Living in Putin's Backyard ~ Our Adventures in Mother Russia: Yuzhno, Sakhalinsk - Pobedy Square, Government Square, & Lenin Square

Last night we went out on the town to view all the different lights and displays. I was really excited about this outing because we really have not gone out with the kids without it being a trip to the grocery store or somewhere like that.

The first stop was to Pobedy Square. I am going to definitely go back there during the day. Gagarin Park is close by where there is a zoo and little carnival like rides (so I'm told). This Square was right in front of the major ski/snowboard mountain. It was pretty cool driving through and seeing people just walking through with thier boards and skies.

It is a bit hard to see but this is the main run on the mountain

Pobedy Square had several very unique ice sculptures. Mike was all about the Pirate Ship. By the looks of the picture you can see how thrilled my daughter is :-) She wanted to explore and posing for pictures was not on her "to do" list. It was also dam near 0 degrees Fahrenheit, so no one was happy with how cold it was.

One of the many trees in the city

Next stop was the Yuzhno Government Square. This was so beautiful. All the trees had lights strung through them, so many horses for kids to ride on, ice slides.... just beautiful. But again.... COLD!!!

I know, two of the same picture but every few minutes the colors changed and it was pretty :-)

Obviously we had to take a Government Selfie

We even found Cinderella's Coach!!! Clearly, Ash was happy

This tree was huge!!

Grandfather Frost (similar to the American Santa) & his Snow Maiden

All along the street were lit trees

Ash and Mike in awe at the tree

Last stop, and the one I was most excited for, Vladimir Lenin Square!

Tree at Lenin Square

And there he is folks... LENIN! I may be crazy but I am a history teacher and Russian History is just fascinating. Even the ugly parts. The statue in Yuzhno is the second largest in Russia. Tallest obviously located in Moscow.