Petropavlovsk Part III...............

Continuing my June trip to Russia's Far East...........

Returning to the city it was evident that the architecture was definitely leaning toward low, solid boxy buildings to withstand the almost daily earthquakes in this area of the world.

Just prior to arrival, while we were still at sea, a huge 8.9 earthquake occurred and the tremors were felt as far away as Moscow - a 9 hour plane ride!

The downtown area was quite utilitarian - small shops with apartments over. 

The loveliest building, on higher ground, was the Holy Trinity Cathedral, constructed from 2001-2010. Sadly, it was robbed and burned on the night of January 28, 2011 and is still undergoing repairs.

Beautiful interior of the cathedral. There were no seats or pews in the nave, usual for most traditional Eastern Orthodox churches, worshippers stand through the services.

There was still construction around the cathedral grounds - 

again the beautiful volcanoes surrounded the city, no 

true horizon visible at all.

 Statue of St. Peter and St. Paul, the town's namesakes. When explorer Vitus Bering reached Avancha Bay in 1740 he laid the foundation stone for the harbor town, naming the new settlement "Petropavlovsk" (Peter and Paul) after his two ships.

The hundreds of padlocks attached to the railings are a common Russian custom. Just-married couples decorate a commemorative padlock and lock it to the railing, throwing the key into the water signifying their undying love for each other.

Sadly, the Russian divorce rate is at an all time high................makes one question the strength 

of those padlocks!

Looking out across Avancha Bay.

Being a port there is much activity along the shoreline.

Sailing out of Petropavlovsk, but we return later to 
disembark for the flight to Moscow..............

.............and heading next to stunning Kaminestaya Bay 

and the Chazma River where waterfalls, bears and 

hot springs awaited. This was truly an amazing journey.