museum cannot be publicly broadcast.

05-08 Pacific National University, abandoned tower

At the beginning of today I went to Pacific National University. When I arrived I found it totally different from what I had imagined. It was an old school with broken ground and old athletic field facilities. Some infrastructure may from USSR. It felt absolutely different from Far Eastern Federal University. However, that made me like here even much. On the street in Russia I can find a lot of beautiful girls but I couldn’t dare to take even one photo. I only take photos of old buildings, Khrushcheves. And here are a lot of old buildings, ones across the road even without window glasses. There is a man with his daughter riding on the athletic field. The daughter seemed at the beginning of learning riding. She looked scared and she cried. The man couldn’t comfort her so he rode a few rounds on his own and left the athletic field with his daughter. Later there was a man, probably a music teacher, coming to the field with a group of young people to practise singing. They performed a lot, and didn’t finish before I left there. At the time it was raining, and I just sat on the bench next to a tree watching them singing. They performed a lot, but I only knew “Katyusha”.

As planned, I went to see the Khabarovsk bridge and the Amur River (Heilongjiang). There was a perfect spot on the Google Map and Yandex Map, an abandoned tower. However, when I came there, it was blocked. There was a sign saying words like “This is private property, no entry, there are cameras.”. The fences were newly installed because there was a photos shot on the top uploaded three days ago. Luckily the fences didn’t block it completely. I could get in there on the right side across a short edge. I looked around, didn’t find any camera, nor did I find any wire. So I went directly towards the tower. The tower was about three floors in height, with graffiti and messages. On the tower I took a lot of phots and videos, and stayed there for a long time. During the visit I encountered another person wearing blue. He was recording below me, and we chatted a little using English. Maybe because I stayed too long, I was spotted. Four people came to the tower. I heard the noise and looked down. They were young, so I thought they came here to have a great view or to explore, just like me. I smiled to them naively, only to find out they came to “catch” me. However, they didn’t blame me, nor did they fine me or call the police, they just asked me how I came up here, where did I come from, did I see anybody else. I explained I saw a guy in blue earlier. Of course he had sneaked away already. They drove here two vehicles. The woman opened the gate for me. Apparently they were the people who managed here. The woman told me this place is dangerous. We said goodbye to each other, and the woman made a gesture meaning I was naughty, she won’t blame me this time, telling me to behave myself, then drove away.

It was enough to me anyway, so I just walked along the road leaving there. A girl in pink, looking no older than 10, rode on her bike to me. She saw me walking along, asked me where I wanted to go. I said I would go back to the hostel. She told me buses come here. I showed her the Yandex Go app, explaining I would call a cab and no need to worry. She then told me a taxi brand, and the price for a person is about 500 rubles. I expressed my appreciation, said goodbye, then she ride away. It actually took me only 318 rubles on the way back. I have a bank card now, even though for the reason I don’t understand I still cannot use the Fast Payment System, I can transfer money directly to the driver and don’t have to worry about losing a large amount of cash.

However usually I have to get down to squeeze through the space below the gate to reach the hostel because the hostel is located in an apartment complex. Today I asked two children for help. They seemed to tell me that they couldn’t open the gate from inside as well. So they climbed across the fence with spikes on it, showed me the way to another gate. There happened to be a person passing through so I made my way back.

An uncle who booked the bed opposite mine greeted to me, saying his name is Айдар.

It’s only half past twenty, and the sky is just beginning to turn dark. I still can go out and have some fun.

I spent some time by myself at the bar called Чилл Хаус. Ordered two glasses of Germany beer, chatting with Aidan and a friend from Blagoveshchensk called Вика, watching people at other tables smoking hookah, watching a film, or playing GTA V. The waiter was very kind and waited patiently for me to use the translator.

