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| Here is the biathlon stadium filled with Russian flags. |
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Here we are going to the Opening Ceremonies. We ski over this bridge. |
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| These girls and the woman are part of the opening ceremonies. They are wearing traditional dresses. |
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This is the main Russian Orthodox Church which was built in 2001. It is an important monument in the city.
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I have arrived in the depths of Russia, in the great vast area of Siberia, in the city of Khanty-Mansiysk!
The first time I went to Russia was in March 2001, I was 18 years old and it was going to be my first international biathlon competition – the 2001 Khanty-Mansiysk World Junior Championships. They love biathlon events here and therefore have hosted many World Cups. This will be my 9th time in Khanty-Mansiysk!
On Saturday the 26th we took a 5 hour charter flight from Munich, Germany to Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Although there were 5 different charter flights for all the athletes, staff, TV crew, and ski and wax companies, there was so much luggage left in Munich another flight of only cargo was needed.
Unfortunately, our flight had a number of delays and we left 5 hours later than planned, arriving at our Russian hotel at sunrise… 6:30am. We were very tired! It is a 4 hour time change from Germany, and a 12 hour time change from Red Deer! So when you are getting up to have breakfast before school, I am finishing my dinner the same day!
Short facts about Khanty-Mansisyk:
- Khanty-Mansisyk is the administration center for the Russian territory, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug—Yugra
- the city is on the 61st parallel. Latitude 61° N and Longitude 69° E. In Canada the 61st parallel passes through the Northwest Territories, through the Great Slave Lake.
- the population is 71.8 thousand people
- subarctic climate, with temperature extremes, as low as -49 C° and as high as 34.5 C°. With an average temperature of -1.1 C°.
- the city is located at the confluence of two mighty rivers, Ob and Irtysh, and on hills surrounded by pine forest.
- The majority of oil produced in Russia comes from the Khantia-Mansia territory. Therefore, this central city has developed rapidly in recent years due to its economic importance.
- the very first people to the area were nomadic. They are similar in some ways to the Canadian Inuit. The people native to the area are the Khanty and Mansi, known collectively as Ob Ugric people. The local languages are Khanty and Mansi but Russian is the only official language.
It many ways it is different here than at home. The people dress in fur coats and fur hats, all different types of fur too. Until recently, the food in the grocery stores was very limited especially in the winter. Their main herb is dill… it is in almost every dish! I cannot understand anything, from the writing to the spoken word! However, I know how to say hello and thank you. Hello is привет and pronounced privet. Thank you is Спасибо and pronounced Spasibo.
On Wednesday evening, we enjoyed a spectacular opening ceremonies celebration, to commence the 2011 IBU (International Biathlon Union) World Championships. Yesterday, (Thursday) was the first race – the mixed relay. The mixed relay is comprised of 2 women and 2 men. Unfortunately, I am the only woman here for Team Canada so we were unable to enter a team. But it was great to watch. Norway took the Gold, followed by Germany and France.
It is time for training now. My final race preparation before the 7.5km Sprint tomorrow at 6pm (6am your time!). We will be racing in the dark, but the course and the range will be lit with many bright intense lights. Sunday is the 10km Pursuit competition, and Wednesday is the 15km Individual.
I will keep you posted with more highlights from Siberia in the week to come!
Good night from the great Siberian north,
Zina
