Velvet Sochi in the velvet season
When autumn came in most of our country, and with it came cold, rains and colds, Sochi opens its velvet season for us.
“What, tell you about the city of Sochi?”
About the city of cypresses among the rocks.
For those who have not been to Sochi, it is a pity, of course,
That quarter of my life was definitely lost.” (Igor Blinov)
As a rule, the velvet season begins in September, flowing into the first two weeks of October. The “velvetness” of the season in Sochi is due to several factors.
The first is, of course, the absence of exhausting heat. On average, the daily temperature is from 25-26 C., and the sea is only 1 degree below the air temperature. Getting into the water is more comfortable than ever.
Also during this period, when the bulk of tourists have already returned to their cities, you will calmly settle on the beaches of Sochi and enjoy the sea. Yeah, and don't miss the chance to feed the seagulls. These feathered symbols of the sea are very friendly and will not give up a piece of bread. They are especially numerous in the morning, when the noise of the sea is not disturbed by coastal music and activists with offers to ride a banana.
The velvet season is rich in fruit. Buy better in the markets of the city – here and cheaper and better choice.
One of the markets I visited was the Central Market. In addition to vegetables and fruits, the market has a rich selection of dairy and meat products, the famous churchkhela and pastila. And of course spices. They smell like that. The variety of color and smell is amazing. In a word, a gourmet paradise. My advice, be sure to bring these aromas of the south, they will not only add spiciness to your dishes, but also remind you of the summer sun of the Caucasus.
Another important advantage of the velvet season is the variety of cultural events. It is during this period that pop artists, show business stars, ballet companies strive here with tours. So in September of this year, the contest of young performers “New Wave” and the festival of humor “Yurmolina 2016” were held. In October, as a rule, there is a fashion festival "Velvet Seasons in Sochi". If you manage to visit one of the festivals held in Sochi, the emotions from the rest will be doubly bright.
What to see in Sochi?
I would like to tell you about a place with such an unusual name as Rosa Khutor.
Today, Rosa Khutor is a popular ski resort in the village of Krasnaya Polyana of Sochi and the largest ski resort in Russia. It became especially popular thanks to the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Everyone can now plunge into the Olympic history and walk around the Olympic Village - just come to the Rosa Khutor. Its name comes from the name of the Estonian family Rooz, whose farm was located on the site of today’s ski resort.
Rosa Khutor resembles a small Europe, spread among the Caucasian mountains.
Acquaintance with the resort begins with the "Rose Valley", located at an altitude of 560 meters above sea level. All buildings are located on both banks of the Mzymta River. There are many hotels, shops, cafes and an indoor rink.
Once here, even in the non-ski season, you should definitely climb to the very top of the Rose Peak and see the beauty of the mountains, breathe in fresh mountain air.
All right, let's go to the cable car. The cash register is located here on the Rose Valley. Ascent to the top takes place in 3 stages. The price of a single ticket is 1300 rubles per person.
The main lifts are high-speed 8-seat gondolas. The booths are closed, making the journey upwards safer and less extreme. When climbing from a bird's eye view, a panoramic view of the resort village of Rosa Khutor opens.
The first level is called the Rose Plateau, 1170 meters above sea level. Here is a mountain Olympic village where athletes lived during the 2014 Olympics. The Olympic Village has about 50 alpine-style buildings with beautiful panoramic views of the Aibga and Psehaco mountains. Nearby are the figures of the Olympic symbols. And also: many different souvenir shops, cafes.
With the help of a cable car, we climb higher to the next platform (1350 m). It's called "The Conversation." Here at your service such entertainment as "Panda Park" and the lift "Wolf Rock". PandaPark is especially popular in the summer. This entertainment is suitable for people who like to overcome obstacles, moving along rope stairs at a height. The price of such entertainment is an average of 400 rubles per person.
And finally, the third level - the famous "Rose Peak", height - 2320 m. The decrease in temperature is particularly noticeable here. Of course, to warm you will be offered hot mulled wine, but warm clothes and protection from the rain is still better to take with you - because the weather in the mountains is very unpredictable and changeable.
This altitude offers incredible views of the mountains, and the clouds seem so close that you can touch with your hand. When standing at the edge you look at these peaks, which seem to pierce the sky, you regret the current of one thing - that you do not know how to fly.
For fans of extreme sports there is an opportunity to take horseback riding along the mountain range or rent an ATV. And for seekers of romance launched a new service - to meet the sunset in the mountains. For this purpose, the work time of the cable cars was extended.
You will also be offered free photos on various equipped photo sites. And everything would be fine if not for one “but”: you will be photographed for free, but to take a photo you will have to pay from 300 to 900 rubles depending on the size chosen.
While at the "Rosa Khutor" do not miss the opportunity to visit the unique mountain theater show "Caucasian Prisoners". “Caucasus Prisoners” is a vivid performance, taking place at an altitude of 1170 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains and amazing nature of the Caucasus. Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from July to October starts at 16:00.
Author of text and photo: Dina Kolesova