A wide road with streetlights leads to a building marked “ХАБАРОВСКИЙ ПОЛИТЕХНИЧЕСКИЙ ИНСТИТУТ,” with a large satellite antenna in front of it. Trees and shrubs line both sides of the road. There are several wooden doors at the entrance of the building.
A white sign reads “ТИХООКЕАНСКИЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ УНИВЕРСИТЕТ,” surrounded by green grass and trees. Yellow flowers dot the grass. To the left of the sign is a graphic logo.
A street lined with streetlights leads to a building marked “ХАБАРОВСКИЙ ПОЛИТЕХНИЧЕСКИЙ ИНСТИТУТ,” with a large satellite antenna in front of it. Trees and shrubs line both sides of the road. Several wooden doors are at the entrance of the building.
A gray monument features three sculpted faces and a Soviet emblem, with the inscription “1941-1945.” A bouquet of flowers is placed in front of the monument. Trees and some buildings can be seen in the background.
Along a road with streetlights, there is a white sign reading “ТИХООКЕАНСКИЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ УНИВЕРСИТЕТ.” Trees and shrubs line both sides of the road. There is a graphic logo to the left of the sign.
A building marked “ХАБАРОВСКИЙ ПОЛИТЕХНИЧЕСКИЙ ИНСТИТУТ” has a large satellite antenna in front of it. Several wooden doors are at the entrance of the building. Above the doors, a poster shows images of several people.
A narrow road is lined with leafless trees, and the surface has cracks and potholes. There is a white stone railing along the edge of the road. In the distance, some buildings can be seen.
A white stone fence with round holes, its surface showing peeling paint. Some green moss can be seen at the bottom of the fence. In the background, there are some buildings and trees.
Looking through an archway, a multi-story brick building with many windows is visible. The lower level has an arched doorway leading into the distance. The sky is cloudy.
Looking through an archway, a multi-story brick building with many windows is visible. The side of the building has pipes and air conditioning units. The sky is cloudy.
A multi-story building with light-colored brick walls and neatly arranged windows. There is a patch of grass in front of the building, and a few white clouds in the sky. Several satellite antennas are installed on the roof of the building.
A white wall is engraved with Russian names and dates, such as “Артем” and “30.08.03.” The surface of the wall is rough, with some peeling marks. There are also other unclear carvings on the wall.
A green meadow is covered with yellow small flowers. Behind the meadow is a fenced tennis court, where several people are playing. In the background, some buildings and trees can be seen.
An open space with several old benches in the foreground. Behind the benches is a meadow and a wire fence. In the distance, some power poles and buildings can be seen.
A blue bench with peeling paint placed in an open space. Behind the bench is a spacious area scattered with tires. In the distance, trees and buildings can be seen.
A row of blue benches arranged on a gray surface. Behind the benches are stairs and more benches. In the background, trees and buildings can be seen.
A green meadow with two football goalposts. One goalpost is relatively intact, while the other appears worn. In the distance, dense trees can be seen.
A meadow with a rusted metal frame in the foreground. Behind the meadow is a multi-story building with many windows. In the distance, trees and power poles can be seen.
A dry reed bed swaying in the wind. In the background, some trees and distant buildings are visible. A few white clouds can be seen in the sky.
A bush with green branches in the foreground. In the background, several high-rise buildings with a modern architectural style are visible. In the distance, there are also trees and power poles.
In front of a multi-story residential building is a meadow with scattered trees and shrubs. The building’s exterior walls are a mix of gray, orange, and white. The sky is covered with large clouds, and the weather looks overcast.
A black graffiti on the wall features a hammer and sickle symbol, with the text “SK8 BOY” underneath. The wall shows signs of peeling, indicating some wear and tear. In the background, a green meadow and trees can be seen.
A high-rise building is in the background, with a meadow and several trees in the foreground. The building has multiple floors, with neatly arranged windows and a light-colored exterior wall. The sky is clear with sparse clouds.
A puddle reflects the surrounding scene, including distant multi-story buildings and trees. The edge of the puddle is muddy, with some dry grass and green grass around it. The sky has thick clouds, and the light is soft.
Behind the multi-story buildings are dense trees and shrubs. The buildings’ exterior walls are varied in color, with neatly arranged windows. The sky is partly covered with clouds, but sunlight still shines through.
A dirt road runs through the meadow with a puddle on it. In the distance, a person is walking along the road, with multi-story buildings visible in the background. The sky has clouds, and the light is bright.
Behind the multi-story buildings are trees and shrubs, with a meadow in the foreground. The buildings’ exterior walls are varied in color, with neatly arranged windows. The sky has clouds, but the light is sufficient.
A green meadow dotted with yellow small flowers, with a few trees scattered across it. In the background, there is a building with a light-colored exterior. Two white objects, possibly papers or plastic bags, are on the meadow.
A beer bottle is placed on the meadow, surrounded by tree trunks and branches. The tree bark is white, and the ground is covered with fallen leaves. In the background, more trees and grass can be seen.
A blue wooden fence stands in front of a meadow, with a building behind it. The fence has barbed wire, and some areas are damaged. The building has a light-colored exterior with neatly arranged windows.
Several people are walking along a park path, with trees and grass beside them. In the distance, some people are standing next to a metal frame. In the background, there are buildings and open fields.
A group of people stands on the meadow, with a football goalpost in front of them. A pine tree is in the foreground, and the background shows city buildings and the sky. The ground is covered with green grass.
A group of people stands on the meadow, with their backs to the camera. A metal frame is in front of them, and the background shows open fields and trees. The sky is overcast, with buildings in the distance.
In front of a multi-story building, there are neatly arranged trees and lawns. The building has a light-colored exterior with neatly arranged windows. A small path runs through the lawn towards the building.
A path leads to the entrance of a building, where there is a blue door. On both sides are fences and trees, with some decorations on the ground. The building has a light-colored exterior and neatly arranged windows.
A tall iron sheet fence stands in front of an open iron gate. Behind the fence is a building with a chimney and antenna on the roof. The sky has white clouds, and power lines cross the frame.
A path runs through the meadow leading to a blue building. The building has two red doors, surrounded by trees and shrubs. The sky has white clouds, and part of the meadow is dry.
On a dry meadow, there is a rusty football goalpost. In the background, there is a blue building with two red doors. In the distance, trees and the sky are visible.
The exterior wall of a multi-story building is light-colored, with large glass windows at the corners. The top of the building has lighting, and the windows are neatly arranged. In the foreground, several trees with bare branches can be seen.
In front of a multi-story building, there are iron fences and several trees. The building has a light-colored exterior with neatly arranged windows. In the foreground, there is a small path made of cement.
Two old chairs are placed in front of a wire fence, next to a rusty metal box. The box has some debris and a black plastic bag on top. In the background, there are trees and green plants.
At the entrance of a modern building, there is a large sunshade. The building has multiple layers of windows and air conditioning units. In front of the entrance, there are stairs and a handrail, with a clear sky above.
The front of a multi-story building with many windows and a light-colored exterior. There are stairs and a handrail in front of the building, with a person standing on the stairs. The sky is clear.
An abandoned high-rise building with a worn-out exterior and missing windows. In the foreground, there is a graffiti-covered wall and a railway track. In the background, there are trees and another modern building.
A white building is situated in the woods, with a small pond in front. The pond is surrounded by stones and vegetation, and the building has stairs and a railing in front. A white swan is near the pond.
A white church with a golden dome sits on a meadow. The church has a cross on top, and there are red banners on its walls. The sky has white clouds.
A tranquil lake reflects the surrounding scenery, with trees and buildings at the lakeside. In the distance, some amusement facilities and tents can be seen. The sky is overcast.
An unfinished brick building sits on a dirt slope, with some parts made of concrete. The building is covered with graffiti, and the surrounding area is overgrown with weeds. The sky is overcast.
The tower of a red-brick building is visible, with square windows on the tower. The tower has graffiti and a white sign. In the background, there are trees and a cloudy sky.
A small metal kiosk is covered in graffiti, with broken glass windows. The kiosk is surrounded by dirt and vegetation, and in the background, trees and distant buildings can be seen. The sky is overcast.
A wall covered in various graffiti, including blue and pink patterns and some Russian text. Part of the wall is made of bricks, showing significant wear. Sunlight streams from the left, illuminating part of the wall.
A red brick wall submerged in water, with colorful graffiti patterns. The structure of the wall is partially damaged, with several protruding columns. The water is calm, reflecting the graffiti on the wall.
A circular recessed area surrounded by a red-brick wall, covered in vibrant graffiti. Inside the recess, there are more graffiti, mainly red and blue letters. In the background, distant rivers and the sky can be seen.
The wall of a ruin is covered with dense graffiti in various colors. The wall is made of a mix of red and white bricks, with parts of the wall collapsed. The ground is bare dirt, giving a desolate feel.
A white brick wall covered in colorful graffiti, with intricate patterns. The graffiti includes many letters and symbols, along with simple shapes. Some parts of the wall are damaged, exposing the texture of the bricks.
On the remains of an abandoned building, there is a large cartoon graffiti depicting a character with a red headband. The red brick walls and concrete structure of the building are visible. Through the gap, distant cityscapes and rivers can be seen.
A wooden window with some graffiti on it, made from several vertical wooden planks. Next to the window is a red brick wall, also with some graffiti. Outside the window, there are city buildings and blue skies.
Between two graffiti-covered walls, a bridge can be seen, with vehicles passing over it. The graffiti on the walls is colorful, with one of the graffiti showing a large-eyed character. The bridge spans across water, connecting two shores.
A long bridge spans over water, with multiple lanes for vehicles. Streetlights and guardrails line both sides of the bridge, and beneath the bridge, there is a wide river. In the distance, flat terrain and some vegetation can be seen.
A brick with a simple smiley face graffiti drawn in black lines. The brick is mainly red and gray, with some wear on the surface. Other colorful graffiti marks can be seen around the brick.
A brick wall with Russian graffiti, with distant houses and blue skies in the background. The text on the wall reads: “ДНЁМ ПИЗДАТО, НО МЫ ЕЩЁ ВЕРНЁМСЯ”. Some of the bricks are burnt black.
A segment of English graffiti on the wall, reading: “One day I just wanna hear you say: ‘I like you!’ What’s stopping you? ah-ah-ah-ah”. Colorful graffiti patterns surround the text.
Inside an abandoned building, the walls are covered with graffiti. Through the window, the view outside can be seen. The floor is scattered with sandbags and debris. Sunlight streams in from the window.
A red brick building with partial damage, surrounded by trees and a fence. In front of the building is a red sign reading “ЧАСТНАЯ ТЕРРИТОРИЯ ВХОД ЗАПРЕЩЕН”. The building appears dilapidated.
A tall red brick building with a damaged top, surrounded by bare trees. On the side of the building is a white sign with a pattern. The sky is clear.
An abandoned building partially hidden behind trees, with a rusted fence in the foreground. The fence has graffiti, including a smiley face. Some of the trees are budding.
In front of a rusted wall are several trees. The wall has graffiti that reads “DICK”. Sandbags are piled up at the base of the wall, and the ground is cluttered.
A two-story old residential building with a worn-out exterior and damaged windows. Weeds grow in front of the building, with some clothes hanging. In the background, there are more trees and an abandoned building.
An industrial district scene, with a building on the left featuring a decorative wrought-iron gate, and a truck parked on the right. Two dogs rest on the ground, and the environment appears desolate.
A multi-story residential building with light-colored brick exterior and neatly arranged windows. There are several trees in front of the building, with lush foliage, and stairs leading to the entrance. Power poles and wires cross the frame.
High-voltage power towers and several power lines extend under a blue sky with white clouds, with trees nearby. The power towers have a complex structure, and the power lines are neatly arranged. The distant sky has sparse clouds.
A cat sits on the roof of a building made of metal panels. Nearby is a metal staircase, and the building has white walls. In the background, there are industrial facilities and trees.
A road runs through an industrial area, with buildings and fences on both sides. Two dogs are on the road, and in the background, more buildings and green plants are visible.
A beautifully decorated fish tank containing various fish and aquatic plants. The bottom is covered with fine sand. The tank also features a pirate ship model and figurines. The background is an indoor environment.
A tray with a bowl of rice, a bowl of salad, and a cup of tea. Next to it are napkins and utensils. The rice contains carrots and meat chunks, and the salad is made up of vegetables. The tray is placed on a table.
A map showing the layout of a certain area, marking the locations of various buildings and facilities. The map includes numbers and names like “УЧЕБНОЕ ЗДАНИЕ” and “СТАДИОН”. The left side of the map has a legend.
A billboard stands in front of a building. On the left side, there’s colorful text “МЕЧТАЙ ПОСТУПАЙ ВОПЛОЩАЙ”, and on the right, there are patterns and the words “Pacific National University”. The background of the billboard has a black-and-white pattern, and the building features large windows.
Behind a high wall stands a brick building. A red sign on the wall reads “ЧАСТНАЯ ТЕРРИТОРИЯ ВХОД ЗАПРЕЩЕН ВЕДЕТСЯ ВИДЕОНАБЛЮДЕНИЕ”. In front of the wall are weeds and dirt piles.
An abandoned brick building on a dirt slope, partially damaged. The structure includes a dome and a tower, with graffiti on the surface.
An ancient brick tower stands on elevated ground. The tower is covered with blue graffiti and has multiple windows. The structure is sturdy, surrounded by barren land and a small amount of vegetation.
The ruins of a red brick building, with multiple window holes and graffiti on the walls. Next to the building is a gray concrete structure. The sky is overcast, with thick clouds.
Inside the abandoned building, concrete columns are covered with colorful graffiti, with one column featuring the words “FREE FOR ALL”. The floor is damaged, and a window is visible in the distance.
On a brick wall, the text “https://his2nd.life May 8, 2025 Bian Yukun” is engraved. The bricks are a mix of red and white. The cement parts of the wall have weathered and peeled off.
On a white brick wall, the same text “https://his2nd.life May 8, 2025 Bian Yukun” is engraved, surrounded by red and black graffiti patterns.
A brick wall covered with colorful graffiti, including Russian text and arrow symbols. The graffiti is vibrant and complex in design.
A deserted road next to a multi-story residential building, with several cars parked in front. A child is riding a bicycle. Trees grow on one side of the road.
From inside a car, a view of a port can be seen, with a large crane and blue shipping containers. The sky is filled with white clouds, and the water is calm.
A multi-story building with a pink billboard on its exterior, featuring the words “ЦЕНТР МЕДИЦИНСКИХ КОМИССИЙ”. The ground floor shop is labeled “ПРОДУКТЫ”, and a white car is parked in front.
A glass of golden beer placed on a table, with foam on the surface of the beer. In the background, menus and other utensils can be seen. The glass reflects surrounding light.
A cartoon boy stands on a pile of money, holding a letter “S” with a dollar symbol. The background shows several dollar bill patterns and the text “WE TRUST IN CHILL AND CASH”. A speech bubble next to the boy reads “YES, I LOVE F**CKING CHILL!!!”.

