In Omsk Lenin seems a bit pensive. He wraps his coat around one arm, as if to protect it from the wind. His other arm hangs at his side. Does he look at the viewer with concern?

Tara Gate to the Omsk Fortress. Built in 1792. The Fortress was at one time the largest in western Siberia, and the gates to it are a landmark of the city.

The largest May 9 artwork that I’ve seen. This is a building opposite the entrance to the Fortress. Reminds me of the Bundestag not inviting representatives of Russia and Belarus to the commemoration ceremony in Berlin.

“Central Military District – True to the traditions of Siberian warriors”. The world looks different from Siberia. You will not find Moscow on this map. Samara and Kazan are on the western edge here.

Dostoevsky was imprisoned in Omsk.

Oldest known wooden sculpture on the planet. It is estimated to be 11,000 years old, older by far than the pyramids.

I am standing with one foot in Europe and one in Asia. 😀

I’ve actually been in Asia the last couple days, but crossed climbing through the mountains in a line of mostly semi trucks, and there wasn’t a cool monument like there is here. I must admit I get a kick out of walking back and forth across the line. 😀

Souvenirs in Moscow don’t have camels on them. I’m in Asia now!

I’ve been listening to ДДТ a lot this past year. Delighted to be listening to them in Уфа.

Ufa’s principal mosque

As always Lenin faces east, towards the rising sun, the new day of Communism. He is beckoning, “behold, friends!” I quite like this one.