Irkutsk

The capital of eastern Siberia, Irkutsk is also known as the Paris of Siberia. This is somewhat more credible with Paris halfway around the world. The Decembrists, revolutionary nobles who were banished here in 1825, brought culture and European refinements with them.

Click for a larger version Irkutsk Town Hall
Click for a larger version Town Hall from the Back

In the background are a bunch of goose-stepping schoolgirls with bayonets. They guard the eternal flame. I took this picture from a safe distance.
Click for a larger version Russian Orthodox Church
Click for a larger version Polish Church

This normal-looking building is actually abnormal for Irkutsk. Poles, as citizens of the Russian Empire, were just as eligible for banishment to Siberia as anyone else. Nowadays, this church is home to many organ recitals.
Click for a larger version View from the Park

The Park is the high point of Irkutsk, with panoramic views of the City and the power station.
Click for a larger version Wooden House

If there's one thing you find a lot of in Siberia, it's wood. These are the original houses of Irkutsk, which form a downtown preservation area.
Click for a larger version Wooden House

The ornaments around the windows are unique for each house.
Click for a larger version Wooden Houses
Click for a larger version Sunset over the Angara

Taken from my hotel window, without a tripod. Interesting, nonetheless. Notice that the sunset is much more colorful on the side of the smoke from the power station.

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