FUSION AS A MAIN SIGN

While traveling in the Far East, the word “fusion” constantly comes to mind. It is translated from English as “alloy”, and in many arts it means “compatibility of the incompatible without loss of integrity and harmony.”

In cooking, the meaning is about the same – creating combinations that “ they would never have been able to appear on their own.

The Georgian restaurant Supra in Vladivostok is a vivid example of the culinary Far Eastern fusion. Photo: Alexander Andreev

For example, “khinkali with Far Eastern crab” served at the Georgian restaurant Supra in Vladivostok.

Shrimp with wasabi is also a fusion. But different. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Or here is the “shrimp in wasabi sauce with condensed milk” from the Zuma restaurant in the same city, in the photo above.

And the very atmosphere and architecture, the interior and decoration of Vladivostok restaurants and cafes is also a separate topic in the knowledge of the Far Eastern fusion.

The mix of styles is very typical for restaurants in Vladivostok. Is it like Japan? Photo: Alexander Andreev

But – Europe? You won't understand. but delicious and pretty. Photo: Alexander Andreev

But, of course, Far Eastern fusion is not limited to cooking. The proximity of Japan, Korea and China, as well as truly unique climatic conditions, sometimes create combinations of everything and everything that are sometimes unthinkable for a resident of the western part of Russia.

Overcast , but sunburn – as in Sochi. Tourists near the oceanarium on Russky Island. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Well, for example, the weather in Vladivostok. Like +18-20 degrees, overcast, almost 100% humidity. But at the same time, you can walk in one T-shirt and even hot. And at the end of the day, you still find yourself burned out. Why?

“Because we're actually at the latitude of Sochi… It's just the weather,” explains our guide, Daria.

I look at the map … and the truth. Sochi. It's just the weather. Yes.

A tiger in a safari park in Vladivostok lies in the middle of vegetation almost near Moscow. Miracle and more. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Or this: walking around the safari park, familiar plants, trees like in a dacha outside Moscow. But a tiger sleeps under one of them, and a leopard roams under the other. Well, it’s not even worth talking about the fact that almost all cars in Vladivostok taxis are right-hand drive. Fusion of Russia, Europe and Asia.

LONG AWAY? YES, BUT NOW IT'S SIMPLE AND CONVENIENT

Among the most remote regions of Russia, Vladivostok is probably one of the easiest places to travel now. A little over 100 years ago, it took 3-4 months to get here from Moscow by ship. There were no other faster options. With the advent of the Suez Canal, the route was reduced to 45 days, with almost no stops.

In 1903, when the famous Trans-Siberian Railway was built, ending just in Vladivostok, it became possible to get there in 14 days. Later, trains began to go faster, but still the journey by rail still takes a week.

Flying to Vladivostok is relatively short. Almost like in Egypt (now). But convenient. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Now Aeroflot's Boeing 777-300ER flight to Vladivostok takes just over 8 hours. I watched a couple of films, had lunch – and already there. The plane is huge and very comfortable – multimedia systems and sockets are everywhere.

It is convenient to fly: the plane that Aeroflot delivered to Vladivostok is huge and modern in terms of “stuffing”.​ Photo: Alexander Andreev Unlike the economy class, the seats in it are arranged in a 2-4-2 pattern.

Their back is monolithic and does not lean back: when unfolding, the seat moves forward and leg support extends, but the distance to the seat in front does not decrease. The only negative is that if you suddenly get lucky and the row is empty, you won’t be able to lie down because of the separators between the seats.

Here we are in Vladivostok. To Moscow – 7000 kilometers. Photo: Alexander Andreev.

This year is perhaps the best and unique time to explore the Far East. Thanks to the appearance of package tours to Vladivostok from the tour operator FUN & SUN with block seats on direct Aeroflot flights from Moscow, such a trip has become much more affordable. And the absence of crowds of foreign tourists allows you to feel the charm of Vladivostok more fully.

We were convinced of this personally, having visited Vladivostok together with FUN&SUN. We tell and show the main thing. Here is our small guide to the rest in the eastern capital of Russia.

WHERE TO STAY IN VLADIVOSTOK

We were accommodated in the Novotel hotel – one of the best four in the city .

