American Impressions from Sochi Olympics
I've expressed many controversial viewpoints about Russia and its people in previous posts. After three visits in one year, the world's largest country remains a huge puzzle in my mind, with many pieces missing such that an entire frame or understanding will likely never be achieved. In the lead up to the Sochi Olympics, I had huge doubts. How could a nation with virtually no tourist infrastructure host a global event, welcoming visitors from around the world? After the Volgograd bombings, American and other Western press went into a feeding frenzy, focusing only on the strong probability of terrorist attacks. U.S. Senators, and even some athletes, went on major news networks and proclaimed they wouldn't send their families to the Games. "It's too dangerous"..."Russian security forces can't handle the threats," and other strong words of caution penetrated Western airwaves to the point many tourists became so frightened that they canceled plans to attend. In my mind, absence was never an option. Every day, I sit in the heart of Washington, DC, a few blocks from the White House, perhaps the largest terrorist target in the world. Such tragic bombings can occur anywhere, including right here on my beloved American soil, and they have.
When foreign journalist arrived shortly before the start of the Games, the Internet immediately exploded with pictures of dirty water, stray dogs, weird signs and hotel horror stories. It looked like Russia would become a joke on the world stage. And then the Games began...
1. I watched the Opening Ceremonies from my couch, right here in America. All journalists were in place, but more importantly normal visitors had arrived and began sharing photos of a very different Sochi. Photos of people sitting in modern venues, attending events and assimilating fine into their Russian surroundings. A week later, I was standing in Olympic Park, my eyes affixed to the symbolic Olympic rings.
2. In the confines of the Olympic area, another Russia existed. Everything shiny, new and modern. Smiling, friendly people welcomed you at every corner. I traveled with a native, but in most cases we were separated so I was able to view and feel the infrastructure from a foreign perspective. The most heartwarming part of the Games were the amazing volunteers! Not all spoke English, but language barriers weren't really an obstacle. If one volunteer couldn't assist you, they would try to find another who could. These young ladies greeted me as soon as I entered Olympic Park. None of them spoke English, but they saw my camera and immediately wanted to pose. A smile - one of the most welcoming gestures in the world, transcending all language barriers.
3. The most noticeable result of the Olympics? Amazing transport infrastructure now in place in Sochi. I arrived in the Adler Station after a long train ride from Moscow, but visited many other stations during the journey. All are modern, clean and easy to navigate. New rail lines covering a total length of 157 km were constructed, and exceptional brochures outlining all routes, timetables and stations were available in both Russian and English.
4. The Olympic Park Station housed a lot of souvenir shops, including this one with huge stuffed animals of the mascots. Who can carry such a large toy home? Or, maybe they're just nice window decorations? Purchasing souvenirs at the official BOSCO store was a big problem, as the queue to enter the store was very long. I purchased my souvenirs at the airport, though options there were limited.
5. These shiny and new trains operated on all routes. Transport during the Games was completely free for all visitors.
6. Everything related to transport is duplicated in English. On the train and in the stations, including announcements by the conductor. No problem for foreign guests to navigate the route.
7. Best part? All trains are equipped with plugs, so it was easy to recharge electronics on the long ride from Olympic Park to the Mountain Cluster! We don't even have this feature on most American trains, so be grateful. :)
8. Coat racks and plenty of overhead storage space on the new trains.
9. New roads run parallel with the train tracks, although few foreign guests were traveling via car. I can't imagine driving on most Russian roads, but on these newly constructed highways in Sochi, it's almost feasible. Wide and clearly marked lanes, normal signage, and proper shoulders to ensure safety in the event of an accident or breakdown. Photo credit macos.
10. This could be a picture from any American highway, but no - it's Russia! Amazing and I wish for the entire nation that similar roads will be built in the future. Imagine the ease and freedom of movement if such pavement existed everywhere?
11. Even guard rails to prevent more catastrophic collisions and accidents. The absence of such rails on most Russian roads is perplexing. Easy to implement and improve safety for all, yet rarely present.
12. I often wondered how local residents felt during the Games? Here, a babushka takes an afternoon ride on the train. Maybe with her granddaughter by her side, going about normal, every day life and chores, while the world viewed her homeland from a television set. Washington, DC placed a bid to host the Summer Games of 2024. Perhaps in ten years I'll be able to welcome the world to my town!
