We started our excursion with a walking tour of the sea front promenade. It was hot and humid and our guide kept gathering us in sunny spots (instead of shady spots) to talk on and on. Then into the bus to go up into the hills to Stalin'a Dacha. Terrible traffic. And it was still hot and humid though one would think it would be cooler as we gained elevation.
This was Stalin's favorite retreat. It still has its original paint from the mid '30s when it was built. Because he was so paranoid about his personal safety, Stalin did not sleep in the same room more than one night thus the compound has several buildings, including his personal swimming pool.
Picture 3 is Stalin in his office and picture 4 is his personal aide Bob standing by, ready for orders. While everyone else went up the stairs to the special dining room, I sat outside on the verandah and enjoyed what little breeze there was. The site is now a guest hotel and you can stay there if you want to pay the high price. You can't see the Sea and there is nothing else nearby to visit, so I'm sure I wouldn't want to stay there.
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