In the land of the Ruskies

So without question, Russia has been interesting. I came here on a visa run with the intention of working a bit at a summer camp, then going back to Mongolia after its all said and done. Russia has been, well, everything I would have expected. In the course of travel, one quickly learns to throw the stereotypes out and expect the unexpected. In the strangest turn of fate, Russia has been the exception to that rule. Siberia is, well, actually Siberia. No its not cold right now and the people are warm and kind. But everything else, is well, Russian. In the way movies, books, stories I've heard about Russia were told. Soviet this, Soviet that. Vodka. Kisses by bear hugging babuskas. Borsh. "Back in Communist times" stories. Russia words such as "Davai" that I'd heard in a thousand military films. Dudes in blue/white striped submarine shirts. Mullets proudly worn. Every joke told to me making me think of one guy... Borat. All this said, I'm really enjoying Russia. Its not negative criticism by any means, its just calling it what it is. In all its humor of the grandest stereotypes.

The camp was good. I spent it working a few hours a day, picking up trash and one day being the fire guy, collecting firewood and making sure the fire was big enough for those cooking. Simple enough work, but also had the realization that camps truely are the same wherever you go. The culture of a camp, the events that take place... The pranks, the romances, the food is almost a cultural universal. I loved it but did grow tired of cleaning up hundreds of vodka bottles from a bunch of drunksies. Maybe I'll go back, who knows. I've got 10 days left on my visa, then its back to Mongolia. The change of pace is nice, but after living in Mongolia, its hard being in a new country that I dont speak the language. Not that I cant understand when they talk about me the "americansky". Alas, being here in great, Russia is just one of those places that well, its there, and you ought to go to because, well, its there, and they have perhaps one of the finest collections of 1980's mullets left in the world. And more techno than you can handle.

The Beginning or the end of Mongolia?

Well the end has finally come. In short, I've taught another month's time. Details are basically this, I had to leave Mongolia to come right back for a visa change, going from Business to Tourist is complicated so I had to arrange either a Chinese or Russian visa. I've done China 3 times and I hate it, so why not Russia? Things worked out well. If you're unaware of couchsurfing.org check it out. I had a Dutch couchsurfer stay with me who is organizing a volunteer camp at Lake Baikal this summer. Free room and board next to the lake in return for a few hours of work per day. Great deal really, considering I'll be doing a bit of everything outside in the forest, I'm totally game. I love chopping firewood! Anyway so I'm heading up there and will be couchsurfing with her this weekend. Its a nice change of pace from the classroom. 2 weeks from now I'll probably be back in Mongolia, extending my tourist visa and THEN finally heading off on my Mongol adventure. Nothing works out as it should, its never easy, and more than once you'll find you have to return somewhere due to an insignificant detail arising. Its travel. Its not going to be easy, never fool yourself into thinking it will be.

As for leaving, I'm sad. Seriously considering returning after the summer to teach another six months. I'm torn. I love my life here, then again, with so many loved ones back home that I'm away from and slowly loosing connections with, is it worth it to stay? Sure I can always come back, but it makes it harder with the flights and the cost. One of my favorite travel quotes is simple yet profound "Wherever you are, be there". True to life, work, and of course the journeys that we all take. I've done that in Mongolia, did it in Alaska, did it in College. I was there 100% when I was there. The question that I must decide upon is where do I want to be? Kansas' appeal is simple. People. My people. Mongolia is different and I've enjoyed the expat life. I dont know how it'll turn out.

If all goes to plan, I've got my hammock, a few good books next to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and a large supply of CLIF bars. Coupled with an easy schedule, hiking boots that need dirtied up, I have the feeling I'll do just fine. Where will I go from here? God only knows.