Nakhodka, RUSSIA

From May 16-23, 2000, a delegation from Bellingham attended Nakhodka's 50-year Anniversary celebrations.  The delegation included:  Stowe Talbot (President BSCA), Elizabeth Ericson (Nakhodka Subcommittee), Mayor Mark Asmundson, ex-Mayor Tim Douglas (director of Peace Corps Russia), and Councilwoman Louise Bjornson.  Nakhodka's other American Sister City, Oakland, also sent a delegation of three and joined the Bellingham's group for most activities.

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Bellingham and Oakland delegations pose with the Nakhodka City Administration.	The City's "Palace of Culture" provided the venue for many of the week's activities.	The mayor of Nakhodka's sister   city Maizuru (Japan) brought his rock and roll band and treated the City to some American-style music.	Louise and Elizabeth pose in front of the Palace of Culture after a concert.
Bonnie Hamlin from Oakland poses with a festive canine.	Just one of the many fine meals the Americans were treated to.	Elizabeth and Stowe in front of a quilt that Bellingham gifted to the Nakhodka Museum in 1992.	Nakhodka boasts two of the finest tangos pairs in the world: These pairs have won major international competitions.
Tim and Louise with our host Lyudmilla and some children at the opening of the "Sister City Photo Exhibit"	The trip included two visits to children's music schools.	At the opening reception, guests were treated to many fine performances.	An attractive American trio at the opening reception.
Tim Douglas was one of 15 people to receive the prestigious award "Honorary Citizen of Nakhodka".  Mark Asmundson looks on.	Louise poses with the owners and managers of Summer Camp Antares.	Tim discusses upcoming plans at Camp Antares.	Louise and Elizabeth befriended a girl studying English.
At the opening parade, a troupe of young gymnasts braves the cold and  prepares for their performance.	Nakhodka's brass band marches at the parade.	One of the many "floats" at the parade, this one represents the turn-of-the-century settlers of Nakhodka.	A trio of mayors.
Oakland's delegation posing with Mayor Victor Gnezdilov and his Assistant Irina Scherbina.		Aerial photo overlooking Nakhodka Harbor.

Photos and content by BSCA Members
Site layout and design by Stowe Talbot