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There are many places on the Earth which are wrapped in mystery. People
would like be there and to see everything with their own eyes. And one of
those places is Lake Baikal, the greatest reservoir of fresh water which
appeared 20-25 million years ago. In summer Baikal is a wonderful place for rest. And one can meet there
with tourists from all over the world. Comfortable steamships, romantic
yachts, and simple motorboats cross the waters of Baikal. The local suntan is
considered to be the most beautiful, and those who are able to swim in
crystal-aquamarine water of Baikal can not underestimate it. The only
disappointment in summer is that there are so many people there. But an
absolutely different Baikal will appear in 2-3 months the water becomes
navy-blue. Old Balkal halfheartedly remind us that it alone is master and
power.
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Lake Baikal is always wonderful. And the guesthouse "Nadejda" will
help you to feel like at home. The guesthouse is located in Port Baikal, in a
nook of the Angara river, in front of the Shaman Rock. Two, original style,
two storey wooden houses, have enough room for 2-6 guests to stay in each
room. It's very easy to get to the guesthouse. First, take a bas at the
bus-station and go to Listvyanka village, and then, cross Baikal on a ferry.
It the summer season, you can get there by water transport, which craves from
the Raketa Pock (in Solnechnii district). It will take you about 50 minutes
and travelling expenses both ways are 200 roubles.
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In the guesthouse "Nadejda" you will be given a hearty welcome and wonderful
hospitality. According to your wish the staff offers you hot lunch, Russian
steam bath (banya), excursions and walkings. After evening tea
you can play billiards and tennis. There are many people on the volleyball
court and many people play even it they're never played it before. Those who
love fine food should absolutely try the hot shishkabob and delicious fish
dishes.
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We recommend you to go to the famous circum Baikal railway built about
a hundred years ago. It's architecture leaves nobody without a lasting
impression with it 200 bridges, 40 tunnels, doorways were constructed.
Sometimes it looks like It is so finely crafted that it's hard to imagine,
that everything was built by hand, without any machinery. Please, come and
see.
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Everyone should know the mysteries of Baikal. For example, where do
these fresh water seals from? How was Shaman Rock formed? Why is Baikal fed
by more that 300 rivers and why does only the Angara river flow out of the
lake? There are many questions, many mysteries, many Legends. And it's worth
to mention one of these mysteries. In 1945-1953 Japanese prisoners of war
worked about 23 kms from port Baikal. More than half of them did not return
home. Neither graves nor monuments remained, only tumbledown barracks. The
mountain path leads to these places, but when the moon appears in the dark
sky, strange things happen mysterious shades and sighs. In windy weather
one can hear a sharp howl of unknown origin. One can hardly find a man brave
enough to meet the dawn in that terrible place.
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But summer morning comes and it seemed to be only a dream. In the
morning, after breakfast it would be good to do to the lighthouse, which is
not far from the guesthouse (30 minutes on foot). The light house was
constructed in the 19th century under the direction of French specialists.
There were two lighthouses on Baikal. And, one was disassembled, but this one
is more than 100 years old. Unfortunately, it's not functional now, however,
tourists get an indescribable view of the lake from here.
Those, who prefer museums can go to the Open Air Museum of Wooden
Architecture of "Talcy", which is 15 kms from the guesthouse "Nadejda". This
museum consists of several exhibit areas holding interesting ethnographical
collection. If you cross Baikal on a ferry (20 minutes) you can go to the
Limnological museum, the exposition of which is Baikal in miniature. On the
same side of Baikal there is a helical vacuum telescope used for observing
sun activity at Baikal.
One more mysterious event happened at the beginning of the 19th
century. According to legend, which is accurate, a Russian merchant ksenofont
Serebryakov had a calamity during his voyage across Baikal. He faced obvious
shipwreck, but, he didn't despair. He prayed for salvation by sending his
prayers to St Nikolay a protector of navigators. And, a miracle was
accomplished; Ksenofont saw St Nikolay hurrying to help him. Being very
thankful for his salvation Serebryakov promised to build a temple on this
place in the honor of this wonderful miracle-worker.
At present, this church is located in Krestovskaya dell. In, the 50's
it was restored and completed with icons from other churches of Irkutsk.
Among them there are icons dating back to the middle of XVIII century. Church
services are held here regularly on days off and on Christian holidays.
The prices for staying at our place, will cost you from 100 to 300
roubles a day per person depending on meals. There is a discount for children
and invalids.
Thus,
If the sublime beauty of nature enthralls you,
If the in toxicating fragrance of the Taiga goes to your head.
If you still get a kick out of hunting and angling,
If you seek rejuvenation in body and spirit,
Go by plane, train, car, even on foot to the loveliest, deepest, purest,
oldest lake in the world lake Baikal!
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