Tchaikovsky



Tchaikovsky

Name: Maria Plotnikova

Age: 32

Profession: Photographer

City: Perm Krai

How long have you been doing photography? Since 2006.

What style or genre most interests you? From a professional point of view I am interested in documentary photography, and news and sports reporting. But my true love is street photography.

Can you give us a short description of your city? Where is it located? What is it famous for? The city of Tchaikovsky in Perm Krai was named after the great Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who was born in the neighboring town of Votkinsk. In 1955, they began building a massive hydroelectric station on the Kama River, and on the outskirts of the construction site a workers' village rose up. By 1956 it had already attained the status of a city, and the name Tchaikovsky was proposed by the residents of the city themselves. At present, the population of the city is about 80,000 persons.

Tchaikovsky is known for its winter sporting traditions. The city has an Institute of Winter Sports, an alpine ski center, the biathlon center, Snezhnika, and a ski-jump complex where international competitions are held.

What are some things that only locals would know about the city? Tchaikovsky is located on the border with the Udmurt Republic. Just outside Tchaikovsky is a small village called Novy ("New"), the residents of which all work in Tchaikovsky. Yet there is a one-hour time difference between the Udmurt Republic and Perm Krai, and a two-hour difference between Moscow and Udmurtia. So it is that the residents of Novy must rise one hour earlier, in order to get to work on time, even though it is just a five minute drive away.

The most interesting twist happened in 2010, when the administration of the Udmurt Republic decided to change over to Moscow Time. Thus, for a few years the unlucky residents of Novy were forced to live in a parallel world: on the one hand, their village was living on Moscow Time, on the other, their work/study/daytime world in Tchaikovsky was two hours ahead. Luckily, a few years ago, Udmurtia returned to its previous time zone and so the difference returned to just one hour.

Which places or sites are a must for someone to see if they visit your city?  Central Square, Tchaikovsky Square, Snezhnik Biathlong Complex, the city beach, the Park of Culture and Rest, the embankment and pier.

Website: mariaplotnikova.com

Instagram: @mplot



Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955