parking

Much like in London, our workplace (the International Broadcast Center) is right next to the Olympic Park that's home to several arenas. These Olympics are the first Winter Games to feature an Olympic Park cluster of stadiums and arena instead of using assorted arenas scattered all over a large area here and there. Centered around the cauldron for the flame, there are six arenas, plus assorted country and sponsor pavilions. Three of the stadiums are temporary and are supposed to be relocated to other places in Russia after the Games. The other three will remain, along with an F1 viewing Grandstand for the planned race course. One of the most unusual features of Olympic Park is a theme park that was slated to be open in time for the Olympics, but apparently didn't make it. I don't know it's actual name, but everyone seems to refer to it as "Putinworld." Its an odd sight with its bright coasters sitting silent. You've probably seen the huge hotel complex in scenic shots lit up by colorful LED lights. (I don't know if its a Russian thing or just something about whoever planned these games, but they seem to love their LED lights that change colors here. You can find them illuminating buildings and trees and promenades nearly everywhere you look.)  Another unusual feature of the park is a cemetery thats in the center of it, though its completely hidden by a grove of trees and most probably walk by without even knowing its there. Overall, the feeling in the park is very different here. Where London's was bustling and a communal gathering that felt like a celebration, this one is much more muted. Maybe its the weather or that its mostly asphalt, or maybe that the crowd feels very locals-only and security has limited the crowds, but the feeling is definitely different.  Still, it makes for a good occasional walk home from work and has some interesting architecture and design (and some bad too), not to mention lots of rainbow colored banners everywhere (go figure).