Breakfast in Vladivostok Novotel – for all five, even though the hotel is 4 *. Photo: Alexander Andreev.

Its location is ideal for exploring the surroundings – on the one hand, it is a little far from the city center, on the other hand, it is close to all necessary transport interchanges, which significantly reduces the time spent in traffic jams (and they are here ).

There is a wonderful, very varied breakfast, and you can dine either in the Yuzhane gastrobar, right in the hotel, or in the neighboring Ogonёk farm restaurant, where they cook delicious king crab.

Dinner with king crab is not only delicious, but the photos will turn out good. Photo: Alexander Andreev.

But, of course, FUN&SUN has other hotels on its tours – both cheaper and more expensive.

WHAT TO TRY: FROM SCALLOP TO JARMELADE

People traditionally go to these parts for seafood. Of course, you can try Far Eastern crab and scallops in other places, but in Vladivostok, most restaurants keep seafood alive, not frozen. Plus, the chefs know how to cook all this correctly, as they cook often and constantly.

We recommend trying raw scallop. It is delicious. Photo: Alexander Andreev.

If you wish, you will be offered a scallop in the form in which the locals like to eat it – raw. You can add lemon or wasabi yourself. If you suddenly don’t like a raw scallop, they will cook it right away.

Crab can also be cut right away to make it convenient to eat. Photo: Alexander Andreev

That red in the center is seaweed marmalade. We also recommend. Photo: Alexander Andreev.

For dessert one of the days, be sure to try the local marmalade – here it is made from real agar-agar, produced from the ahnfeltia seaweed, harvested from the Sea of ​​Japan.

Another dessert variation of the Vladivostok fusion. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Cheese and frozen desserts at local restaurants are just as great. And how beautiful…

WE WALK IN VLADIVOSTOK, REMEMBER: NOT HILLS! SOPKI!

Vladivostok is located on a very rugged terrain, between the hills, which the locals call nothing but hills. Hills are not hills! The word “hill” may simply not be understood.

Due to serious elevation changes, simple walks are comfortable only along the coast and along one of the few streets with a more or less “flat” relief – the street Fokin, which is called “Vladivostok Arbat” here.

Fokina Street in Vladivostok – the local Arbat. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Earlier, on this street there were shopping arcades of the “millionka” quarter, in which the Chinese mafia ruled, and in addition to trade, brothels and opium dens flourished here. In those days, the dense layout of houses and intricate narrow passages made it possible, if necessary, to quickly leave the police through basements and roofs.

Stylishly decorated house in the “millionka”. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Now cafes and shops with craft souvenirs are open in many of these houses, and beautiful flower beds and fountains have been built on Fokina Street itself instead of shopping arcades. Thus, one of the main attractions of Vladivostok turned out.

We go down Fokina Street to Naberezhnaya Street.

Night view of Embankment Street. There's fun. Photo: Alexander Andreev

In the evening it is very crowded here – some people watch a street fire show, some people dine in one of the countless small restaurants and cafes, and some even go swimming.

View of Korabelnaya Embankment Street from the side of the Marine Station. Photo: Alexander Andreev.

Not far from here is Korabelnaya Embankment Street, where you can see passenger, military and transport ships.

Ships look majestic from the embankment. But water is better. Book a sea excursion. Photo: Alexander Andreev

And you can even climb inside the submarine, turned into the Military History Museum of the Pacific Fleet. Photo: Alexander Andreev

From the Korabelnaya embankment you can walk to the buildings of the sea and railway stations located in the neighborhood. And here – a completely different style. Also an element of fusion.

And the station here is very reminiscent of Moscow, isn't it? Photo: Alexander Andreev

In general, it is best to look at the ships from the water – therefore, in Vladivostok, excursions on a yacht along the bay and around the islands are very popular.

If there is not enough time, you want to see everything, but at the same time not go anywhere – you can book a tour on a small helicopter. The question of price, of course. But you can.

BAREFOOT TO THE LIGHTHOUSE

There are several lighthouses in Vladivostok, one of which is even located on the roof of a residential building. The lighthouse of Tokarevsky, depicted in all guidebooks and on magnets, became the “icon” of the city.

