Russia > Sailing the Amur River

Breakfast is served on the ninth floor of the hotel, with a view over Khabarovsk. Outside, a weak sun is shining. Judging by the clouds, it probably won’t stay dry all day. In front of the hotel lies a green strip about a hundred meters wide. The small park stretches all the way to the river, about two kilometers away. As we get closer to the river and the city center, the number of terraces and fairground-like attractions increases.

Russia - The small beach on the Amur River in Khabarovsk

Along the river, bicycles can be rented, children drive around in miniature cars, and there is a Ferris wheel. A small beach also runs along the boulevard. Children play in the water, while adults lie in the sun on the sand. On the other side of the boulevard stands the Assumption Cathedral at the top of a wide staircase. The narrow, tall, and colorful cathedral is a replica of the original cathedral that once stood here, which was destroyed by the communists in 1930. From the Amur River quay, sightseeing boats depart.

Russia - The striking Assumption Cathedral

It isn’t immediately clear how to get tickets, but boarding solves the problem—the tickets are sold on board. From the deck, we have a view of Khabarovsk while a recording in continuous Russian explains what we are seeing. As we return, the clouds increase, and across the Amur River we can see flashes of lightning. We walk back to the hotel via Muravyova-Amurskogo Street, wondering if we’ll stay dry. Muravyova-Amurskogo is the central street of Khabarovsk, lined with old buildings from the late 19th century Tsarist era. Today, most of these stately buildings house shops. Before we reach Lenin Square, it begins to rain. Quickly, we duck into a café for a cappuccino. Half an hour later, the rain stops and the sun comes out again. Lenin Square is the central square of the city. On the north side stands a statue of Lenin, looking over a square filled with planters and fountains. We stroll back to the hotel through Dynamo Park. In the evening, we take a taxi to the Harley Davidson pub, a Western-style restaurant. A cowgirl welcomes us with a high five. She introduces herself as Linda. With an enthusiasm more typical of America, she takes our order. The atmosphere is friendly, and the food is good.