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05-09 Victory Day celebration

Today people are celebrating the Victory Day on the Lennin Square, and this is my first time to attend such an event. I found there was no network on my phone, so I could’nt use Yandex Go or speech recognition. I had to run to the square. It actually begins at ten, and I arrived there around nine, so I got a position in the front. Unfortunately, the view was still blocked. However, I brought a portable tripod, with its middle pillar removable as a selfie stick, so my phone had a better view than me. There were kids riding on parent’s necks. I also found a lot of people bringing boards with photos with them. I though they were heros’ relatives. Вика later told me that this was the Immortal Regiment. The content of the ceremony was either too far from me or was blocked by people infront of me. However, our side was closest to the cannon, so the noise was very loud when the cannon was set off, which was a bit scary.

After the ceremony I bought a belt, then came to the City Pond. A location was set up where people could pick up free food. But the lines were long. I found a booth selling Russian skewers with bread, onion, and sauce. Each skewer is 300 rubles. I bought a serve. However, due to offline I could not use the translator, there was some problem with the conversation, resulted in me buying two skewers and being charged 600 rubles. These pieces of meat was quite big and each piece could fill my mouth. The spices and salt were heavy, and there was also some grease, so I got tired of it before I could finish one skewer. I felt a little nauseous after eating them all, but it was really enjoyable to chew the meat in my mouth. Later, there was performance in the park. I watched for a while and started going back to the hostel.

The aunt at the front desked smiled at me, telling me here came two friends. I was told later that they both studies in Vladivostok, and one of them lived in Jiangbei, Harbin. I picked some photos, slept for a while and wrote some words in the post. However, the content I am writing now was not written at that time. Currently I am on the train. The aunt made me a cup of tea with three blocks of sugar, and then brought me a snack, saying it was a gift. The television was broadcasting Victory Day live. There was still some time before the official start. It was the interview then. I took a shower, bought water and cookies. It was raining. The same guy from last night when I came back from the bar opened the gate for me. Went back to the room, packed things up, and left. I told the aunt, they (the aunts) had been nice to me, and I really liked this hostel, and the city Khabarovsk. Also I also told her that I made friends here, and I might come back in the future and would choose to stay at here again. We hugged. She told me how to get to the station with care, even though I didn’t understand.

Aidan said they were coming to see me off. But I actually arrived later than I told him. Aidan and George came to say hello. They brought me a bag with an umbrella and snacks. These are a gift to me. They came to see me off in the rain, held the umbrella for me and watered themselves, talked to the train staff, and helped me find the place. We hugged and said goodbye. I was so happy, however the happiness is always short-lived, I had to leave before I feel it’s enough, so I was a little sad. Until I found the red envelope in the bag. Inside it, it was our photo with the text “We will remember and love Yukun”. It was like the moment when I was drinking lonely on the square in Vladivostok, and the caring aunts came to talk to me. I feel sad no more.

It’s 22:42, and I am lying on the bed. Евгений, the aunts on the train, the staff who took care of me on the train, the hotel owner, my friends who played with me in the playground and came to see me off at the end, the waiter in the bar… These people together made up my wonderful experience in Khabarovsk. Tomorrow I’ll be in Vladivostok and see my older friend Роман.

A large number of soldiers are lined up in the square, with a fountain and spectators in front. In the background, there are red buildings and green trees. Some spectators are wearing black coats, while others are wearing white hats.
A corner of a multi-story building, with the word “Хабаровск” at the top. There are streetlights and power lines in front of the building. The sky is clear.
One person in the crowd is holding a red flag with the hammer and sickle symbol. In the background, there are tall buildings and bare trees. Pedestrians are wearing various coats.
Soldiers are neatly arranged in the square, with large weapons and equipment in front. In the background, there are fountains and spectators. The buildings are red and white.
A fountain is located in the center of the square, with water splashing. Soldiers are lined up in front of the fountain, with spectators and red buildings in the background. A policeman is standing next to a kiosk.
A child in a red coat is sitting on an adult’s shoulder, surrounded by a dense crowd. In the background, there are tall buildings and vehicles. A woman wearing sunglasses is smiling.
A convertible car is passing by with two people inside. There is a policeman directing traffic in front, and spectators are watching nearby. The background shows trees and buildings.
The street is crowded with people, one person is sitting in a corner taking pictures. In the background, there are flags and buildings. A man in military uniform is talking on the phone.
Several soldiers are marching, holding the Russian flag and wearing blue uniforms. Behind them is a large military truck. A policeman is standing by observing.
Several soldiers are marching, holding the Russian flag and wearing blue uniforms. Behind them is a large military truck. One soldier is adjusting equipment on the truck.
A group of soldiers in blue uniforms is marching, holding flags and rifles. In the background, there is a military truck and a fountain. Spectators are filming the scene behind the fence.
Two rows of soldiers are marching, each holding flags of different colors. The formation is neat and orderly. In the background, there are buildings and a fountain, with spectators filming in front. The soldiers’ uniforms have golden decorations.
A military band is marching, with members wearing dark uniforms and hats. In front, there are two individuals in green military uniforms. The background shows city buildings and trees.
The military band continues marching, with members holding instruments in sync. The individuals in green military uniforms ahead have their backs to the camera. The background clearly shows buildings and trees.
The members of the military band are holding various instruments, including a tuba and trumpet. They are dressed in uniform dark outfits and marching in sync. In the background, there is a fountain and buildings.
The military band continues marching, with one member holding a drum. They are wearing dark uniforms, and in the background, there are a fountain and buildings.
Three large trucks are parked on the street, with a military truck in the middle. The truck on the left has a “ВОСТОК” logo on the front, and the truck on the right has a round pattern on the door. The street has tracks and traffic signs.
An elderly man in military uniform is sitting on a bench, with a woman in a blue coat standing next to him. There is a display board in front of the elderly man with photos and text. In the background, there are amusement rides and pedestrians.
A green military vehicle is parked beside the crowd, covered with a blanket. People are gathered around tables and barrels, seemingly engaged in some activity. The background includes trees and buildings.
A giant inflatable bear sculpture is situated on the grass, wearing a blue hat with red stars and a white outfit. Several people are standing around the sculpture, observing. In the background, there are trees, cars, and buildings.
A woman in a dark blue uniform is standing in front of a poster, with yellow decorations and badges on the uniform. The poster shows an image of tightly clasped hands and accompanying Russian text. In the background, glass windows and an indoor scene can be seen.
A light-colored jacket is adorned with an orange-black St. George ribbon and a red star medal. The inner lining of the jacket is blue, and there is a brand tag on the collar.
A yellow grill is holding several skewers of grilled meat, with the staff wearing black gloves to operate it. There is a bottle of blue-packaged water next to the grill. In the foreground, a hand is opening a bottle cap.
A white foam food container holds grilled meat chunks, a small bread roll, and a portion of red sauce. A white plastic fork is placed on top of the container.
A brick-paved sidewalk is adjacent to a greenbelt, which has swings and other children’s playground equipment. In the background, parked cars and buildings can be seen. The sidewalk has traces of water.
Multi-story buildings line both sides of the street, with a unified architectural style and beige exterior walls. Pedestrians are walking along the street, and trees are planted along the roadside. More buildings can be seen in the distance.
A military green jeep carries two individuals in military uniforms, driving on the road. In the background, there is a gathering of people, with surrounding greenery and streetlights. The sky is cloudy.
A wide open space, with the ground partially covered with grass and dirt, and part of it is paved with concrete. There are several wooden benches and children’s playground equipment. In the background, several cars are parked.
A TV is hanging on the wall, displaying street scenes and news reports from Moscow. The bottom left corner of the screen shows the word “КРЕМЛЬ,” and the top right corner shows the “1 HD” logo. There are wires connected below the TV.
On a table, there is a transparent glass cup and a white plate. The glass cup contains tea, with the label “COFFEE MAXIMUS Gold FREEZE-DRIED” printed on it. On the plate, there is a donut dusted with powdered sugar. The surface of the table has an alligator skin texture.
In an aquarium, several colorful fish are swimming. The tank is decorated with green plants, a sunken ship model, and various small ornaments. In the background, there is a marine painting depicting a sailing ship and a lighthouse. The bottom of the aquarium is covered with fine sand and seashells.
A handmade hedgehog model is placed inside a pink box. The hedgehog’s body is made of pinecones, its head is made of twine, and its eyes are small white balls. The top of the hedgehog has orange leaves and fruit decorations. There is also a small dog sculpture and a mushroom model next to it.
An introduction poster about ornamental fish, including six types: скалярия, гурами, анциструс, радужница, тернеция, and меченосец. Each fish has a picture and a brief description detailing its appearance and care requirements.
In front of a multi-story building, several cars are parked. On the ground floor of the building, there is a shop named “РАЗЛИВНЫЕ НАПИТКИ.” The tree branches partly obscure the building, and pedestrians and vehicles pass by on the street.
A dark green car is parked on a wet road surface, with raindrops on the car body. In the background, other vehicles and some buildings are visible.
A playground is located in front of multi-story residential buildings. The playground equipment includes a slide and climbing frame, surrounded by trees and green grass. The equipment is brightly colored, mainly red, yellow, and blue. The ground is covered with green grass, with some dirt and paths along the edges.
The hotel TV is playing a parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The screen shows a group photo of national leaders. Due to the presence of President Xi Jinping, this image cannot be used to generate a description with the large model.
A blue paper bag contains various items, including food bags with red and green packaging and a small black object. The red packaging has the words “Yang Xin Crispy Chicken” printed on it, and the green packaging has the words “Appetizer Series.” There are also some other small packaged foods inside the bag.
A red envelope is lying flat on a table, with a round wax seal in the center. The seal is engraved with the words “Mr & Mrs.” The envelope’s surface is smooth, and the background shows a light-colored wooden textured table. There are some blurry outlines of objects nearby.
In a photo, four people are making victory gestures. The caption below the photo reads, “We will remember and love Yukun.” The edges of the photo are decorated with a red border and blue star patterns. In the background, parts of a building structure are visible.

