Irkutsk: Farewell to Russia

Irkutsk is a fascinating destination. Not only does its airport (located just a 15-minute taxi ride from downtown) offer the cheapest gateways to Asia, but it holds a special place in my heart because of the friends I made there last year.

While I was still in Saint Petersburg, I reached out to Yura, an old contact from the Irkutsk Philharmonic Hall, to see if we could organize a show. I clearly called the right person; a few days later, he confirmed a concert on the rooftop of a local arts venue.

I rented a decent apartment right in the city center, giving me a place to recharge, cook, and work. Since the center is compact, everything I needed was within walking distance.

The concert was unique: a wine and cheese tasting combined with jazz, capped off by my performance. The audience loved it, and they even asked me to play again the next day! Unfortunately, I had to decline as I had a 2-day trip booked to Arshan, near the Mongolian border.

Because it was an outdoor night event, we didn’t get much footage due to the low light, but this video gives you an idea of the atmosphere: https://vk.com/video7946801_456239049

I have to give a special shout-out to my new friends Lena and Julia, whom I met in Olkhon. They returned to Irkutsk the same day I did and introduced me to so many amazing people. A huge THANK YOU to them, I hope our paths cross again soon.

Before leaving, I wanted to throw one last event to say goodbye to everyone. It turned into a very special night at a local beer bar, where I improvised on the piano for about two hours.

Now, it’s time to move on. I leave with a heavy heart, grateful for the incredible month and a half I’ve spent in Russia.