You will have to walk barefoot to the postcard sights of Vladivostok. Photo: Alexander Andreev

To get to him, you need to go along the sandy spit. You will have to take off your shoes and roll up your pants – for some reason, everyone passing by the boat considers it their duty to make a wave so as to flood tourists at least knee-deep.

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For a long time, Russian Island was closed to the public. Apart from forts with cannons located at strategic heights to protect the bay of Vladivostok, there was nothing special on the island, and only the military could get on it.

Ten years ago, with the advent of the bridge, everyone began to develop, although most of the island remains untouched.

You can see the university buildings on Russky Island. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Campsites appear, the zone of the Far Eastern Federal University is developing, a grand oceanarium has been built, and old forts are slowly being turned into museums, opening up for tourists.

The old forts are impressive. Gradually they are museumified. Photo: Alexander Andreev

One ​​of the main attractions is the Russian Bridge itself – among all the cable-stayed bridges in the world, it has the longest central span – 1104 meters, while it is as high as the Eiffel Tower.

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The bridge gave a new life to Russky Island. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Well, why not take a selfie with a 2000-ruble bill against the background of the bridge depicted on it? If you want maximum matching, go to Cape Nazimov – that's where the photo for this banknote was taken.

Take a banknote of 2000 rubles with you. Useful for a unique selfie. Photo: Alexander Andreev

You can easily spend several days on Russky Island. The oceanarium alone is entertainment for the whole day.

PRIMORSKY OCEANARIUM: ENTERTAINING NERPA

The aquarium is huge. It is organized in such a way that walking along it, you slowly study the origin of life on Earth, simultaneously looking at the inhabitants of the oceans, seas and rivers from all regions of the world.

There are also dinosaurs in the huge seaside aquarium. Photo: Alexander Andreev

There are 135 aquariums with thousands of inhabitants – from the smallest crustaceans and jellyfish to sharks, fur seals and walrus.

A family walk to the aquarium will delight both children and adults. Photo: Alexander Andreev

There are even penguins, although they are usually so densely surrounded by children that you can't really see anything.

Who entertains whom? Photo: Alexander Andreev

“There is an opinion that seals entertain visitors, but this is not true. In fact, it is the visitors who entertain the seal,” says our guide. – “Without visitors, as it was during covid, the seal is very bored.”

At the end of the journey, you find yourself in the hall with the largest reservoir, inside which there is a 70-meter glass tunnel. Here, sharks, rays and other marine life can be seen literally from all sides.

The giant glass tunnel is the main attraction of the Vladivostok Aquarium. Photo: Alexander Andreev

One ​​more door – and you get into the real jungle, with lianas, tropical flowers and a waterfall.

Ground part: the world of the tropics in the Vladivostok Aquarium is also worth seeing. Photo: Alexander Andreev

In addition to the entertainment component, the Primorsky Oceanarium is part of the structure of the Russian Academy of Sciences and is engaged in scientific research. Therefore, in addition to the usual excursions, there are regular classes for schoolchildren and students, as well as thematic workshops.

TREKKING IN VLADIVOSTOK: FOR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AND FOXS

Fans of hiking in Vladivostok can recommend the route on Cape Tobizin. There are two paths to the cape – one through the forest, it is faster and easier, and the second goes right along the edge of the cliff.

At Cape Tobizin, very picturesque shots are obtained. Photo: Alexander Andreev

We walked there through the forest, back along the cliff, it took almost three hours and we wanted to stop literally every 50 meters to take a photo.

“If we had done the opposite, the route would have taken twice as long,” our guide jokes.

The rocks at Cape Tobizin are really very impressive. There is also a cliff diving area. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Especially brave jump from rocks into the water – there is a zone where everything is prepared for this – from time to time they even hold cliff diving competitions.

On the way you can meet wild foxes. They are not afraid of people, but it is not recommended to feed them, as well as stroke them – the animals are still wild. But you can take a picture.

Rock muzzle can live in rocky crevices. Look under your feet, and not just at the fantastically beautiful views. Photo: Alexander Andreev

When walking in the wild, do not forget to treat clothes from ticks and look under your feet – not very dangerous, but still very poisonous snakes are found here.

