There’s something about travel in Russia that appeals to me. I’m convinced it’s because I’m a late Cold War Kid.
One of my earliest memories is the Miracle on Ice – the dramatic U.S. hockey victory over the Soviet Union. I grew up with movies like Red Dawn. I remember wondering when we’d have a nuclear war. The Soviet Union was mysterious, dangerous, hostile. Which made it fascinating.
Sure enough, the Soviet Union collapsed. The once-feared hammer and sickle is clever marketing for selling soda. There are groups of American Airsoft players who relish the role of being Soviet soldiers, right down to accurate uniforms and gas masks.
And now … I can go there!
A former colleague already has. Ryan is now in Russia for a semester of study. He writes about it in his RussianRamblings blog, and I look forward to having him drop in here to share thoughts and advice. Be sure to check out his post about the banya. Way to step into the culture, Ryan!
This is pretty awesome for Ryan, and it sounds like he’ll make the most of the experience.
In my case, a trip to Russia will likely be part of something larger. I have visions of hitting the Scandinavian and Nordic countries in addition to Russia. This is all just starting to take shape in my head. But it could be way awesome – multiple countries and some trail travel are always fun.
My Switch Vision sunglasses giveaway is still going on! Competition is heating up, with hikers and mountain bikers pitching in some great stories about the best thing they’ve ever found on a trail. Best story wins! Check this blog post  for the rules. Deadline is March 30, 2012.
This post just might contain affiliate links. Fear not, they’re non-spammy and benign. Hey, I have to keep this thing running somehow!
Wow! So far out of your sphere I didn’t even know you held a contest. Aren’t you the professional (and far from run-of-the-mill) blogger? Impressive.
Looking forward to reading later posts…the suspense is–
@NicholeLReber
ArchitectureTravelWriter.com
Wait until you read about the winner – I’m still laughing about it!