AbakanMapMarch 18–19, 2004 The purpose of my trip was to visit the aluminium plant. There are factories right in the middle of the Khakassian steppes where they produce everything — from primary aluminium to chewing gum foil wrappers.  Watching aluminium being poured from the vat was the most aesthetically impressive thing I’d seen all year. The stream resembles silk and the flame is white in colour.  Do not approach while metal is being poured! You could use the potroom as a “Star Wars” set, no alterations needed.  Plus it’s staffed by aliens.  In addition to aluminium, they also make majestic impressions.  Element.  Emissions.  Product.  A few hours spent sleeping in a minivan will teleport you to the P. S. Neoporozhny Sayano-Shushenskaya hydropower plant. Like the aluminium plant, this too is a sight to behold — a 240-metre dam (that’s the height) built between two mountains.  Abakan itself is nothing to write home about. A city like any other.   Nightclub.    Salon Salon Rubbish bin.  Street payphone.  This, my boy, is the Motherland.  Enter the world of eclecticism with L. C. |
