Destination: Russia

by Cay-lynn Barlow (South Africa)

A leap into the unknown Russia

I've always wanted to go to Russia. It's a strong, proud nation. I don't know much about Russia but what I do know is I've always been drawn to it. Rich in culture and cuisine, Russia sings to me the way a siren sings to a sailor. While many people believe Russia is famous for vodka and it's extremely cold climate, it's actually famous for its beautiful men and women. I am a book lover and I enjoy history and Russia has both in abundance. I love winter and Russia is in a near- constant state of winter. Although Russians have a reputation of being cold and strict their cuisine is the polar opposite; comforting, delicious, filling is but a few ways to describe it. I'm no fashion expert but I enjoy wearing beautiful clothes styled just as beautiful. Russians manage to look regal in snow! Who else can get right? If you want to feel ugly stand next to a Russian woman! Tall, sculpted and gorgeous. Nature is out of this world in Russia, I'm amazed at its beauty.So much history, so much beauty, so much life in abundance. Russia bewilders and confounds me. I've never experienced so many blooming flowers and luscious trees in my entire life. The meadows look like living creatures in all it's beauty. The hermitage is enormous, millions of exhibits are housed within it. Though it's not the friendliest group of people, Russians are amazing people; smart, capable, neat and strong. I'd like to live in Moscow for at least a year, practice my Russian and immerse myself in this culturally and financially rich country. I'm currently writing a fantasy novel based in Russia but I lack the personal knowledge of Russia to really get the feel of the country and its people. I live in South Africa, Cape Town actually and because of this I've never physically experienced snow, something I've always desired right down to my very core. Perhaps I have Russian ancestors because I simply don't understand this impeccably strong desire I have to be in Russia. I want to fly first class and learn to speak fluent Russian, I want to immerse myself in the full Russian experience. I want to know what it's like to be known by absolutely no one in a foreign land, no one has any prior knowledge regarding you; it's an exciting form of freedom which I want to grab with both hands. I've never been in a foreign land, I've always just been in my own country and I seek the thrill of a new adventure. One reaches a point in life where you realise you're bored, you're not living life as you could, you're afraid to do things the best because you're afraid people will speak badly about you. You're afraid to speak your mind because people will berate you, treat you as an underling, make you feel inferior. I want to break free of myself. I am my own worst enemy and I want to change that, why can't I be my best friend? Why can't I call myself a writer? A poet? Why do I sabotage myself? I am a writer, a poet, a reader. Russia asks no one for permission to be strong. They do everything to the best of their abilities. They fight until their last breath, after they've given everything they have within and more. Russia takes care of it's people, makes sure their nation doesn't just survive but thrives. There's a reason Russia is the largest country in the world. They're smart, analytical, business minded. Russia is unafraid and if they fail, they don't talk it lying down; they get up and they try again until they succeed beyond measure. They are driven, passionate, strong. They are born warriors. A warrior is no coward. In Russia there is no place for fear, for cowardice. Russians have no time to waste on trivialities, they've got more important things to take care of. They've got a nation to care for, a country to ensure thrives and survives. Russia is great. The king of the North. To be Russian is to be strong. I want to be like Russia. Limitless.