A day in Irkutsk

We departed from Lake Baikal, after breakfast to drive to Irkutsk. On the way we visited the Volinski mansion. This is the mansion that  Tsar Nicholas I built when he was exiled to Siberia.

In the early 19th century, many Russian artists, officers and nobles were sent into exile to Siberia for their part in the Decembrist revolt against Tsar Nicholas I. 

Irkutsk became the major centre of intellectual and social life for these exiles, and much of the city cultural heritage comes from them. 

Many of the wooden houses, are adorned with ornate, hand carved decorations and survive today in stark contrast with the standard soviet appartment blocks surrounding them.

 We booked into hotel to store our bags and then did the city tour with some free time. We were all to meet for dinner and celebrate Zoe's 26th birthday in the evening before we board our train for an overnight trip to Ulan-Ude.

Volinksy mansion.

Volinksy mansion.

Furniture for sewing and intricate bead embroidery 

Bead embroidery

More stunning bead embroidery

Such intricate bead work, oh to possess this work.

Fashion of the times

Wonderful sewing tables, I just drooled!!!

Bear rug

 

Eternal flame, memorial to WW2

Peter and Paul church.

Inside

Inside

Peter and Paul

Walk along the Unger River

Founder of the city.

More gorgeous painted ceilings.

Statues in the people's park in the pedestrian street.

More statues, opposite each other.

Great architecture.

Native Buriyat people, a mix of Native American and South American, great music.

Local people's market.

Delicious deli goods.

Arch

Yes it did rain, this is the area we will have dinner.

Great mosiac works on side of building.

What a great use of old tapes

I had brawn for dinner, missed the vinegar, it is served with horseradish and a very hot mustard in Siberia.

Happy 26th birthday Zoe.

Babe is an ancient local name for tiger. In 1686, Irkutsk received the status of city and at the same time it was honoured with a coat of arms and stamp. The Babar was depicted with a sable in his mouth.

We are officially in the heart of Siberia, in the evening after dinner we board our train for an overnight ride to Ulan-Ude.

More from Ulan-due, the home of the Buriyat people.