Crimea Has Spoken: 92% of the Votes Went to Putin, International Observers Saw it All Themselves
In Crimea, the results of Sunday's presidential elections are a clear confirmation of the referendum on reunification with Russia 4 years ago. 92% of the votes in Crimea were for Putin. What more proof is needed? And for whom? International observers in Crimea saw everything with their own eyes.
Olga Armykova reporting from Crimea.
Lying beyond the clouds long Crimean bridge will connect the two shores of one country, for centuries to come. And this is, perhaps, the main symbol of the new Crimea, whose history is being swiftly written. Even in snow and frost, rain and fog, even in strong windstorms, the bridge continues to be built. Almost 800 hours of bad weather just this winter. More than a month in the most difficult conditions. Even the machinery stops working, but the people keep going.
Leonid Ryzhenkin, Deputy Director, Stroygazmontazh: "No one in the history of Russia has built such a long object in such a short length of time".
This road through the Kerch Strait will be the smoothest and strongest. Asphalt is laid continuously at a fantastic speed. Almost 14 km of ideal roadway is now ready, the first cars will drive on it in May, about 6 months ahead of schedule. Everything is done to be in time for the start of the beach season.
You can and must plunge into vacation even now. The quality of service in the tourist parts of Crimea has changed fundamentally. The legendary Black Sea resort is again capturing the hearts of our tourists.
Samvel Sarukhanyan, Manager, Mriya Resort & SPA: "We don't have enough free rooms for the next day, and many guests want to come. With the expansion of infrastructure, the opening of Crimean bridge and the airport, we are preparing to make Crimea a year-round destination, and Crimea itself is also developing".
Familiar to Russians, the all-inclusive vacations are now offered even more often in Crimea. The five-star Yalta hotel is for those who take comfort in the details. It doesn't just compete with the world's resorts; it beats them.
"This is what our rooms look like, with everything here is for our guests' comfort, and what can be better than waking up to such a beautiful view of the water".
The head spins from such scenery. Crimea not only inspires, but also heals. Swimming pools, gyms, spa treatments — everything to relax the soul and body. You can do both in Crimea all year round.
Even foodies will be surprised. Local cuisine, from barabuli to Tatar chebureki. And of course the traditional coffee ceremony. Real Crimean-Tatar coffee is brewed on sand, in a pot, by hand. This is a centuries-old tradition.
Renart Saranaev, Architect: "My ancestors discussed plans of what had to be done over a cup of coffee, and the working day also ended with a cup of coffee".
The national flavor begins with oriental hospitality. In the former capital of the Crimean Khanate, awaits a journey through time for tourists. The legendary city Bakhchisarai, which translated from Crimean-Tatar means "garden-palace".
Reshat Aliev, Museum of History and Culture: "The Khan's Palace draws people with its uniqueness and is unforgettable, and you can't find another place like this in Crimea".
This unique monument of Crimean-Tatar architecture is now being saved from destruction. For many years the palace gradually, and almost imperceptibly went into decline. After the barbarous excavations during the Ukrainian period, part of the harem wall leaned over the fence and, collapsed altogether. The northern side suffered the most. The Khan's palace has never been seen like this. This part of the residence was closed to tourists for the last 20 years. All because being here was simply not safe. Walls have cracks, rotten floors. And to reach the famous Fruit Cabinet you need to walk like this. It was here that the Crimean Khans made the most important government decisions. This unique part of the palace will be opened for tourism only after a large-scale reconstruction. The work will continue for several years, with more than a billion rubles from the federal budget, and the best specialists. One of Crimea's main attractions is experiencing a rebirth. And this is also a sign of the new times. The Crimean resort is developing as never before.
Igor Serdyuk, Alma Valley Winery: "Crimea is perhaps the only not yet fully discovered treasure-trove of winemaking for everyone. We are now reviving the best traditions that have been accumulated during all this time".
These vineyards in the Almin Valley are at the same geographic latitude as the French Bordeaux. This facility now stands where Scythians lived more than 2,000 years ago. Here are the ruins of a fortress wall, you can't find a better place for making wine. Here, the wine is kept in oak barrels with classical music, so that the taste is whole and harmonious. There are plans to almost double the vineyard's area, as well as a gradual increase in production volume.
Tourists from all over Russia are expected to come here this summer. To Crimea "on a wave," means flying to the new terminal of Simferopol Airport. It's already preparing to receive its first passengers. Unique and unforgettable. Just look at this facade! As if a huge sea wave was frozen in glass and metal. Here you feel as if you're already at a resort. Lots of light and air, with spacious halls. And also a large green wall, five-stories high. The largest not only in Russia but also in Europe. But the important record is the passenger traffic, more than 6.5 million tourists a year.
Crimea is a peninsula of impressions, wherever you turn, you'll be surprised by its diversity. And tourism here is just getting started.
Olga Armykova, Konstantin Morozov, Nikita Kachenko. From Crimea — Vesti, News of the Week.