VlasikhaMapJuly 22, 2012 Those approaching Vlasikha, a restricted military city, are greeted with the words “When shall it end?” painted on the road.  Followed by a warning: “Holes.”  Whereupon a scenic obstacle course begins. Concerned citizens have outlined every hole in the road with yellow paint.  The city is home to the headquarters of the Strategic Missile Troops of Russia and the central command point for Russia’s land-based strategic nuclear forces. Belarusian sausage is sold from the trunk of a car in front of the security checkpoint.  The gateway through the perimeter.  After that, it’s all dirt roads.  And footpaths.  The city, which consists of particularly unattractive Brezhnev-era buildings, is enveloped in lush greenery.  The burnt-down supermarket has also been enveloped in lush greenery so as not to spoil the view.  The trash cans are enveloped in lush garbage.  A Vlasikha bus stop.  The bases of all the city’s lampposts are painted white with a diagonal red stripe.  The streets are decorated with elegant sculptures.  There are playgrounds everywhere.  On the forefront of rocket science.  Since it was Sunday, many of the military personnel had relatives visiting.  Armored bunkers (emplacements) are embedded in the ground all over the city.  It’s interesting to see that when a group of soldiers crosses the street, two traffic controllers in bright vests run out in front of them with red flags to stop the cars. For some reason, no one ever takes care of children like this when they walk to school in any of the cities in Russia (this isn’t Fiji for you).  Don’t toss a cigarette in the forest if there’s still some left.  Protect nature. Don’t toss burning butts in the forest. Coke and Pepsi get along splendidly here.  Flyers by a building entrance.  Dear residents of Vlasikha! The Lingerie Store in Pavilion #1, near Checkpoint 1, is announcing a sale on its entire stock of spring—summer lingerie and clothing! Rush repairs for gold and silver jewelry. Sauna in Vlasikha. Taxi in Vlasikha. Two bedroom apartment for sale An ad on a street post. Lingerie, tunics and sarongs at Checkpoint 1.  Dear residents of Vlasikha! New collections of luxury lingerie and trendy bathing suits, beach accessories, tunics and sarongs are now available at the Lingerie Store in Pavilion #1, near Checkpoint 1 An ad for the Missile Troops is here to boost residents’ self-esteem. 
To you entrust I, Missile Troops, the pristine basins of your lakes, To further boost morale, there’s also a banquet hall with upscale interiors inside the restricted zone.  Restricted zone. Prohibited (closed) to traffic (pedestrians). Banquet hall with upscale interiors. Small VIP banquet hall |