13. The train ride from Olympic Park to the Mountain Cluster was about 45 minutes, but passengers kept themselves occupied. On this day, the big hockey match between Russia and America, and fans took time to put on their war paint during the ride. Sorry for the loss, but proud of my American team.
14. Security was tight at all stations, with bags being inspected at all points. Two officers even argued amongst themselves at one of the stations as to whether I could bring a water bottle on the train. In the end, I walked past them while they continued the debate, and carried my bottle with me. It also was immediately noticeable in Olympic Park that Big Brother was watching at all times. A huge balloon flew over the Park day and night. I assume it was some type of military or special forces unit to monitor crowd activity? I always felt safe during the visit.
15. Some type of loud speaker or monitoring device was even mounted on a palm tree!
16. Speaking of palm trees, it was very strange to host the Winter Olympics in a subtropical climate. I didn't like it at all, and believe it took away from the spirit of the Winter Games. Maybe I'm biased because I like cold, snowy weather, but I think others felt the same and many were unprepared for the warmth. I wore the same shirt for three days because it was the only cool thing I packed. I monitored temperatures ahead of time, but in the open concrete of Olympic Park temperatures felt much warmer than the figure shown on the thermometer. Bright sun to the point that I even got sunburned on one day. And what do you think of the slogan - HOT.COOL.YOURS? :) I don't think it translates well, as some foreigners likely perceived the term "COOL" to be the equivalent of "kruto" rather than a reference to the temperature.
17. Colorful domes in the distance. I understood that the IOC stayed here during the event, and that afterward it will be home to a children's entertainment center/museum.
18. Magnificent flame, burning day and night. It was surrounded by a grassy lawn on which people could rest and enjoy the scenery.
19. What's this? Carrying Siberian snow to the top of the mountain? :) During the final days of competition, I think the snow was melting even at the highest mountain points.
20. Krasnaya Polyana Station in the Mountain Cluster, built to resemble a ski chalet.
21. Excellent platforms and signage in the stations. Even elevators and escalators! Of course, all transport infrastructure must be fully equipped to handle athletes competing in the Paralympic Games. However, these trains will be integrated into other areas afterwards. A huge and long overdue step in accommodating and assimilating the disabled into Russian society.
22. Volunteers were placed in all stations to assist passengers.
23. In the mountain area, these speakers existed, presumably to convey information to guests. However, I tried several of them and none worked.
24. I was only in the bottom of the Mountain Cluster for a few hours, but it was completely empty. Maybe an event was happening and all tourists were on the mountain? Most restaurants and cafes had no guests. I imagine they are now closed and will reopen again when the Paralympic Games begin.
25. In this area, many Cossacks were patrolling the grounds. I didn't really understand their purpose, to merely look intimidating? Did they have the power to arrest people? Not sure. Before the Games, there were a lot of stories relating to cooperation between Russian and American security forces, indicating Putin didn't want our assistance. However, I saw several armed U.S. Officers in Olympic Park, probably sent there by the State Dept. to protect American visitors.
26. The mascots appeared around every corner. Plenty of photo opportunities with them, and I couldn't resist. :) In this area, a lot of nice hotel chains (Radisson, Mercure Hotel, etc.). Layout felt more like a quaint European village rather than Russia. A lot of colorful buildings, clock towers and a stream running right down the middle of the village.
27. The mountains were beautiful, just wish there was more snow.
28. Almost all of my time was spent in Olympic Park, an endless sea of colorful personalities. The most interesting part of the Games were the attendees, although it seemed most were native Russians. I think this woman was broadcasting for a television news channel.
29. A lot of patriots, waving different versions of the Russian flag.
30. Some even wanted me to pose with them, including a group of men who handed me this flag. They kept pointing to the meteor explosion on the flag, but I vividly remember this incident. It happened a few days before I arrived in Russia in February 2013.
31. I don't know the final attendance numbers for the Games. It seemed most visitors were native Russians, so I think foreign attendance was probably less in Sochi than other Olympics.
32. I didn't come across many Americans, but here are two in horrible outfits! It's true Americans sometimes wear pajamas out in public places, though it's rare. I love pajamas more than anyone, but it's shameful and lazy behavior when you can't put proper pants on in public. American Olympic apparel could be purchased in a special store in Olympic Park, accessible only by showing an American passport. However, my Russian friend was able to enter with me. I also saw a special store for Canadian apparel and souvenirs. All of it very expensive.