Usually they crawl away long before a person appears, but if you run over the stones rather quickly and where other tourists have not passed before you, you can accidentally hit a cottonmouth basking in the sun. > Almost along the entire perimeter of Rynda Bay there are campsites and small wooden houses for recreation on the water. There are almost no waves in the bay and the water is slightly warmer. Someone comes just to swim or live on the beach in a tent, but the most interesting thing here is the floating baths located on pontoons in the middle of the bay.

They can only be reached by motor boats. The locals are so accustomed to this entertainment that they sincerely wonder why it causes such delight among tourists.

The option of a floating bath is simpler. Photo: Alexander Andreev p>

This is a luxury version of a floating bath. “Sea Steam”: we recommend. Photo: Alexander Andreev​

In summer, the water is quite warm, especially after a bath. You can jump off the pontoon and swim around surrounded by harmless jellyfish, or you can relax and just lie on the water – it is salty and pushes out somehow especially strongly, so no effort is needed.

In cold and windy weather, you can spend time inside the relaxation pavilion, drink delicious tea with local herbs or order seafood from the restaurant – they will be delivered from the shore by boat.

GLASS BEACH: THE BEST TO GO SUNNY

On the way to the Primorsky safari park, we stop at one of the most famous natural and anthropogenic sights of the region – “Glass Beach”. We warn you: on a cloudy day and from afar, it looks completely inconspicuous and even a little sad.

From afar “The glass beach does not seem remarkable. But it is deceptive impression Photo: Alexander Andreev

And only when you approach the water, you realize that the entire coastline is covered with polished pieces of glass and ceramics, which have been dumped into the water nearby for many years. On the one hand, it is an ecological disaster, but on the other hand, it does not bother anyone, and has become a kind of art object that attracts tourists.

In fact, the beach is really made of colored glass. But you can only see it very close. Photo: Alexander Andreev

In any case, tourists should know: already from a few meters it all looks like an ordinary beach, and you can get good photos where you can see exactly the “glass pebbles” only on a sunny day .

Such a pyramid on the “Glass Beach” can be easily assembled. Photo: Alexander Andreev

SEAside SAFARI PARK: VISITORS IN A CAGE, ANIMALS IN THE WILL

A great place to watch a tiger and pet a deer. It is worth remembering: only an organized group accompanied by a guide is allowed into the park.

There are three excursions here – the first one is in the park of tigers, ungulates, leopards and bears, the second one is in the park of predatory animals and birds, and the third one is the parks of lions, lynxes and cougars.

Everything is worth a visit, moreover it is best to take an individual tour – it will be much quieter and you will be able to take beautiful photos with the inhabitants of the park. Ordinary weekend groups can be too big and noisy.

You can see the famous tiger very well. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Of course, they won't let you stroke the tiger, but you can see how he lives here from a safe distance, listen to the famous story about “Amur the tiger and Timur the goat” and find out how everything is so it turned out and how it ended.

My favorite concept is implemented in the safari park, when not animals are “caged”, but … visitors.

In the safari park, animals are not in cages. Rather, they are shielded from humans. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Dangerous animals can be observed from the paths laid throughout the park in the crowns of trees. This does not interfere with the animals and allows you to see several tigers, a leopard and bears from all sides.

The famous Far Eastern leopard can also be successfully photographed. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Ungulate Park. Oleshkov can just come up to stroke. No cages or even aviaries. Photo: Alexander Andreev

“You can iron everything without horns,” says our guide Oleg. Indeed, deer are not afraid of anyone, they allow themselves to be stroked, fed with special food and take selfies in an embrace.

Raccoon dogs in the Primorsky safari park are waiting for tasty treats from the guide. Photo: Alexander Andreev

In the next zone, we are met by funny raccoon dogs – they know that the guide has prepared a tasty treat for them and run around. A raccoon is watching them from a nearby tree – later it will come down to get its treat.

He, too, is waiting for a delicacy. Photo: Alexander Andreev

But the sleepy and lazy badger did not approach – he was waiting for the visitors to come themselves.

A couple of foxes, several forest cats and even multi-colored wolves are running nearby – gray and red, red being very rare.

