Russia only acquired Primorsky Krai, the region that contains Vladivostok, in the 19th century. China, the Mongol Empire and the Balhae and Jurchen nations had all controlled the area around Vladivostok before Russia gained it through the Treaty of Aigun with China in 1858. Vladivostok was founded primarily as a Russian military post rather than […]

Vladivostok has a fascinating history and culture. To present this, it shares in Russia’s strong museum tradition, with many well-curated museums throughout the city. The city has long been a naval and trading port and thus has many museums specifically dedicated to this heritage. However, it also has a surprising number of art galleries and […]

On November 15, I had the opportunity to attend a pipe organ concert at the Mary Mother of God Catholic Mission in Vladivostok. I talked about the church itself, where I go on most weekends, in a previous entry. This past Sunday, I attended mass as usual, but I found out that soon after the […]

This weekend, we got to make another excursion outside of Vladivostok. This time was not for hiking, however, but to see some of Primorsky Krai’s famed wildlife at the Safari Park. As part of a university sponsored trip, we took a chartered a bus from the university and headed north. Vladivostok is a fantastic city, […]

Some of the more impressive structures that remain standing amongst the constant change brought along by modern man come in the form of churches. Beliefs aside, from a purely architectural standpoint these cultural time capsules, when well maintained, can transport us, if not to a different age, then at least into a different atmosphere. Key […]

Tokarevski Lighthouse/Токаревский марк Мыс Токаревского Cost: $5-10 (includes roundtrip transportation and food; destination itself is free) “All I know about Russia is that it’s very cold.” This frequently encountered profession of ignorance, will wear anyone out after a while. I was hardly surprised, then, to note the reaction of my Russian fellow-passenger in response to […]

Far Eastern Federal University – Russky Island Campus Russky Island 10am-11pm A Must See: The Epitome of APEC 2012 www.dvfu.ru If you do not get a chance you visit Far Eastern Federal University’s Russky Island Campus (FEFU), you are missing an essential aspect of the Vladivostok experience. The 2012 APEC Summit (if you take the […]