I love Kazan, Tartastsn. Russia

My love affair of all things Russian and Soviet continued last year when I took a trip on the trans-Siberian railway from Moscow to Ekaterinburg.

Situated in Western Russia, Kazan is the capital of the Tartastan Republic close to the trans-Siberian railroad Its location made the city a major trading and industry hub in Russia.

It is one of the most multi-cultural cities in Russia; the Tartar language is widely spoken by locals along with Russian. Just under 50% of the population made up of ethnic Tartars, as well as 48% of ethnic Russians.

As soon as I arrived in the city of Kazan I fell in love, the architecture the vibrancy the people. It is a spectacular place to visit, though I must say (Bauman Street), the Main Street of shops and bars can get very touristy with an over abundance of souvenir shops.( may I recommend the Big Butcher Grill, as the place to eat. It is away from the touristic areas, I didn’t try the bbq horse that was on the menu!). With it being a university city there are many younger people out and about which adds to the vibrant atmosphere too.

Alas only a short stopover restricted what I was able to see, I know I have missed so much.

ANCIENT;MODERN;DIFFERENT