33. Others more plainly dressed and enjoying the bright sunshine.
34. Popular outfit with Russian women - very short dress with boots.
35. On Valentine's Day, I even saw a wedding! The Olympics aren't my idea for a romantic wedding venue, but I love seeing these brides in Russia and Eastern Europe. Found almost any place, and any day of the week, usually with a white fur draped around their shoulders. Remember my post about the Bridge of Kisses in Moscow? Nice. :)
37. I have nothing bad to say about the sports venues. They were top notch, handicap accessible and comfortable. I attended two events - figure skating and curling. Figure skating occurred here in the Iceberg Skating Palace. To me, it was the most aesthetically and architecturally pleasing structure.
38. This is my favorite Olympic sport, so I was happy to attend the men's free skate program. Special congratulations to gold medal winner Adelina Sotnikova in the women's program! Huge talent on the ice.
39. The venue is high tech, with top quality screens, monitors and cameras throughout.
40. My compatriots, loudly cheering the American skaters. One thing I found obnoxious. During the men's free skate, the crowd repeatedly shouted "Россия, Россия, Россия...", even though Russia had no athletes on the ice that night. The chants became particularly loud when the American skaters appeared. Disrespectful in my view.
41. This flamboyant skater from Uzbekistan was my favorite! Full of life and energy, skating to fast paced music.
42. Waving the Russian flag, a common sight in all the venues.
43. The curling stadium was very small, and there's a reason why. I think this must be the most boring sport in history!!
44. Four separate matches are running at the same time, with eight different countries present on the ice. I attended a match where Russia was playing.
45. There's no defense involved in this sport, perhaps that's why I find it boring. I left after watching the action for one hour. Russia's opponent in this match - China. Pity that I was only here two days and didn't have time to attend other sporting events. I would have liked to have seen luge, snow boarding and some of the skiing competitions.
46. Site of one of the hottest tickets during the Game - the U.S. vs. Russia hockey match.
47. Many people couldn't get tickets to the game, so they flooded out into the lawn and watched from big screens in Olympic Park. Really amazing atmosphere for this event, and I saw many American and Russian fans walking together despite the intense rivalry. Spirit of the Olympic Games! Impossible to capture from a television screen or laptop. Only those who have stood in the midst of the event can truly understand it.
48. In between events, there was no time to be bored! Amusing characters walking around Olympic Park at all times, entertaining spectators.
49. Musicians disguised as rabbits.
50. This is Russia, so of course there were some strange things. :) Why have a whole section dedicated to Grandfather Frost when Christmas passed over a month ago? Visitors could enter his home and take a tour, but the queue was so long I never waited.
51. Even a Christmas/New Year tree in February!
52. Great performances by these dancers/singers in traditional costumes, attracting a large crowd each time I passed.
53. How can a trash can be out of service? But many were.
54. Everything was well organized, but food options were a real problem. There weren't enough stands or variety of choices in Olympic Park. In the Mountain Cluster, many more options as cafes and restaurants existed.
55. Only one restaurant in Olympic Park, and it was expensive. I think you needed a reservation, but I never really understood as the hostesses were rude. I think they were hired to merely stand there and look beautiful rather than service guests. Well, a special talent to stand in these high heels on concrete all day, so they earned their pay for that alone. :)
56. Mime walking around the area. Clowns scare me, but I don't mind these characters. They live by my motto - "silence is golden."
57. No problem with liquids, as Coke machines were everywhere, including options for bottled water (my drink of choice). Some vending machines also sold sandwiches and soups, but I didn't try them.
58. We passed so many buses on the ride back to the hotel!! What will happen to all of the Sochi-branded transportation after the Games? Will they maintain the colorful logos, or be changed? In what parts of Russia will they be transferred? I'm not sure anyone knows the answers.
59. Special thanks to these lovely volunteers who helped me on the bus routes, especially my dear Sophi in the middle. :) Amazing girl, with a shared passion for travel and exploration.
60. Outside the main Olympic area, a very different Sochi. More typical of the Russia I'm used to seeing.
61. View from my hotel room balcony. My accommodations were excellent, only a minor problem with drainage in the shower which caused a flood both mornings. Hotel staff immediately cleaned the room and vacuumed the excess water from the bathroom floor and carpets.
