Chirikba Appointed Foreign Minister

Today, Viacheslav Chirikba was appointed Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia by President Aleksandr Ankvab.  Mr. Chirikba is well-known inside and outside of Abkhazia and is both a diplomat and a linguistics scholar. The appointment was made in Abkhazia's capital, Sukhum

A short time ago, I spoke to Mr. Chirikba and offered my congratulations.  In keeping with Abkhaz traditions of a free press, he mentioned that the Abkhazia government is open and transparent and he is prepared for interviews with western media. 

Distances to Sochi

I like this interactive map of distances to Sochi from other cities in the Black Sea Region.  It illustrates distance very well and shows cities such as Yevpatoria, Ukraine are not far from Sochi.  There is ferry service to Sochi from Trabzon, Turkey and other cities including Tuapse, Russia and Gagar, Abkhazia.  It is assumed that by 2014 there will be more ferry service offered from Black Sea cities to Sochi.

What the map does not show is how overland distances translates into travel time.  For instance, the city of Svetlograd is about 195 miles.  Svetlograd is some distance past the more well-known southern Russian city (and original home of MIkhail Gorbachev) of Stavropol.  Stavropol is about 150 miles directly from Sochi. To a North American, it would seem that a trip to Stavropol would take about 2 hours.  However, on the train it is about 10 hours.  The bus trip is about 12.  A car trip would probably around 10 hours due to circuitous roads and traffic.  The map does not show that there is only one road (and one railroad) leading to Sochi from the rest of Russia.  The Caucasus Mountains come very close to the sea at Sochi and the road was constructed along the seacoast and so avoided the difficulties and expense of mountain construction.  

For this reason, security for the Olympics, Paralympics, World Cup and Formula 1 are not the issues that are assumed by many that are unfamiliar with the region.  It could take 24 hours or more to reach Sochi from the restive regions of Russia's North Caucasus.  And since there is only one road, the checkpoints and potential checkpoints make infiltration by those with destructive power very difficult.  And with a mountain range in between the two, it would very difficult to make an overland journey.

There is no place immune from security risks, but because of Sochi's location it is no more of a risk than any other high profile destination.

Inside Sochi

I posted Inside Socni Newsletter yesterday with new photos of Sochi's Olympic Village.  Please take a few moments to read the newsletter and pass it on.  Inside Sochi has on-the-ground photos and information of Russia's new sport capital.  

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Sunday and Hidden Sochi

Sochi is known for its ski resorts and beaches.  However, there are other places in and very near the city that most visitors are not aware of.  Sunday, I followed the Sochi River from the city center into the mountains.  At the end of the road is a trail that hikers and campers use.  The trail follows the river further into the mountains.   Ruins of a home that is reputed to be of 16th century village and a waterfall can be seen on the way.  The park and trail are only a few kilometers from the city center, but seem much further.



Sochi River



Ruins of 16th Century Building Above the Sochi River

Sochi has a life that exists alongside the tourist attractions and rapid development of the Olympic venues.  Saturdays in September are a popular time for weddings.  I saw scores of wedding parties last Saturday as the bride and groom registed at the wedding hall and proceeded across the street to have pictures taken near the fountain.  The area was full of celebrants and cars decorated for the occasion.



   



 

Coca-Cola and Russia

Coca-Cola has announced that it will invest $3 billion in Russia, including a new plant in the southern city of Rostov.  The investment over will be over a 5 year period and compete with Pepsi's expansion in Russia.   The Rostov plant has an eco-friendly design and will supply beverages to the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.  The plant was hailed by Sochi 2014 CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko as an example of the impact the Sochi Olympics are having on innovative and environmental development in Russia.

Sochi has long been a "Pepsi Town".  While Coca-Cola's products can be found in many places in Sochi, Pepsi is ubiquitous, with the boardwalk particularly being dominated by Pepsi products.

 

Sochi Boardwalk and Pepsi's Advertising