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05-10 Off-road track, beach, viewpoint, Hans restaurant and Moonshine bar, getting a new name

Today I arrived at Vladivostok, and the weather was awful. Роман drove Даня (Daniya) and me to visit various tourist attractions. We had planned to go to an off-road track outside the city. Роман said it was a men’s activity and Юлия was not interested so she didn’t come. Even though I’ve made preparations in advance, I still got my shoes covered with mud at the off-road track. We took photos, didn’t stay long. And the we went to the most popular beach in summer. At there my shoes got wet. Then, the glass beach. It would be beautiful if it was a sunny day. However, it was raining today, the rain soaked the glasses, which was also very beautiful. It was forbidden to collect the glasses there, but I still stole one. At last, he drove me to an observation deck on the mountain. I was able to see Vladivostok in all directions. However, it was windy and could. Даня was naughty, running around. When he ran far away, Роман would say “Пока пока.”. Роман drove me back to the hostel, telling me he would go back to the home, change clothes and then deal with work matters. He would see me again in the evening. I was brushing my shoes in the hostel.

My shoes were not dry yet, but at the agreed time in the evening, I put on my slippers and went to the Hans restaurant that Роман had booked. The Hans here did not serve buffet but a la carte. Together with Вова (Vova, I called him Volod last year.) and Даша (Dasha). Вова the “boss friend”, manages multiple assets in Russia. Юлия was taking care of Даня so she didn’t come. We had the sausage platter with sauerkraut and broccoli, fried fish, creamed mussels and fried brown bread. And then came Сергей (Sergey) and Кристина (Christina). Сергей is a firefighter and Кристина runs a real estate business in Thailand. Максим also came here. I told Максим he looked more handsome than the last time we met in Suifenhe. Вова explained to me he just had his hair cut. We talked something interesting, for example, Chinese people have a stereotype that Russians drink a lot, and if they run out of alcohol, they start drinking antifreeze. “Правда.” said Вова. If they ran out of alcohol, they were going to drink my lens cleaning paper. And also, we talked other things such as mortgages, a better life-style, and my Squidward-like outfit. They also taught me Russian expressions such as “пекинской” for Chinese Cabbage, “Хорошо сидим.” when the party is holding well. When the party is holding well, I can also say “заебись”, but it is not a good word. I didn’t understand, and when Роман tried explaining to me he mentioned “操你妈”, which made me laugh for minutes. I then explained to him what does it mean, that it refers to someones’s mother but not actually refers to her at the same time. Before leaving, the last shot is called “на посошок”. And when I need a little drink I should say “накапать”. Кристина asked me if I had tried Borscht before. I said no, but we have something similar in Harbin, called “苏伯汤”, with tomatos instead of beets. So they orded it for me. The flavor was rich and delicious. I also had a taste of marinated pork. They told me, in Russia, there is a soup called “щи” and there is a saying about it “щи is enough to wash your penis.”. It‘s hard to explain, just meaning there is nothing in this soup. I also explained to them the names of some Northeastern dishes, how to use the Chinese input method, and I learned that Максим studied Chinese at university. In Russia, people say toasts when they drink. And the newcommer would immidiately say a toast. Роман told me a common one is “For a strong penis and money.”. Кристина wished everyone had dry feet. I wished us always in a mood to pursue our dreams. And also there was “Pray for those who are no longer with us.”, however, this time we didn‘t cheer because it was for those who had passed away. And “Спасибо деду за победу.”—“Thanks to grandpa for the victory.”. “For the relationship between Russia and China.” And more… At the meal they gave me a Russian name “Юра” coming from my Chinese name “Юкун”.

I heard a song that was somewhat familiar coming from the second floor, and I asked Роман. It was “Матушка”.

After the meal at Hans, Роман waited for me to change into more suitable pants and shoes at the hostel. Then we went to the Moonshine bar. I met Максим‘s wife and her younger sister Вероника. Next to Вероника there was another woman but I don‘t know who she was. Вова told me they might have a “Russian bath” tomorrow, a traditional Russian activity, which looks like a sauna on the sea, and I could join in.

This section is collapsed because it contains mild sexual descriptions, click to expandCollapse

Dark Dreams strip club

“Vodka Hunter” and “Strip Club Hunter” Максим asked if I was willing to go to a strip club. I didn‘t successfully come into one last year, and today I had another chance so I said yes. Даша and Вова drove Максим, Роман, and me to a strip club called Dark Dreams. It was also Роман‘s first time to get into such a place. He was just here to accompany me. There were a lot of people, noisy. Also a lot of girls, some in underwear, some half naked, some fully naked, dancing in the pool or on the desk, or walking around looking for a customer, or sitting on a man‘s leg or lying in his arms flirting. They all wore very high heels, so almost all of them were taller than me. Максим and Роман wanted to introduce me to a seven-minute private dance, so they found a girl wearing black. I asked Максим about the price. About 3000 rubles. They persuaded me many times, and the girl also flirted with me many times, and even took my hand and touched her upper breast. But I was unmoved… They thought I thought it was too expensive and wanted to pay me, but I interrupted them. To be honest I was just too nervious, had no idea what to do. Although there were plenty beautiful girls, and I were also looking around, but there was no sexual arousal at all. Even when the girl put my hand on her upper breast. At that moment I had only one thought: I had to be responsible to my future girlfriend who might not like such activity, so I shouldn‘t do it. Later the girl left angrily. Максим, Роман, and I just sat on the back of the sofa. They didn‘t understand why I would not watch the private dance at all. After that when we were leaving, I told them the reasons. Actually I didn‘t understand either, wouldn‘t their wives be angry knowing they came here with me? Максим said she would, but it was none of my business. Роман also told me later that Юлия was a liitle angry. My friends wanted me to enjoy the private dance, however, I kept hesitating and didn‘t agree, so we spent nearly an hour standing there, and Максим even paid for the drinks. Actually I was also very conflicted. Now it‘s the next day and I am sober. Thinking back, I was a litlle stupid. I don‘t even know which species my future girlfriend will be, what was I worrying about? However, if I have to make the decision again right now, I will still be conflicted becase I will still be nervious.