62. Olympic Park was especially beautiful at night.
63. What lies ahead for Sochi after all the colorful banners, buses and fancy trains are removed? Time will tell, but I can't imagine many Americans, Europeans or Asians will incur the expense to travel there for a sea vacation when comparable places are much closer and cheaper.
64. My souvenirs from the Games. Sochi gloves and my favorite mascot - the bear. Gloves were 500RUB, another 500RUB for the USA flag cover. My beloved bear cost 800RUB. Expensive, yes, but normal for any sporting or global event where prices are always exaggerated.
65. What I'll remember most about the Games isn't the colorful banners, nice roads or fancy trains. It will be the Russian people, who really surprised me by embracing the international spirit of the Olympics. I met more friendly people here than in all of my prior Russian travels combined. I never expected such an emotional reaction from attending the Games, but it really moved and inspired me. For a short period of time and in the confines of Olympic space, humans embodied John Lennon's famous lyric - "Imagine all the people..sharing all the world."
In many ways, Sochi was a fairy tale, a sort of imaginary Russian world. Yet I believe Russians should be proud of the Sochi Games and the achievements associated with it. Not only winning the most medals, but more importantly creating a livable and vibrant infrastructure for residents and foreign tourists in the region. I hope it doesn't go to waste, and that it serves as a template for improvements in other parts of the country to facilitate a better quality of life for residents.
66. The flame now gone, and me too. Спасибо Россия! I hope we meet again soon!
Other posts about my Olympic journey:
American Journey to Sochi, Part 1: Sapsan Train from St. Petersburg
American Journey to Sochi, Part 2: Train Ride from Moscow to Adler
sochi,
trains,
sergechel
Oh, I see something familiar :)
These men were so funny! Chasing me down the path to take a photo with their flag. I guess I don't look Russian, and it was obvious to them that I'm foreign. :)
(no subject) - lovigin - Mar. 1st, 2014 04:18 pm (UTC) - Expand
(no subject) - peacetraveler22 - Mar. 1st, 2014 04:45 pm (UTC) - Expand
kroshka_chu
Thank you so much for a great post, very detailed and very interesting.
I'm glad you enjoyed most of your trip!
My pleasure! I hope I have the opportunity to attend another Winter Olympics in the future. Summer not so good for me, as I hate the heat.
kdementi
Bus on the left of the 58th photo has Moscow oblast registration. I think there were buses from all Russia in Sochi. There was exactly buses from Moscow, Moscow oblast, Saint Petersburg and Leningrad oblast. As I know, they returned to their regions but most of Lastochka trains remained in Sochi.
By the way, in other parts of Russia Lastochka is a long-distance train: Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod; St. Petersburg - Bologoe and St. Petersburg - Velikiy Novgorod. The last can be considered as a suburban train because distance between St. Petersburg and V. Novgorod it about 200 km but you need to take a long-distance ticket.
xpo_xpo_xpo
If it is 201 km, it couldn't be suburban :)
I don't know actual distance, but formally suburban trains cannot go more than 200 km (recently they started to change routes to conform with regulations so many crowded direct routes are canceled now and require transfer at some station in the middle).
(no subject) - peacetraveler22 - Feb. 28th, 2014 02:46 pm (UTC) - Expand
Thank you my dear Shannon! It was really very interesting story :)
You're welcome! The Games were really inspirational for me.
Thanks for post !
P.S : You looks pretty well, special respect to your dentist )))
My American smile isn't blinding to you? :)) I wore braces during my nerdy teenage years, but the result is straight and almost perfect teeth!
(no subject) - fesma94 - Mar. 1st, 2014 08:22 pm (UTC) - Expand
User _xb referenced to your post from American Impressions from Sochi Olympics saying: [...] Originally posted by at American Impressions from Sochi Olympics [...]
addeson
Thanks for an incredibly interesting post!
Oh, US-Russia hockey game... Watching it in a Russian-American family was so much fun!
I was so upset I couldn't get tickets to this game. It would have been amazing, but there was so much energy in the atmosphere that day. Hardcore hockey fans in Russia! Have you been to a Washington Capitals game? You know our star player Ovechkin played for his home country Russia during the Games. :)
(no subject) - addeson - Feb. 28th, 2014 04:44 pm (UTC) - Expand
imur
As soon as I realized that you would be going to Russia, I was waiting for you posts about your Olympic trip. Thank you for sharing! Very interesting and surprisingly (even for me being Russian:))) positive! I'm glad you were enjoying your Sochi experience!
