Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Eastern Europe

This Month Georgia Celebrates Independence and More

Aleksandr Shatskih

Coming on May 26th, the people of the Republic of Georgia celebrate Independence Day, the so Day of First Republic in 1918. Visitors can view and take part in a variety of scheduled activities including cultural events, and live performances, not to mention sightseeing Tbilisi and other Georgian cites celebrating.

Vladimir Putin Sets Wreath Honoring Fallen V-Day Heroes

Phil Butler

“This war is not an ordinary war. It is the war of the entire Russian people. Not only to eliminate the danger hanging over our heads, but to aid all people groaning under the yoke of Fascism” – Josef Stalin – 22nd June 1941

“Catalyzer” Exhibition Opens in Baku

Aleksandr Shatskih

Opening today at the Contemporary Art Space in Baku, the exhibition “Catalyzer” displays video art works by modern artists. Oranized by the Baku Creative Center, and with the contributions of the United Artists’ Club there, the art exhibit will hopefully further stimulate the development of such arts in Azerbaijan.

Croatia’s Zoran Milanovic Pledges State-of-the-art Rails

Aleksandr Shatskih

News from Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic’s office last week is good news for fans of rail travel inside and outside Croatia. According to the official news the port of Rijeka will possess state-of-the-art facilities connecting the Croatian Adriatic with all of Central Europe.

Travel in Europe: Don’t Be Caught Dead Migrating

Phil Butler

Two news bits today concerning Germany’s disposition toward migrants and visitors draw further attention to key Schengen and visa discussion. A report via EurActiv speaks to one side of the German and EU PR aspect, the Roma people being the subject on the one hand. At the other end of Germany’s public relations woes, news that second generation Turks in Germany are headed home suggest the German state is in an exclusivity mood toward some.

Putin’s Russia Vision Continues: The New Mariinsky Theatre

Phil Butler

Visitors to St. Petersburg interested in the arts will now be able to enjoy a fabulous new Mariinsky Theatre, a showplace reminiscent of the golden age of Russian arts. Opened last week by President Vladimir Putin at a star studded gala, the new building of the theater is considered by many a symbol of Russia’s re-emergence as a cultural and economic giant. Under the personal patronage of Putin, the Imperial wealth of Russia is somehow rejuvenated.

Coming to Vilnius: International Contemporary Dance Festival New Baltic Dance

Aleksandr Shatskih

Coming next week to Vilnius, the International Contemporary Dance Festival New Baltic Dance kicks off on Monday with international dance performances across several city venues. Scheduled to run form 6 – 12 May, the festival will be a multi-venue event highlighted by a contemporary video dance competition.

Košice Day Celebrations Continue in Slovakia

Aleksandr Shatskih

Still going on in Slovakia, the annual Košice Day celebrations have been extended over nine days up until May 8th. This, the 19th year of the eastern Slovakian city is highlighted by the folklore, history, gastronomy, sport, and culture of this fascinating place.

May Brings the Medieval Games to Byczyna

Aleksandr Shatskih

Vitezovi Zelingradski (the Knights of Zelingrad) and other knights from Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Italy, Belarus, and Ukraine are reenacting a medieval joust in Byczyna.

Tall Ships Races 2013 Visits Riga

Aleksandr Shatskih

Coming this Summer to Riga, Latvia, scores of sailing ships from 35 countries will compete at the Tall Ships Races 2013 visiting the city for the first time in 10 years. The massive tall ship regatta is expected to deliver hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city, and 99 of the world’s most fabulous sailing vessels are slated to compete July 25 – 28.

City of Sochi Opens Spring with Labor Day Festivities

Aleksandr Shatskih

News from Sochi, Russia tells of the people there kicking off a festival starting the official Spring Labor Day festivities. Held outside the city’s Winter Theater, the fest symbolizes renewed spirit of this famous Russian resort town.