Tatarstan, Russian and Kazan. Remember that dragon from my last post in spring? That's the city's symbol. These are the three official flags you'll find in every government office or in places like this. -the port.
Writings can also be found in 3 languages. Russian, English (in places where tourists come) and Tatar. Russian and Tatar are both official languages.
I 've been shipwatching 2 days ago. It's hot in the area but it's very relaxing. It's also very interesting to see people arrive with their expectant faces and come back with souvenirs and probably impressions they've had of the city and photographs of course.
The port isn't very big but big enough for few ships to dock at the same time. This is a river port. The cruise liners who dock by at this port usually sail on Volga river to Kama river or to Caspian sea or maybe somewhere else where I don't know.
There were 2 cruise ships when I was there. That one up in the picture and tge other below is bigger and its name is Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I'm sure you know who he is! Though difficult, I enjoy his writings.
That's him. How do you refer to a ship by the way? I'd heard people say "her" but I'm just taking the pronoun from the name of this ship which is a "he".
From time to time, some hydrofoil would pass by. They come from smallers ports or from an island.
And here's another type.
So what were the crew doing while the passengers are having tgeir tour round the city? Looks like they were having a meeting. I also saw girls in uniform, probably waitresses in the restaurant having a break, smoking and texting.
Then it's time to leave. Funny how I felt the feeling of "someone/something" leaving is felt even if I don't know anyone in that ship.
It left and the port became so calm and quiet, though tgey weren't really noisy while here. I've noticed that when they left, the triangular flag was retreated. I've only learnt about it now.
It left and another ine is approaching from a distance.
Shipwatching, especially on a good weather like this can be so relaxing.
Such a stunning port. Everything looks new!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised about the English. I suppose it's good for tourism!
Another interesting look at your part of the world. I remember you saying you are not native to Russia. I would love to know how you came to be there. Was it difficult to learn the languages? It would be such an adventure to live in a place so unfamiliar at first. You have obviously come to love it very much.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see a post from you! It looks like a nice port and I think I would enjoy shipwatching too.
ReplyDeletePS - we always call ships she here.
That's a cool name for the ship! I like ship watching, too. I can understand the feeling of someone/something leaving even though you don't know anyone onboard. Ships somehow bring kind of nostalgia to me. Your photos are beautiful and peaceful!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy watching ships, but rarely get the chance here unless I travel awhile to the Great Lakes.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to see the different ships and watch the people!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting event. I always wondered what it would be like to sail on one of these ships, but I'm not sure I could put up with so many people for too long :)
ReplyDeleteI think I could sit and watch boats all day long! Great pictures!
ReplyDeletePeople watching is always fun for me. Watching the boats come and go would be fun too.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the shipwatching -- and of watching the crew as well as the passengers! I bet they are relieved for the break -- although they probably have to work to get ready for the passengers' return!
ReplyDeleteNice photos. It looks like a pretty port. I enjoy watching ships and people coming and going too.
ReplyDelete