What a fantastic two days! We just returned from two days by the Black Sea! It was amazing!
Thursday, July 8
We began our journey bright and early at 7:30 am by boarding our vans and heading to Gelendzhik, a resort area on the Black Sea. The three hour ride was beautiful but took us through mountain roads that were windy and curvy. A few of us were a little carsick, but we made it!
When we arrived, we checked into the Kuban State University hotel. We were in heaven there. My room had a balcony were we could relax and enjoy the sea air!! After checking in, we got back into our van and went on our afternoon excursions. Our first stop was in a small village (I can't remember the name) that has an amazing view of the Black Sea. The guide took us to a great spot to see the entire harbor and take pictures. Next we went to an attraction that is called "New Park" in Russian. What is funny is that it is buildings of 'old' things. For example: there is a small replica of the pyramids and sphinx, Roman buildings, Chinese houses, etc. The architect of this park brought together examples of architectures from any different centuries and from around the world. As our leader Sasha said, "It's like Epcot but smaller!"
Our next stop was at a local champagne factory, Abrau-Durso. It is known around Russia as one of the best, if not the best, champagne factory in the entire country. We were taken on a tour of the facilities. The factory and storage for the champagne is built into a mountain. It was really cool!!! We actually saw one of the tunnels were thousands of bottles of champagne are housed. The best part was getting to see a special supply of champagne that is being set aside for the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014!!! A picture of the bottles is on the left. That was cool!!!
When we returned to Gelendzhik, we had time to swim in the Black Sea. I got on my swimsuit and got in! It was wonderful! The water was just right! The beach was a rock beach so that hurt a little bit, but we didn't let it stop us! It was a wonderful way to end a full day on the Black Sea!!!
Friday, July 9
Most of the morning was spent in Novorossiysk. This is the largest port city in Russia. Our guide first took us to a World War II Memorial that had an amazing view of the entire harbor. She explained to us how Novorossiysk was involved in the war. At one point, there was a battle between Russian and German foces in Novorossiysk for 225 days. The memorial there was erected to remember the marines that died while fighting to protect Novorossiysk.
Next, we went into the city to view a Russian Naval Crusier that was used from 1954 to 1984. While onboard, an active Naval Sailor told us about the ship. He is pictured here on the starboard side of the ship (the right). His job is to take care of the ship and make any repairs needed. We saw the officer's mess, different equipment used on the ship, the anchors, and more. At one time, there could have been 2000 sailors working and living on the ship when it was in use.
Following our tour, we returned to Gelendzhik for lunch at a Ukrainian restaurant. It was amazing! We had borsch, garlic bread, potatoes wrapped in cabbage, and fish topped with mushrooms, cheese and tomatoes!! YUM!!! When we had eaten ourselves so full we could hardly move, we were given some time to relax. I decided to go back to the sea to relax. Julie, Vint, and I found the sand/rock beach. I wanted to take a short nap while they swam, but it was so hot, I had to go back to the hotel. It was okay because we had to get ready and head back to Krasnodar. This was an amazing trip and a wonderful way to end our time in Southern Russia!!!
Thursday, July 8
We began our journey bright and early at 7:30 am by boarding our vans and heading to Gelendzhik, a resort area on the Black Sea. The three hour ride was beautiful but took us through mountain roads that were windy and curvy. A few of us were a little carsick, but we made it!When we arrived, we checked into the Kuban State University hotel. We were in heaven there. My room had a balcony were we could relax and enjoy the sea air!! After checking in, we got back into our van and went on our afternoon excursions. Our first stop was in a small village (I can't remember the name) that has an amazing view of the Black Sea. The guide took us to a great spot to see the entire harbor and take pictures. Next we went to an attraction that is called "New Park" in Russian. What is funny is that it is buildings of 'old' things. For example: there is a small replica of the pyramids and sphinx, Roman buildings, Chinese houses, etc. The architect of this park brought together examples of architectures from any different centuries and from around the world. As our leader Sasha said, "It's like Epcot but smaller!"
Our next stop was at a local champagne factory, Abrau-Durso. It is known around Russia as one of the best, if not the best, champagne factory in the entire country. We were taken on a tour of the facilities. The factory and storage for the champagne is built into a mountain. It was really cool!!! We actually saw one of the tunnels were thousands of bottles of champagne are housed. The best part was getting to see a special supply of champagne that is being set aside for the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014!!! A picture of the bottles is on the left. That was cool!!!When we returned to Gelendzhik, we had time to swim in the Black Sea. I got on my swimsuit and got in! It was wonderful! The water was just right! The beach was a rock beach so that hurt a little bit, but we didn't let it stop us! It was a wonderful way to end a full day on the Black Sea!!!
Friday, July 9
Most of the morning was spent in Novorossiysk. This is the largest port city in Russia. Our guide first took us to a World War II Memorial that had an amazing view of the entire harbor. She explained to us how Novorossiysk was involved in the war. At one point, there was a battle between Russian and German foces in Novorossiysk for 225 days. The memorial there was erected to remember the marines that died while fighting to protect Novorossiysk. 
Next, we went into the city to view a Russian Naval Crusier that was used from 1954 to 1984. While onboard, an active Naval Sailor told us about the ship. He is pictured here on the starboard side of the ship (the right). His job is to take care of the ship and make any repairs needed. We saw the officer's mess, different equipment used on the ship, the anchors, and more. At one time, there could have been 2000 sailors working and living on the ship when it was in use.Following our tour, we returned to Gelendzhik for lunch at a Ukrainian restaurant. It was amazing! We had borsch, garlic bread, potatoes wrapped in cabbage, and fish topped with mushrooms, cheese and tomatoes!! YUM!!! When we had eaten ourselves so full we could hardly move, we were given some time to relax. I decided to go back to the sea to relax. Julie, Vint, and I found the sand/rock beach. I wanted to take a short nap while they swam, but it was so hot, I had to go back to the hotel. It was okay because we had to get ready and head back to Krasnodar. This was an amazing trip and a wonderful way to end our time in Southern Russia!!!
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