You know I've seen a lot of chaos and despair in Russia, but here everything was in order. I wonder how most Russians feel after the Games? Proud of the achievements, or still upset at all the money and corruption it took to make them happen?
(no subject) - ozada4ena - Feb. 28th, 2014 08:15 pm (UTC) - Expand
oleko
The busses basically came from Moscow region. They were bought to substitute the old machines. Most coaches ran the long-distance voyages, worked for a month or two. So I hope they'll run back home after the Olympics, because here, in Moscow region, the companies got out of the stock very old busses, many of them were out of order at that moment and the mechanicals had to repair them.
The new buses are very nice, so I'm sure you'll be happy when they return. I've never seen so many buses in one area in my entire life.
noizz_orb
It's very interesting to know what foreign people see and feel about Olympic's.
Well, Sochi has become a show off place. The shining will pass away very soon, because it's cheaper to travel to Europe rather than stay in Sochi for vacation. So, I doubt that the newly built hotels will be full at summer.
You are right, the volunteers are very friendly to the guests, but after the Games they'll leave Sochi and the "friendly service" won't be available any longer. This is another reason to spend vacation in Europe where service is excellent.
Right, exactly what I said. :) I've traveled enough in Russia to know that the glitz and glamour of Sochi is a make-believe world, but it doesn't take away from the achievements. I don't think a lot of shops, restaurants and hotels were even full during the Games, and I agree Sochi still will not be a popular tourist destination for foreigners. For the exact reasons you stated.
(no subject) - (Anonymous) - May. 17th, 2014 05:58 am (UTC) - Expand
sineglazzka2301
Thank you so much for an interesting post!
Well, it has always been in Russians' blood to do their best to meet the guests. A typical Russian would rather prefer to spend his half-year food storage to feed his guests than to show them he is on the verge of starving. Here is the same situations. They (I mean our president etc) have shown all the world that "yes, we can" but how it will affect Russian economy nobody can tell. And what will happen to all these objects in the future nobody knows either. I've read that some sports facilities are dismountable and they will be transferred to Moscow. Anyway, I'm glad that nothing horrible happened during the games and everything was carried on the high level. At least is was a credit to Russian image in the eyes of the rest of the world.
I'm also glad everyone remained safe! When I first told my parent's I would go, they were in a complete state of panic. Now the interesting part - to see what happens to all of these hotels, restaurants and shops after the crowds leave. It will be interesting to see if the tourist numbers for Sochi rise this summer. Russia isn't so easy or cheap to reach from most locations, so I don't anticipate a huge influx of tourists there.
(no subject) - sineglazzka2301 - Feb. 28th, 2014 03:11 pm (UTC) - Expand
cybermania
Shannon, thank you for great post. It was very interesting to read your opinion about Olympic games as a foreigner. Now you have seen Russia from another side. Country is big and people are different. Many surprises awaits you =)
Definitely saw a different side of Russians on this trip, but sadly the cordial spirit will likely be lost over time. These young volunteers played a big role in the success of the event, and they should be highly commended.
___tais
Thank you for the post. It was really cool.
I like the Uzbekistans skater too. He was bright.
Usuru Hanu is the best. Patric Chan is very good.
I happy, that Adelina Sotnicova became a champion. I think, Yulia Lipnickaya is cool and beautiful too.
Of course, Carolina Costner and Y-Na Kim are amazing.
You're welcome! Pity that Plushenko was injured and I couldn't see him skate. Adelina's program was so technical and complicated, she definitely deserved the gold!
(no subject) - ___tais - Feb. 28th, 2014 05:20 pm (UTC) - Expand
lara_anna
Thank you for such a detailed and positive post!
And I guess the buses will be brought back to Moscow to replace the old ones, this week I already saw some of the new Sochi-branded buses on the routes, that used to have old yellow buses before.
I'm glad you liked the post. I wonder if the Sochi-branded decorations will remain on the buses forever?
(no subject) - lara_anna - Mar. 1st, 2014 04:15 pm (UTC) - Expand
This is a great report! I glad that you liked Olympics and Sochi.
Hi Denis! Sochi is nice, but too warm! Maybe I'll return in autumn for the big Formula1 race.
(no subject) - mybathroom - Feb. 28th, 2014 04:40 pm (UTC) - Expand
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