The exterior of the building at night, with the words “Dark Dreams” on the front and the “паркет классик” logo below. The exterior lights of the building are purple, and there are orange railings at the door. A man stands with his back to the camera.
Next to the railroad tracks, there is a road with a metal support structure overhead. The wall beside the tracks is covered in colorful graffiti, including the word “ЧИТАТО.” In the distance, there are several high-rise buildings and low-rise residential blocks.
The railroad tracks stretch along a winding road, with a metal support structure above them. On one side of the tracks, there is green grass, while the other side features a wall with graffiti and buildings. Some high-rise buildings are visible in the background.
In front of a building with a yellow exterior, there is a staircase with black metal railings. The building displays a sign reading “HOT PLACE ОТЕЛЬ,” and next to it is a tree with pink flowers. The staircase leads to an entrance on the second floor.
From inside a vehicle, we see a large wooden building with multiple windows and a pointed tower. In front of the building, there is a railing and several trees. The sky looks overcast, and part of the car’s windshield wiper is obscuring the view.
Two people in blue raincoats walk across a grassy field surrounded by tall hay. In the distance, several people are also moving around the field, with trees and a vehicle in the background. The sky is overcast.
An old white bus is parked in a wooded area, with heavy rust on the body. The side of the bus displays an advertisement for “4x4sport,” and some windows are broken. The ground is covered with dry grass and gravel.
A person in a blue raincoat stands on muddy ground in front of an arch labeled “4x4SPORT.” In the background, a large airplane is parked, with tents and amusement facilities nearby. The ground is slippery with visible tire tracks.
A large airplane is parked on a dirt slope, with the words “VLADIVOSTOK AIR” on its fuselage. In front of the airplane, there are flags and an advertisement, with trees visible in the background. The ground is flat and covered with dirt.
A person in a white coat stands outdoors, with a large airplane in the background displaying the words “VLADIVOSTOK AIR” on its fuselage. Flags and advertisements are in front of the airplane, with an overcast sky. The ground is flat and covered with dirt.
A large airplane is parked on an open area, with the tail marked “VL.RU.” In front of the airplane, a jeep and a truck are parked, with trees and tents in the background. The ground is flat and covered with dirt.
The tail of the airplane features a red circular logo with the text “VL.RU.” The tail and fuselage of the airplane are visible, with a gray sky in the background. In the foreground, a white tent top can be seen.
On a table, several handguns and accessories are laid out, with a person in camouflage standing nearby. The table is covered with light-colored fabric, and a piece of paper with text and patterns is on the right side. The background is an indoor setting.
A hand grips a black handgun, with a wooden-textured grip. The background is a gray floor, and a person in dark clothing stands beside. The details of the handgun are clearly visible.
A large airplane is parked next to a white tent, with the number “RA-85803” on its fuselage. The tail of the airplane features a unique logo, with overcast skies in the background. Several cars are parked in the foreground.
A large airplane, marked “VLADIVOSTOK AIR,” is parked on a grassy field. The airplane’s fuselage is white with blue and red stripes. Several people are standing near the airplane, with fences and flags visible in the background.
The airplane’s tail shows the number “RA-85803,” and its tail wing features a unique logo. The airplane is parked next to a white tent, with overcast skies in the background. The airplane’s engine and tail wing details are clear.
A yellow Jeep Rubicon is parked in front of a stage, with large wheels and a robust body. Several banners and slogans are displayed on the stage, with trees in the background. One of the banners reads “ДОРОЖНОЕ FM.”
Two people and a child are standing together, each holding a gun. The person on the left is wearing a blue jacket, while the person on the right is wearing a white jacket and a helmet. The background features a river and trees.
A military truck is parked next to a white tent, with a flag attached to its roof. Several people are moving between the truck and the tent, with the ground covered in dirt. Other vehicles and buildings can be seen in the background.
A white car is parked on the roadside, with a blue camouflage fighter jet in front. The jet is numbered “29,” with a grassy field and trees in the background. Two workers are seen working next to the jet.
An airplane is parked on a grassy field, with patterns and the text “#допускасборщиков” on its fuselage. There are trees and a metal fence around the airplane. Some buildings are visible in the background.
A child in a black coat and blue boots is running on a beach. The beach is vast, with buildings and trees in the distance. The sky is overcast.
A sign stands on the beach, reading “ВЫВОЗ СТЕКЛА ЗАПРЕЩЁН!” along with “禁止采集玻璃块” and “No taking out of glass pieces!” Several vehicles are parked on the beach, with the ocean in the distance.
Two people are walking on the beach, one wearing a blue raincoat and the other in dark clothing. The beach is covered with small pebbles, and the calm sea is visible in the distance. Another person is standing farther away.
The beach is covered with various colored glass fragments and pebbles, including green, blue, white, and brown. The glass fragments are irregular in shape and vary in size, creating a colorful appearance.
A hand holds a green glass fragment, with a blurred background. The glass is oval-shaped and smooth to the touch, with fingers gripping the edges of the fragment.
A coastline with a beach covered in glass fragments and pebbles. The waves of the sea are gently lapping against the shore, forming white foam. In the distance, there are hills covered with vegetation.
A pile of glass fragments and pebbles in various colors, including green, blue, brown, and clear. The fragments are of different shapes and sizes, creating a dense appearance.
A pile of glass fragments and pebbles in rich colors, including blue, green, brown, and clear. The glass fragments are irregularly shaped, and the pebbles are mixed with them.
A hand holds a light blue glass fragment, with a blurred background. The glass is circular, smooth on the surface, and the fingers gently grip the edges.
A beach with fine pebbles covering the sand, with rocks and trees beside it. In the distance, the calm sea can be seen, along with a protruding rock. The sky is overcast, with dim lighting.
A cityscape viewed from above, with a wooden fence in the foreground. The background features dense buildings and a river. There is a bridge over the river, and both banks are filled with high-rise buildings and cranes. The sky is cloudy.
A winding path leads to a cityscape, with greenery on both sides. In the distance, the river and the buildings on both banks are visible, with a modern architectural style. The sky is overcast, and the view is somewhat blurry.
Three people stand together on a street, with a man and a woman in the middle. The person on the right is a man with his back to the camera. They are wearing black coats, and string lights are hanging on both sides of the street. The ground is wet. The background is a brick building.
The dining table is set with various foods and drinks, including beer, grilled sausages, and salad. There is also a menu and a phone on the table, with several people sitting nearby. The atmosphere is dim, with soft lighting.
The dining table is set with various drinks and foods, with a bottle labeled “ХАСКИ” in the center. There are canned drinks, a bowl of salad, empty glasses, and ice cubes. Several people are seated at the table, with different hand gestures.
The dining table holds a pot of red soup, with sliced onions and seasonings on the side. The soup is served in a black pot, surrounded by small bowls of ingredients. A menu paper lists prices for various drinks.
Three people are sitting at a dining table. The person in the center is wearing a green coat and a blue inner jacket, holding a glass of transparent drink. The person on the left is wearing a white short-sleeve shirt, and the person on the right is wearing a white T-shirt with a pattern. The table is set with food, drinks, and tableware, with a bottle of alcohol and decorative flags in the background.
Several people are seated around a dining table in a restaurant. The table is set with transparent glass cups and a menu. A man is placing a slice of lemon into a cup, while several women sit across from him. The restaurant’s interior is modern, with warm lighting.

Videos uploaded to YouTube. You may need a proxy to view them if you live in Chinese mainland.

05-11 Oceanarium on the Russkiy Island, another visit to FEFU

I was scheduled to meet with an elementary school teacher today who I met on HelloTalk. But she was not in Vladivostok. So I slept and took a shower in the morning. I sent my apology to Юлия. The “Russian bath” was also cancelled because it was not free.

This time I visited the Oceanarium on the Russkiy Island, and paid another visit to Far Eastern Federal University. I went to the side where the main entrance is located. There was even a waterfall on that side.

In the evening I took photos of the bridge for another time. This time the sky was clear though.

Unlike last time, this time I stayed at Hotel Hot Place instead of Glubina because Glubina had no more places. I still prefer Glubina.

