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

Hidden Sochi

Yesterday, Inside Sochi newsletter included a feature on "Hidden Sochi".  Sochi has a number of attractions that are unknown or hidden to outside travelers who come for the beaches or mountain resort activities.  Please take a look at the photos from "Hidden Sochi".

The Best of Sochi

Riviera Park- Sochi, Russia

September 11, 2011 Inside Sochi Newsletter is available.  Read and subscribe to receive the latest information, including a new feature: The Best of Sochi.

Sochi International Investment Forum

The Tenth Annual Sochi International Investment Forum will be held September 15-18.  The Forum, along with the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, is one of the biggest events of its kind in Russia each year. Event venues are being prepared and traffic rerouted for the event.  Last year there were about 8,000 particpants from 32 nations.  Agreements were signed for 376 projects totalling 768 billion rubles.

This year Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will speak.  Krasnodar Krai Governor Aleksandr Tkachev and SberBank President and CEO German Gref will particpate in the Forum along with many other business and governmental leaders.  

Registration Tent- Sochi International Investment Forum