A sprout

Vladivostok is is one of only four major seaports serving a gigantic country and it has become a major commercial hub – mainly for goods brought from China, Japan, and Korea, and through both legal and illegal means. Environmental issues are also a concern for the city. While the city proper is slightly better off, two-thirds of Vladivostok's suburbs are categorized as too polluted to be lived in. Local geographic conditions compound the problem, with high hills preventing winds from sweeping out the air pollution. According to investigative reporting from the International Herald Tribune, funds intended to address the environmental issues get siphoned off, and only 1% funds that come from fines on polluters are used for their intended purpose: fighting pollution. Despite its problems, Vladivostok's residents are often proud to be part of the "Eastern Ruler" of Russia. With its steep hills looking down on ships and ports, and streets dotted with Chinese and Korean shops and restaurants, the city is often compared to San Francisco in its look and feel.The most remarkable thing about Vladivostok is used-cars.The importation of automobiles is  one of the city's best known industries.

Many guests of Vladivostok like to visit the building of the active Holly Virgin Assumption Church which has recently been augmented with the new domes and the belfry. 

I remember the time when on the spot of the church we walked and played with my daughter. I made this photo some days ago. The domes of the church  look like little sprouts of new hope for blessing, honesty and true love.