|
|
|
By nature, you are an adventurer
By nature, you are an adventurer
By nature, you are an adventurer, full of amazement and
curiosity about a world bigger than life itself. Learning about
cultures in faraway lands fascinates you, and engaging in new
experiences gives you an...
Have you ever visited Seattle!
The City of Seattle had it’s beginnings on a rainy day in 1851, when the Denny party landed on Alki Beach, in what is now West Seattle. Seattle is named for Chief Seattle, of the Duwamish Indians, who aided these early pioneers in settling the...
Hilton Head Resorts
Hilton Head Island has a number of world class resorts, from 5-star branded hotels like the Westin Resort which is home to AAA four-diamond restaurant The Barony Grill, to the Sea Pines Resort which hosts the PGA Tour's annual MCI Heritage...
Sailing Holidays in Greece
Sailing in Greece
offers visitors the chance to discover the hidden splendor of
Greece & the Greek Islands. Experience the luxury of sailing in
the warm turquoise waters of Greece and explore hidden coves on
remote Greek islands.
Drop...
The Historic And Natural Wonder Of Cades Cove Tennessee
If you miss Cades Cove Tennessee while traveling in the
southeastern part of the United States, you've missed one of the
most picturesque locations in North America.
Cades Cove is a 6,800 acre scenic paradise located in the Great
Smoky...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Siberia , Russia Part 1 - Here I Come!
“You must really hate this job.” That’s what my boss said when I told him I was moving from San Diego to Siberia for a year. In reality, I was bored and looking for something that would be completely and utterly new. Whether it was sunstroke or a developing tolerance to margaritas, San Diego just wasn’t cutting it anymore. Heck, I hadn’t even gone to the beach in nine months and it was only a few blocks away. Time to rediscover a zest for life.
As you are doing now, I trolled the Internet looking for that rare opportunity that would renew my vigor and let me brag to my domesticated friends. Pick coffee in the South Pacific? No, I already drink too much of it. Sail around the world on a container ship? No, I wasn’t ready for involuntary self-reflection. Before I knew it, I had agreed to move to a city in Siberia known as Chita. Yes, I was going to be a professor at Chita State Technical University through a program put together by Siberian Intercultural Bridges. Donate - they need the money: http://www.siberian-bridges.org.
So, what does one take for a one-year stay in Siberia? Why, I’ll just go buy a guidebook on Siberia and read the “what to take” section. My search of the local mega bookstore was disappointing. Shockingly, there were no guidebooks for Siberia. I was tempted to write a nasty letter to Lonely Planet and others until the bookstore clerk said, “You’re going WHERE?” When she started giving me the “you must be a criminal on the run” look, it was time to go.
Fortunately, I was able to find experienced
travelers that could provide me with the details and items that were absolutely necessary. My girlfriend gave me the all-important electric blanket, a power converter and intimate details about what would happen to me if I should dare share it with another women. Grandpa gave me a World War II down coat that was about three sizes to big and made me look like a walking gopher. Family, friends and random strangers contributed further items and advice that would be critical to my survival.
Apparently rating my chances of survival at 50-50, friends and family put together a going away/never see him again party the day before I left. Of course, everyone brought Vodka as a humorous going away gift. The tide quickly turned, however, as all were asked/forced to try a “taste of Russia.” Many of the events of that night will remain forever sealed in antiquity, but it should suffice to say that the wife of one friend went into labor which made it a very fun night and subsequent day for him at the hospital. Few got off so easily.
Gigantic backpack, electric blanket, hangover and I headed to the airport the next morning. But that’s a story for part 2 of this nomad adventure travel series…
About the Author
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Travel Journals - Preserve the experience with writing journals for traveling, hiking, rock climbing, fly fishing, bird watching and more. This story series is being created from journals entries in a Nomad Travel Journal.
|
|
|
|
|
|