Animals walk in one space with people. And it's very unusual and cool. Photo: Alexander Andreev​

In the Primorsky safari park, it seems that it is the animals that are looking at the visitors, and not they – them. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Wolves, of course, are in separate enclosures, but the rest of the animals are in the same space with visitors. Petting and feeding the animals yourself is not allowed here, but you can watch them without bars in front of your eyes and take pictures from a short distance.

cats? In the Primorsky safari park, they are also available. Photo: Alexander Andreev

A little further is the bird park. Owls and falcons live in enclosures, and some other birds fly right over the heads of visitors. Usually, birds that cannot survive in the wild on their own enter the park. After recovery, if possible, the birds are released into the wild.

The bird park at Seaside Safari Park is also worth a visit. Photo: Alexander Andreev

And in the farthest park you can see lions, lynx, puma and, oddly enough, rabbits.

There is also a lion in Vladivostok. Very photogenic. Photo: Alexander Andreev

CASINO: CHEAP WITHOUT CHINESE TOURISTS

Gamblers also come to Vladivostok. After all, it is here that one of the four Russian gaming zones is located. It was built away from city noise and traffic, but only 20 minutes from the airport.

The hotel-casino in Vladivostok is excellent. But now that there are no Chinese tourists, it looks empty. But the prices are very good. Photo: Alexander Andreev

Now, in the absence of Chinese tourists, stay at the five-star hotel-casino Tigre de Cristal Hotel & Resort is available for almost a penny. The rooms are huge, right next to the window there is a bathtub with a panoramic view of the bay. There is a welcome dessert and a coffee machine on the table.

Before the pandemic, wealthy Chinese tourists settled in such rooms. Photo: Alexander Andreev

In the casino, employees are ready to dedicate any newcomer to all the intricacies of the game. ​Photo: Alexander Andreev

Earlier, everything here was packed with Chinese tourists, and the prices in the hotel, according to rumors, reached 150 thousand rubles. per night. But now there are almost no people. All of this looks and costs like an ordinary hotel in the city. It's a pity that the SPA and one of the restaurants are closed because of this.

WEEKS ARE NOT ENOUGH. WHAT DO WE BRING WITH ME FROM VLADIVOSTOK, EXCEPT FOR PHOTOS?

Before the trip, it seemed to us that a week to explore the outskirts of Vladivostok was more than enough. But it turned out that this was not enough – they didn’t have time to try a lot of entertainment, but there is fishing, diving and even industrial tourism.

Goodies home from Vladivostok. Photo: Alexander Andreev

We return home with traditional Far Eastern edible souvenirs – caviar, scallop, crab and a large package of Far Eastern pine nuts. And fusion lovers grabbed another chocolate bar with the taste of sea urchin and kelp.

Have you tried chocolate with kelp? We are yes. Come to Vladivostok! Photo: Alexander Andreev Inside, it is modern, spacious and there are many shops – if you suddenly didn’t have time to buy gifts the day before, everything is there too – from souvenirs and seafood to incredible Japanese chocolate.

At the Vladivostok airport, you can pick up cool souvenirs to take home, even if you shop in the city. And even more so – if you forgot to do it. There is also seafood. Photo: Alexander Andreev

If there is a queue for baggage drop, you can do it yourself, through an automatic terminal, where it is always free.

IN AUGUST, TOURS TO VLADIVOSTOK BUY BETTER: OUR SECRET PROMO CODE

Vladivostok – definitely recommend. Here it is interesting, tasty, unusual: here is another Russia. We remind you that tours to Vladivostok are being made this year by the FUN&SUN tour operator – programs with Aeroflot flights can be viewed (and booked) here.

Under special conditions, on block places, you can drop by until August 31st. By the way, when booking online using the promo code VLADIVOSTOK3000, you can get a discount of 3,000 rubles.

To get a discount, enter the promo code in a special field at the stage of booking on the website or in the FUN&SUN application – the cost of the tour will decrease automatically.

Alexander Andreev, specially for ATOR Vestnik

Cover and text photos by Alexander Andreev

Taking this opportunity, the editors of “ATOR Bulletin” would like to thank FUN&SUN tour operator, Tourist Information Center of Primorsky Krai, Vladivostok International Airport for the impeccable organization of the trip to Vladivostok.