Trips and Tales #55: More on Krasnoyarsk #5

18 Nov 2011

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Krasnoyarsk: things to do and where to do them

I’ve really got to consider a “wrap” on Krasnoyarsk, as much as it appeals. It’s a good sign though, that I feel I could ramble on circuitously for even longer… until the keyboard was finally prized from beneath the intermittent taps of all four of my “typing” fingers… But enough, enough…! There are other places to flounder through …East/South East, and I haven’t even reached Lake Baikal (virtually) yet… There’s also the hop into Tuva that I promised too, back at the start of this Krasnoyarsk “thing”. Ah, it seems so long ago. Even a summary will take more than one article… but I’m getting there!

So, this is going to be a scatter-shot then … of places to go, across a range of interests and personal style, all intended as a “round-up” and summary of sorts … There’s got to be something that fits you: between raving (the music I mean) and rock-climbing – remember the rock climbing Mecca bit? Imagine wandering down the street and pointing randomly at the pretty lights that catch your eye. That’s about the measure of it…

OK, on the easy-going coffee and food front, there are various option to suit. Because it seems so incongruous, it’s perversely the logical place to start: The Dublin Irish Pub. Generally speaking, you won’t find me in any kind of pub except on the odd quiet night, or when social norms dictate a meeting place with humans. But hey, I’d stand in Krasnoyarsk’s “Dublin” … just for the absurdity of the concept. Then there’s the 1920s style Bar Chemodan, reportedly “expensive”… but you’re on holiday … right?

There are enough centralised “pubs” for a reasonably-priced night out … Kinopark Pikra is reportedly “great value” and “atmospheric”. Two big ticks, there.

And … bar/venue cross-overs such as “Che Guevara” (with appropriate theming) and the Rock-Jazz Kafe; both featuring live music. To be honest: as with the UK there’s that definite blurred edging between bar, venue and club… so allow some license.

Worth bearing in mind is the fact that “pubs” generally offer a more relaxed attitude to dress rather than the “fashionable” pre-requisite for entry into night-clubs. If you, like myself believe that your outfit is bound to become fashionable if you wait long enough… then the former may be a more comfortable choice. That’s a personal “needle” of mine: “dance” venues that don’t grant you admission if you arrive dressed for dancing rather than posing around the bar… Anyway…

Coffee always sounds like a good idea, and I’ve already noted the amount of café options available. Notables include Traveller’s Coffee, Kofemolka, Tsentr and Krem… I certainly wouldn’t expect your average “greasy-spoon” dive amongst those … especially with Krem… OK, for more food than coffee there’s a range from making-do to going-out. Stolovaya Ok is a good place to start: being described as a budget “student” eatery. Read: cheap, cheerful, easy going. Sometimes that’s just what’s required. Also noted: Terrassa Kafe in the Luch entertainment complex … frankly there’s a range of food options available in Luch from “fast” to “slow”, home and abroad. Take your pick. Miks Patio features a range of Slavic foods (amongst others) and the themed Retro gets a mention for its English menu… something to consider when you are this far into Siberia. Don’t assume that English is a second language for all. Similarly, Mama Roma for (unsurprisingly) Italian food… and again; that English menu, and Telega; where you can load-up with hot and cold buffet options.

“Peppers” similarly for pizza, and if more “atmosphere” suits there’s the hip Bellini with featured lighting and DJs, and the Vegan/Vegetarian (it can be done..) Shanti with it’s chill-out vibe.

And no, I haven’t been to any of them.