Stopping for Lunch Photo

Photographer’s Note

I know that this is "just" a record shot, but I think it gives a good picture of travelling in Kamchatka.

Last summer, I taught a class for a month in Vladivostok, in Far Eastern Russia. I wanted to visit Kamchatka afterwards, and, because independent travel is virtually impossible, I booked a tour. When I showed up, there was only one other person on the tour, and we had a guide, Valery, and an interpreter, Lydia. So, rather than seeming like a tour, it was like travelling with two really helpful (and really fun) Russian friends. Most of the time we got around in Valery's car, but when we went to the more remote areas, they hired this truck. We were very lucky with the weather when we were there, but the thaw had come late that year, and we had to drive through snow that was still several feet high. Even this vehicle couldn't get as far as we wanted and we had to walk about 5-6 miles from this spot to teh base of Mt. Mutnovsky.

The other aspect of Russian life that is shown here is the beginings of a preparation of a Russian picnic. The Russian picnic is a big part of Russian life, and the Russians don't go in for sandwiches, prepared food, burgers or the typical type of picnic fare we have in the US. Instead, the picnic is a full meal, made from scratch on site, usually involving soup and a main course, and always ending with tea.

JEPC, wrangell, antek has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

veimann (1250) 2004-03-07 13:51

My sister has grown near to Vladivostok, I shall show it your photo, it is pleasant to it =)

Ebbe (9571) 2004-03-07 15:54

The rocky mountain with snow, the tough vehicle at that angle, the delicate little table, the very green grass and the two humans looking very happy. WOW Mimi!

mortijo (12416) 2004-03-07 16:17

I'd like to see more pictures like thin on this site. That's why I keep watching it. Very good shot, nice framiing and good coloours. Thanks for sharing.

torben (3084) 2004-03-07 16:23

Now, _that_'s a menacing SUV! Nothing like these small sissy american vehicles. The camping table looks almost absurd in this context. Very interesting photo.

joso (1786) 2004-03-07 16:55

In the very spirit of TE, Mimi! Traveling at "the end of the world", in a kind of red zone.
Very good, informative note to it.
Thanks for sharing, you give with it wings to my fantasy...

richtersl (3544) 2004-03-07 17:02

You were so fortunate to have been able to travel to a location such as Kamchatka! Your photo definitely gives the viewer the sense of how you all were "roughing it" there. The tour you were on sounds like the type of tour I would like going on: one that is not crowded with too many people.

Your note was great.

Jebelis (227) 2004-03-07 17:41

very insteresting truck and so many contrasts within this picture! snow & grass, the truck etc.. nice shot!

Rockyboy (20582) 2004-03-07 18:07

It seems a very nice exprience and I thank you very much for the informations you sent to me. Even if there is a lot moskitos, it is seems a very interesting way of discovering Kamchatka.
Very nice shot of a pic nic with your russian friend guide. Thanks for sharing it on TE!

ninadev (5225) 2004-03-07 21:43

I also like this kind of shot,even if the artistic aspect is not the main reason for posting it. Together with your note, it brings us in a part of the world where many and even most of us couldn't go. And, it is a good shot, colors are nice, it's sharp, the snow background is interesting.

Tim (469) 2004-03-09 17:34

Mimi, thanks for sharing this interesting photo. At first glance I thought it was a military photo. I love the contrasting snow covered hill and the grassy meadow!

RGatward (19751) 2004-03-26 4:22

Your trip sounds fantastic, and this catches just the right mood. I'd like to see more shots from this tour, however good. What are the communities like in Kamchatka, what do people do there these days? Ever since I first heard of this place, I've been drawn to the edge of the Risk board.