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Russia's Big Bang

Tourism in Vladivostok, Russia, is largely based around Chinese and Japanese visitors--these countries are, after all, nearby--but intrepid Western travelers love it as the romantic end (or start) of the Trans-Siberian railway. In Russia it's better known as a naval base and port, and most of the sightseeing centers on its pivotal role in sea trade and defense.

If you're in need of a good solid frightening from a very loud noise, then the place for you is this somewhat desolate part of Far Eastern Russia. Get yourself to Vladivostok's Fortress Museum at midday and you'll successfully have your wits scared out of you when a canon fires a blast much louder than it looks like it should be. If it doesn't deafen you, you'll hear the Chinese tourists cheering. Kind of crazy, since defending itself against China was one of the reasons Vladivostok built this fortress in the first place.

[Photo: samuelgagnondotcom]