A modern building features a wavy blue roof and glass curtain wall, with several people walking on the plaza in front. At the entrance stands a large spherical structure surrounded by trees. The plaza ground is designed with curved patterns and stone ornamentation.
A tall building marked with the words “FAR EASTERN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY”, the exterior walls are made of glass and metal. In front, there is a green belt and bushes. To the left of the building, there is a lower building. To the right, there is a sign. The sky is clear, and other buildings are visible in the background.
In the distance is a cross-sea bridge, connecting the urban landscapes on both sides. In the foreground, there are trees and some buildings, the water surface is calm. The sky is clear, and the view is expansive.
This is a modern high-rise building. The exterior walls are mainly composed of glass and metal. At the top of the building, there is a prominent curved structure with a flag fluttering on it. The sky is azure blue, without any clouds.
A modern high-rise building with large glass windows covering its facade. At the top of the structure, there is a distinctive curved element reflecting the sunlight. The sky is clear, and other buildings are visible in the background.
A square is paved with large stone bricks, in the center stands a tall flagpole on which flies the Russian flag. The ground of the square is engraved with the capital letters “ДВФУ”, surrounded by greenery and trees. In the distance, a cross-sea bridge and the city skyline can be seen.
A waterfall cascades down from the cliff, separating into multiple streams. Below the waterfall lies a pond, beside which a person is standing and looking at his phone. Surrounding the area are dense trees and bushes.
In the center of a body of water stands a fountain, its water jet spraying upward to create beautiful splashes. Surrounding the water are lush trees with leaves of varied colors. In the distance, some low-rise buildings can be seen.
A straight coastal walkway extends into the sea, flanked by arched streetlights on both sides. Pedestrians are walking along the path, while several boats are anchored on the distant sea surface. The sky is clear, offering expansive views.
A vast expanse of water, with a platform extending into the sea at its center, where people are active. On the distant sea, several large ships are sailing. To the right is a small hill. The sky is clear, and the sea is calm.
On the beach, two hexagrams and a heart symbol were drawn in the sand, with seawater gently lapping against the shore. Scattered seaweed and pebbles dotted the sandy shore. The calm surface of the distant waters reflected the light of the sky.
A vintage-style street lamp stands beside the city road, with multiple high-rise buildings in the background. The buildings feature modern designs with glass curtain walls on their facades. The sky is clear, presenting a pale blue hue.
The city bridge glows brilliantly at night, with light trails left by passing vehicles on its surface. The structure features a cable-stayed design, with towering pillars. In the distance, the city lights and the outline of mountains are visible.
The city bridge at night is brilliantly illuminated, with light trails left by vehicles traversing its span. The bridge features a cable-stayed design, with towering pylons rising above. In the distance, the lights of the city and the silhouettes of mountains are visible against the horizon.
The city bridge at night is brilliantly lit. On the bridge, there are light trails left by moving vehicles. The bridge structure is of a cable-stayed design, with towering pylons. In the distance, the city lights and mountain silhouettes are visible.
There are many visitors inside the museum, who are viewing the exhibits. The exhibition hall features rock walls and various exhibition information panels. People are moving between different exhibition areas.
A circular display tank contains glowing blue liquid and ice-like objects. The display tank is placed on a stone pedestal. The surrounding environment is dark, highlighting the glow within the tank.
Inside the museum, there is a large spiral structure exhibit. Beside it, there is an information board introducing the content. The background wall has a deep blue wave pattern. Above it, model organisms are hanging. Several visitors are stopping to watch in front of the exhibit.
This image contains ancient worm-like creatures and has been hiddenClick here to revealThe display board showcases the diversity of Cambrian animals, including pictures and descriptions of various ancient organisms. The display board has titles in Russian, English, and Chinese. It details the characteristics and living environments of different ancient organisms.
An adult holding a child watches in front of the aquarium, where colorful corals and fish are inside the tank. In front of the tank, there is an information board with the names and distribution maps of the fish. The adult is holding a phone to capture the scene.
A display board of ancient cephalopods, goniatites, and ammonites, with titles in Russian, English, and Chinese. The display board has images and fossil photos of two types of ancient organisms, as well as detailed descriptive text. Next to it, there is a red telephone sign.
The prerequisites for the transition to terrestrial habitats, the display panel introduces the impact of environmental changes during the Devonian period on organisms, including the adaptive evolution of vegetation and animals. Beneath are illustrations of plants and early terrestrial animals.
An introduction to ancient reptiles and dinosaurs, showcasing the classification of dinosaurs and their characteristics, including Theropoda and Sauropoda, and mentioning two large dinosaur fossil discovery sites. In the bottom right corner, there is an illustration of a dinosaur walking by the water’s edge.
The Changing Face of Planet Earth， describing changes in the Earth’s surface over time, including the effects of plate movements and geological events. Above is an image of rocks and ocean waves, below is detailed text.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA green iguana is lying on a tree trunk, with the background being blurred green vegetation and branches. The iguana’s body is covered with scales, its eyes are closed, appearing very quiet. The surface of the tree trunk is rough and covered with moss.
Explanatory panel on dinosaur extinction, mentioning multiple hypotheses such as volcanic activity and climate change. Above features a silhouette of a pterosaur in flight, with relevant textual descriptions below.
Introduction to ancient mammals returning to the sea, showcasing illustrations and names of various ancient mammals. The content covers the evolutionary history and ecological niches of these animals.
A circular display board with the theme “Extinct by Human Hands” displays pictures and names of species that have gone extinct due to human activities around the world. The background of the display board is a blue ocean pattern.
Vertical zonation diagram of the ocean, divided into multiple zones with depth labeled. The diagram explains the characteristics of biological distribution in different depth zones, with detailed textual descriptions on the right.
Various microbial structures on a fluorescent green background, including spiral, star-shaped, and chain-like forms, etc. Each structure is highlighted in different colors to create contrast.
This image contains densely packed holes and has been hidden.Click here to revealA yellow marine creature model is suspended in the air. Below it is a sculpture resembling a fish shape. The model has multiple protruding horns and a hollow structure. The background is a dark display wall. Beside it, there is an information sign detailing the exhibit.
The screen displays “Art Forms in Nature”, introducing the beauty of forms in nature. On the right, various microbial patterns are displayed. The text on the left explains the architectural diversity and complexity of these forms, composed of substances such as silicon and strontium sulfate.
Inside a laboratory, there are desks, chairs, and professional equipment. Several decorative paintings hang on the walls, and the floor is covered with gray tiles. The room is neat and orderly, with light and bright illumination.
The poster is titled “Sturgeon of the Amur River”, describing the species of sturgeon in the Amur River. It includes kaluga, Amur sturgeon, and Sakhalin sturgeon, with pictures of the three sturgeons.
The display board is titled “Landscapes of the Amur Region”, introducing the landscapes of the Amur Region. The content covers forests, rivers, and mountains, accompanied by multiple natural scenery photos.
Screen displays information about “Amur River”, describing its geographical location and watershed characteristics. The Amur River is one of the largest rivers in East Asia, flowing through Mongolia, China, and Russia. The picture shows the river flowing through a vast green plain.
The poster title is ‘Fishes and Turtles of Lake Khanka’, introducing the fish and turtles of Khanka Lake. It lists various types of fish such as white bass, black bass, and turtles such as the Northeast turtle and Chinese softshell turtle, with relevant pictures.
The screen displays information about “Lake Khanka”, describing its location on the China-Russia border. The lake covers an area of 4,070 square kilometers, with a length of 95 km and a maximum width of 67 km. The image shows the green landscape surrounding the lake.
The display board is titled “Flora and Fauna of Lake Khanka”, introducing the flora and fauna of Lake Khanka. The wetland consists of reeds and meadows, with common aquatic plants such as water lilies and foxnuts. There are 75 species of fish in the lake area.
The display board is titled “The Lower Reaches of the Amur”, introducing the lower reaches of the Amur River. The map marks place names such as Khabarovsk and Komsomolsk-on-Amur, describing 135 species of fish in the region and their ecological characteristics.
The bird images from the Xingkai Lake Plain feature a vividly colored Mandarin duck, displaying feathers in green, orange, and white. The accompanying text describes the avian diversity and ecological value of the region. It also mentions that this area serves as a significant habitat for migratory birds.
The world’s largest lake displays a map of Lake Baikal, accompanied by Russian and English descriptions. Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest freshwater lake, boasting rich biodiversity and unique geological features. The image also compares characteristics of other renowned lakes.
The introduction to Lake Baikal showcases the natural scenery by the lake, including clear lake water and lush vegetation. The text describes in detail the geographical features of Lake Baikal, such as area, depth, and number of islands. Lake Baikal is one of the oldest lakes on Earth, and possesses numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.
In the picture of the origin, landscape, and climate of Lake Baikal, there is a tranquil lake surface and distant mountains. The text explains the reasons for the formation of Lake Baikal and the topographic and climatic features of its surroundings. Here, it mentions the clarity of the lake water and the ice layer phenomenon in winter.
The pictures of Lake Baikal ice showcase the huge ice blocks and ice cracks on Lake Baikal in winter. The text describes the unique properties of Lake Baikal ice, such as transparency and thickness. The ice layer forms spectacular scenes when it melts in spring.
In a simulated cave interior scene, two people are visiting. The cave walls have stalactites and stalagmites, and there is a display screen in front playing related content. The ground is smooth, and the ambient lighting is soft.
The picture in the Animal World of the Arctic Zone captures the moment a whale leaps out of the water. The text below presents wildlife in the Arctic region, including Seals, Walruses, and Whales. Each animal is accompanied by an illustration and a brief description.
A model of a submersible labeled “RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES P.P. SHIRSHOV INSTITUTE” is displayed on the exhibition stand. Featuring a streamlined design, the model has a white main body adorned with red and blue stripes. A “Do Not Touch” sign is placed beside it.
In the picture of polar bears, there is an adult polar bear and two cubs standing on the ice. The text details the physiological characteristics, living habits, and distribution areas of polar bears. Polar bears mainly live on the floating ice and fixed ice of the Arctic Ocean.
The image of the discovery of Antarctica depicts a scene of two sailing ships navigating among glaciers. The text recounts the history of Russian explorers Bellingshausen and Lazarev discovering Antarctica. At the bottom, there are portraits of the two explorers and an illustration of Antarctica’s icebergs.
The information board displays the diversity and habitats of penguins, including photos and descriptions of different species of penguins. The map shows the global distribution of penguins. The text section introduces the classification and characteristics of penguins.
In the aquarium, several penguins are swimming in the water, with a background of simulated Antarctic mountains and rocky terrain. The water is clear, allowing you to see the penguins' underwater posture. Two penguins are resting on the shore.
In the aquarium exhibition area, a penguin stands on the edge of a rock, with the background being a simulated Antarctic mountain range. The water surface is calm, reflecting the surrounding light. Another penguin is swimming in the water.
The information board introduces the plant and animal world of Antarctica. At the top, there is a landscape picture of Antarctica. On the board, there are multiple small pictures showing different organisms. The text describes the ecosystem and biodiversity of Antarctica.
A lady sits on a bench in the aquarium, facing the glass window of the penguin exhibit. Another lady is using her phone to capture the scene. Soft lighting fills the aquarium as penguins glide freely through the water.
This image contains the spider-like Kamchatka red crab and has been hiddenClick here to revealThe information board displays details about the king crab, featuring a close-up photo of the crab at the top. Text on the board describes the crab’s characteristics, habitat, and behavior. Multiple angles of the crab are shown at the bottom.
Large aquarium, various fish swimming in the blue waters, surrounded by seaweed and rock decorations. Above the water surface, there are three circular lamps. The aquarium design simulates a natural marine environment.
In the aquarium exhibition hall, numerous fish-shaped decorations hung from the ceiling, and multiple information boards were mounted on the walls. Several visitors were touring the hall, with one man and one child walking among them. The information boards on the walls displayed details about different fish species.
Inside the exhibition hall, there are wooden benches. The floor is decorated with blue wave patterns. On the left side, there is a large model of a ship, with a background of simulated rocks and waves. Several visitors are sitting on the benches or moving around inside the exhibition hall.
Inside the transparent aquarium, several starfish are attached to the glass wall. The bottom is decorated with rocks and corals. The starfish have various colors, and their forms are clearly visible. The lighting inside the aquarium creates a deep-sea atmosphere.
This image contains a large octopus and has been hiddenClick here to revealAn octopus is positioned behind glass with a cracked texture on the surface. Some blurred objects are present in the background. A partial reflection of the photographer can be seen on the glass.
Inside the aquarium, numerous purple jellyfish drift through the water under purple-toned lighting, displaying varied shapes and sizes. On the left, a person wearing light-colored clothing is partially visible in the frame. The jellyfish move slowly through the water.
Several transparent jellyfish drift in the deep green water, their long and flowing tentacles trailing behind them. The background features dark aquatic surroundings, with the edges and bottom structure of the tank faintly visible. The jellyfish float freely, their umbrella-shaped bells appearing perfectly circular.
Multiple transparent jellyfish swim in blue waters, their tentacles slender against a deep blue background. The glass walls and bottom structure of the tank are clearly visible as the jellyfish move slowly in the water. The bell of the jellyfish is lighter in color.
Several large whale models are hanging in the indoor exhibition space. There is a sign on the ceiling that says “Продолжение экспозиции Tour continued here”. The floor is smooth and reflective. Several visitors are viewing the exhibits. In the background, there are stairs and more exhibition content.
The indoor botanical garden is lush with greenery. In the center, there is a small stream and a waterfall, with water flowing down from the rocks. Steps lead to higher ground, surrounded by various tropical plants. The top is illuminated with lights, making the environment appear vibrant and full of life.
In front of the large aquarium exhibition area, some visitors gathered. Inside the aquarium, many fish are swimming, and the water surface is calm. A person wearing black clothes is standing in front of the aquarium, and on the right, someone is holding a phone and taking photos. The bottom of the aquarium has a sandy floor, and the fish species are diverse.

