The 2014 Sochi Winter Games are about to kick off and I’ve been here on the ground since last week. If you missed it, I’m here working for the Organizing Committee through February and am super excited to play a small role in these Games. Although none of the Olympic events are actually taking place within the city of Sochi, the seaside town is still considered to be host of the Games and as such, I felt compelled to go and check it out for myself. Overall, I was highly impressed. It is a beautiful city even in winter and I found walking around exploring to be extremely pleasant. The city is filled with outdoor art and seems like it may have been constructed with pedestrians in mind. Please enjoy these photos that I feel capture the unique feel of this slice of the Russian Riviera.
Sochi is ready for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games!
Sochi is definitely a sub-tropical city. Even in the winter it’s gigantic palm trees loom over everything providing welcome shade and an exotic feel.
The beautiful white Sochi Train Station has hints of Russian architecture while incorporating a seaside feel.
The Winter Games may not actually be taking place within the city, but that doesn’t mean Sochi isn’t in the spirit!
Art and sculpture are a constant sighting in Sochi. You’ll find art not only within parks, but out in the streets as well.
Russians love their fountains and Sochi is no exception.
The beautiful Black Sea and black sand beaches of Sochi.
Statues of Sochi citizens going about their day outside the Sochi Seaport makes for some great photo ops.
Dedicated sidewalks lined with palm trees make walking in Sochi a very pleasant experience.
This is one of my favorite sculptures that I came across in Sochi. It’s a mythical Greek monster called a “Harpy” which as a rule is supposed to be ugly. I think this one is quite beautiful.
The Black Sea at Sochi Seaport currently playing host to cruise ships for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The promenade of Sochi Seaport is an enjoyable place to spend the day in both winter and summer.
Street art isn’t contained to sculpture. This mural sits just a block from Sochi Train Station and says a lot about how the coastal city views itself.
It may be winter, but you can tell from one look at the Sochi Seaport just how much of a summertime destination this place is. Waterslides and theme parks line the edge of the Black Sea among palm trees and cheery pedestrian only streets. In the background you can see some of the cruise ships in town for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Throughout Sochi you’ll find open squares, public walkways, green spaces and beautiful sculptures to enjoy.
