At the "Funicular" viewpoint just on my way into the city from the airport.

My first views of Vladivostok were beautiful ones... the ocean, mountains, what else do I need? And a fancy new bridge that adds so much to the landscape.

A walk near the sea-side with Faron, Olya, and Aleen--my new neighbours and colleauges.

Fancy dinner in Dormitory 2! See the mountains through the window? I have a better view from my room.

I discovered this staircase going down to the street from the church. As one Russian has stated, the hilly landscape of Vladivostok defies the Soviet style architecture. Here you see a "babushka" making her way down to her house, which is only accessible by this path. Many older Russians have refused to give up their "dachas" either because they are attached to their homes or they are not being offered enough money to move. It's generally quite expensive to live in Russia.

Here is the Catholic church that survived the Revolution; the Orthodox Church did not receive the same fate. This parish is the only Catholic one within a 2h radius and it has just under 300 parishioners.

A view of the new Golden Bridge connecting two peninsulas, that is, two parts of the city.