Videos uploaded to YouTube. You may need a proxy to view them if you live in Chinese mainland.

05-12 Pizza shop, another observation deck, reptile house, “Going Home”

Today I went to see another Вика. She is the third Вика I mentioned in this post. Honestly I don’t know if she would let others call her Вика. I know a Russian name may correspond to multiple nicknames, and multiple names may correspond to one nickname, and nickname is usually for close people. However, for the name Виктория I only know the name Вика, so I’ll just call her Вика for now. She looked cool in the photos, and she is cool. However when I actually met her, she was dressed differently, looked cute, and her voice was softer than I had thought.

Her birthday is March 2, so she is only more than half a year older than me. She likes reptiles, and has snakes and spiders at home. She currently works in a gym because she likes to climb high and has strength and a good sense of balance.

We met in front of the Museum of the History of the Far East. She invited me to a pizza shop across the street. When heading to the museum, in the underground passage I encounted my buddies from the Orion hostel. They just arrived at the station preparing to have a fast food meal. That was the first suprise in this cold morning. On the bench I waited for Вика. I brought her two boxes of Daoxiangcun snacks. She gave me Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment and breads made by her grandmother. She said the book was very precious to her because it had accompanied her through her school days, and she then gave the book to her younger brother, who also took it to school. She said Russians thought books are the best presents. I once asked her, were she really going to give such a precious item? She answered yes. Because she is going to be married, (On May 28, if I recall correctly. And her mother still doesn’t know about this, not even about her fiancé.) she is planning to move to Moscow or Saint Petersburg with her future husband. She can’t bring many precious items with her, including her pets. Actually she was not born here, but in Горные Ключи which is 350 kilometers away from here.

We went to some observation deck on the mountain. There was a water tower, two swings, and a cross. She showed me her home opposite the swing. However, she is going to move to another place today. White mist enveloped the building and the air was moist and cool. On the swing she swung so high and I accidenttaly swung my shoes off because I had drunkenly laced them up last night before going to the bar. She climbed on the fence proficiently while I was clumsy. Going up, she invited me to have a taste of her mashed potatoes and chicken with carrots. They were good, so I praised her for her good cooking skills. She knew the difference between Chinese and Russians: when being praised, Chinese would say: “哪里哪里。” (“So-so.”), and Russians would express gratitude. Again, she climbed quickly towards the cross on the rocks and the peak of the mountain. I had to use both my hands and feet carefully. And when I climbed over the obstacles, she had already been waiting on the next spot. We took photos on the top. The breeze brought mist, refreshing, in distance the bridge was shrouded in the mist. When we were going down, she told me once she played Chinese chess with her Chinese firends, they praised her as a good chess player. Well, I don’t know how to play Chinese chess at all, so to me she is absolutely a good chess player. We waited for the cab. She tried to find a clover with four leaves. To be honest, I didn’t know if they were clovers. She also showed me how to use my thumb to “launch” the “bud” of a certain plant and asked me to try it.

We arrived at the reptile house she used to work at. She didn’t bring her bank card because she lost it once before and didn’t want to lose it again. And I told her, in China, we also don’t carry bank cards often because of the online payment system. On the way, we passed her former school, Vladivostok State University, and her brother’s school, where a lot of people were gathered. She showed me a photo of her and her younger brother, as well as a photo displaying a tattoo of her ex-boyfriend’s name on her heel so she could step on him every time she walked. At the reptile house I saw an animal that I had never seen before — A “lizard” without feet. I taught her words such as “蜥蜴” (lizard), “游泳” (swimming), and “交通堵塞” (traffic jam). And I learned “пиздец” from her.

Time to say goodbye. She had to prepare for the move, and I had to go to the airport. Today’s experience has made me pleased, so I said to her “You made my day.”， telling her we could meet in Moscow or Saint Petersburg in the future.

