A Summer Afternoon

A woman and man spending some quiet time on an embankment in Perm, where this series of photos was taken.

A young woman strolling past one of Perm's two-story wooden houses. The sides and framing are decorated with wooden carvings.

Did he write that? A bather in beach shoes, speedo and swim cap resting his elbows on a wall. The graffiti reads, "Irina... Happy Birthday!!!"

When the summer weather heats up, Permyaks make a visit to the banks of the Kama River. It divides Perm into two parts.

The city of Perm first entered into historical records in the 1400s. A scene juxtaposing modern buildings and aged churches.

An example of Perm's historic architecture throwing out long shadows.

Old architecture mixing with new construction.

The city can be solemn. Here, visitors paying their respects at the Khromaya Loshchad, or Lame Horse, nightclub, where a fatal blaze was set off by an indoor pyrotechnic show Dec. 5.

Rockets pointing at a clear blue sky. Perm played a key role in World War II artillery production.

A curious visitor checking out an art installation. Such art is common in Perm, which turned a train station into a modern arts museum.

Sometimes art modernizes itself. A stylish young woman strolling in front of a Soviet relief of Vladimir Lenin.