I have always lived in Canada, but my father who rests in peace was from Ekaterinburg, he always told me about his hometown, how great it was and how badly he missed it. I always thought that when I had the chance I would go with him to meet it, but he died before I could fulfil that dream. Now being 32 years old I want to go so I packed my things and reached to my father’s favorite travel agents – “Travel Center UK” team and adventured to his hometown.
Ekaterinburg attracts a considerable number of travelers each year because of its great history and its great cultural programs. Here you can find museums, theaters, concert halls and more than 600 museums which expose the culture of a unique and curious city.
I stayed at the Atrium Palace Hotel; it is a 5-star hotel that is located near the center. My room was large, comfortable and quiet. The attention given was first rate and very careful. The atmosphere was very warm and the restaurant food was very good. It is a wonderful hotel to rest and relax.
At the beginning of my tour, the first thing I visited was the Cathedral of the Spilled Blood, which was built in the exact place where the last Czar of Russia and his family were murdered. My dad told me a lot about it, its construction was completed in 2003 and every year he calls all the tourists who want to know the tragic history that ended with the Romanov dynasty. Upon entering I was able to observe the thousands of mosaics found throughout the cathedral, it is a baroque masterpiece of marble floors. Another aspect that impressed me the most was its five-domed structure and the enormous pillar as a bell tower, its elaborate and detailed adornments are absolutely exquisite. This is undoubtedly one of the most significant churches in Russia.
Then I visited the Ganina Yama Monastery, this monastery that was located 4 kilometers south-east of the Koptyaki settlement and has one of the saddest stories of Russia. According to history on July 17, 1918, the remains of the royal family and their servants were secretly taken and thrown into the marshes of the mine. As time passed they were removed, disarticulated and later burned. After the White Army began an investigation they came to the conclusion that the remains of the family had been incinerated in it. In this way, the mine became a symbol of the suffering of the royal family and at present is one of the most important monuments of the city. I was impressed by how horrible and brutal the murder was in a place where, despite the years, the sadness still lingers. Finally, I was able to pass through the historic center of Ekaterinburg where I could follow a bright painted line called The Red Line which runs through some of the city’s cultural sites such as buildings, mansions and museums.
As for the gastronomy, I visited the restaurant Panorama A.S.P., this restaurant is very elegant and has a high level of service. The dishes are very well presented and the food was very rich. I loved it. It is not a cheap restaurant but it’s worth it. In the menu, you will find Pirogi, Vareniki, Kulebyaki and Pelmeni. I ordered a Vareniki made of ricotta which was incredibly delicious.
With that, came the end of my journey. I would describe the entire trip as the most beautiful and most precious memory of my entire life – I miss you, dad!
I have no words to thank ‘Travel Center UK’ guys for arranging me this trip. Only I know how much this tour means to me. I believe my dad would be happy and he would’ve been proud of me. Thanks again guys. I will definitely recommend you guys to all of my friends. Good Bye till next time!
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