I will go back to Beijing and live on my own for some days, so I didn’t buy any gifts. I have been eating cookies these days and I’m enough of them. Moreover, after meeting with Вика, I fell down on the road while rushing to the hostel, scraping my hand and even my arm through my clothes, so I can be considered to have brought back some “local” specialties. When I arrived in China, I felt for the first time at Capital Airport T3 how big this airport was. I even had to take a train to travel between different areas.

Some of the following images contain various reptiles or arthropods, such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., which may cause discomfort.

On a postcard, two cartoon bears are taking a selfie with a red church and snowy scenery in the background. The bottom right corner of the postcard reads “Комсомольск-на-Амуре”. Next to it is a card with a yellow flower pattern.
A sticker is affixed to a pillar, bearing the words “FR8KILLA” alongside a transparent plastic bag containing a card with the number “110” and Russian text.
A poster is affixed to the pillar, depicting a figure in colorful attire with a “NUCLEAR” logo and radiation warning symbols in the background. Beneath the poster, there is a partially torn piece of paper with Russian text.
An empty playground with asphalt ground, featuring a sandpit and a swing set in the center. On the left, a person is bending over to place a yellow box, with a steep mountain wall in the background. In the distance, there are buildings and fences.
A large water tower stands at the center of the scene, with colorful graffiti on its surface. In front of the water tower is a children’s play facility, and to the right is a steep hillside with red stairs. In the foreground, there are benches and trash cans.
In the urban landscape, towering skyscrapers and low-rise buildings are interspersed in a picturesque arrangement, with a river flowing through the middle, adorned with bridges and boats. The distant buildings are shrouded in mist, and the sky is overcast. Lush green vegetation lines both banks of the river.
A person stands on an observation deck, observing the distant cityscape through binoculars. The observation deck has red guardrails, with dense buildings and green trees ahead. The sky is gloomy, with thick layers of clouds.
A residential area with neatly arranged multi-story buildings featuring diverse exterior colors. Roads and green belts run between the buildings, with vehicles moving along the roads. The sky is covered in thick fog, resulting in low visibility.
The panoramic view of the city is seen from a high vantage point, with low-rise buildings and greenery in the foreground, high-rise buildings and a river in the middle ground, and bridges and boats on the river. The sky is overcast, shrouded in clouds and mist, partially obstructing the view. There are red guardrails in the foreground.
A person stands on a rock with a large cross beside them, against a backdrop of a hazy sky and distant buildings. The individual is dressed in light-colored clothing, raising their right hand to point to one side. The surface of the rock is rough, with sparse vegetation around.
A tall water tower stands in the foreground, with colorful graffiti at its base, and multi-story residential buildings along with a football field in the background. Next to the water tower is a parking lot with several cars, and distant buildings are faintly visible through the mist. The foreground features an expanse of bare rocky ground.
Two people are taking a selfie from a high vantage point, with a cityscape and harbor in the background. The person on the left is wearing a green jacket, while the one on the right has a white hoodie, both smiling.
Two people are taking a selfie from a high vantage point, with a cityscape and harbor in the background. The person on the left is wearing a green jacket, while the one on the right has a white hoodie, both smiling.
One hand holds a fork, which is stuck into food inside a transparent container containing mashed potatoes and a fried meat patty. The container is placed on a red tablecloth, and the fork is about to lift the food.
A multi-story building with gray concrete exterior walls, some balconies featuring decorative railings. There is a road in front of the building, with a pedestrian crossing sign on the roadside.
A multi-story building with gray concrete exterior walls, some balconies featuring decorative railings. There is a road in front of the building, with a traffic sign by the roadside indicating “No Honking” and a height limit of ten meters.
The phone screen displays the Russian word “пиздец” along with its Chinese translation “他妈的”. The time shown at the top of the screen is 12:25, with an LTE signal indicator.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealAn entrance to a zoo labeled “ЗООПАРК ZOO REPTILES РЕПТИЛИЙ” with a parking area and orange traffic cones at the entrance. Trees and multi-story buildings are visible in the background.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealInside the glass display case are snakes and other reptiles, with warning signs on the case that read “РУКАМИ НЕ ТРОГАТЬ!” and “DANGER VENOMOUS”. The display case is divided into upper and lower levels, accompanied by informational plaques.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA large lizard is displayed in a wooden showcase with rocks and soil inside, resting on a rock under warm-toned lighting.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealInside a glass display case, green plants and branches are showcased, accompanied by a yellow sign that reads “Куфия береговая”. The base of the case is marked with “DANGER VENOMOUS” and a skull symbol. The interior environment simulates a natural ecosystem.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA blue snake coils around green plants and dead branches, surrounded by dense leaves and wooden structures.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA green snake with blue stripes coiled among wood chips and branches, its body pressed close to the ground.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA large, furry spider is inside a glass enclosure with wood shavings and dried leaves at the bottom.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA centipede hides among the dry leaves and soil, its body slender with numerous orange legs.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA large lizard lies on a wooden platform with a light-colored wooden wall in the background.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA patterned snake is inside a glass tank, with its head raised; the tank contains branches and wood shavings.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA lizard opens its mouth and lies on a rock, with bright lights shining above.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA lizard lies on a rock, its body in a light brown color, with a pool and plants in the background.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealTwo lizards are on the rocks inside a glass enclosure, one at a higher position and the other at a lower position, with a warning sign on the enclosure that reads “РУКАМИ НЕ ТРОГАТЬ!”.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA gray lizard perches on a horizontally placed tree trunk, with a rocky wall in the background. The surface of the trunk is rough, and the lizard’s body clings tightly to it. The lizard’s eyes are large and bright.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA legless lizard coils among wood shavings and stones, its body a pale brown with a relatively large head. Its skin is smooth, reflecting light. The surrounding environment appears to be a terrarium.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealThe information board displays an animal called Желтопузик (Ophisaurus apodus or Pseudopus apodus), describing its appearance, habitat, and behavior. This limbless creature can reach up to 1.5 meters in length and is primarily found in parts of Europe and Asia. The board also mentions its dietary habits and reproductive cycle.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA colorful chameleon clings to a branch, its body displaying shades of blue and green. The chameleon’s eyes are protruding, with sharp horn-like protrusions on its head. Green leaves are visible in the background.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealTwo toads are hidden among the dry leaves and wood, one darker in color and the other lighter. Their bodies have distinct warts on the surface. The surrounding environment appears to be a simulated natural habitat.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA green lizard is perched on a branch, with blue and yellow patterns on its body. The lizard’s eyes are large and round, staring straight ahead. In the background, there are green leaves and fruits.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA brightly colored chameleon perches on a branch, its body primarily blue and green. The chameleon’s eyes are protruding, with sharp horn-like projections on its head. Green leaves are visible in the background.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealTwo snakes are entwined on a branch, one orange and white, the other gray and black. The branch is thick with a rough surface. The background is a stone wall.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA turtle crawls on a haystack, its shell adorned with intricate patterns. The turtle’s limbs are sturdy, and its head is slightly raised. The background is a simple indoor setting.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA large lizard is lying on a rock, with black and yellow spots on its body. The lizard’s eyes are large and bright, and its tail is slender. The background is a wooden wall with lights and vents above.
This image contains reptiles or arthropods such as snakes, lizards, spiders, centipedes, etc., and has been hiddenClick here to revealA lizard is climbing on a branch, which is inside a glass container. The lizard’s body is light brown, with noticeable horn-like protrusions on its head. In the background, there are green plants and brown ground.
On the book cover, there is a portrait of a character, with the title ”ПРЕСТУПЛЕНИЕ И НАКАЗАНИЕ“ and the author as ДОСТОЕВСКИЙ.
A handwritten note bears a message from Viktoria, mentioning that this book was read in school and hoping that I enjoy Russian classic literature. Below the note is a heart symbol.
On the airport tarmac, a twin-engine propeller aircraft is parked, with a wide runway ahead. In the distance, there are dense trees and rolling mountains. The tarmac is marked with clear lines.
The airplane meal tray includes a serving of rice, stew, and kimchi, alongside a banana, a bread roll, and a small jar of strawberry jam. There is also a paper cup printed with the “Air China” logo.
Inside the transparent plastic box are three round pastries, sprinkled with crushed nuts on the surface. The pastries are golden in color and neatly shaped. A hand is holding the plastic box.

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Now it’s the next day, I am organizing the post and typing these words down. (Actually it’s two months later, I am translating the post.) Today I woke up feeling a bit sad, like I just had a short dream that was starting to fade away. However, separation always makes us look forward to the next reunion. I need a smoothing song — Sophie Zelmani’s “Going Home” to adjust my mood.

These days I wasn’t learning Russian, and I had forgotten a lot of what I learned before. I need to consolidate, and like Максим said, practice. This won’t be the end.

Playlist

Lack of Sophie Zelmani’s “Going Home”.

Won’t be the end.

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