Where in the World is Cat?

Hello All!

Well, actually, I lie a little in my heading here. I am writing with reason, but I'll get around to that. I have yet to post some pictures of Hungary as promised, and to tell you all a little about my wonderful trip there. That, and I'll elaborate just a little on other goings on here in Moscow.

But first, just a few words about my blog. My main motivation for starting this blog was to communicate with friends and family. Knowing that I would be physically absent for a considerable amount of time from the lives of my family, and that I would be constantly saying goodbye to friends (such is the nature of an international school) I wanted to be able to talk to you all, let you know my thoughts, things that I am up to, and to provide a little picture of my life (oh, and yea - to hear from you guys too! Those little "comment" buttons at the end of each blog really do work!).

However, it has come to my attention that the tone of my last couple blogs has caused some to worry. I do try to avoid politics in these blogs as I do understand that the world has access to it, and the dangers that can come unexpectedly. It is within this framework that I write what I feel, and to do so without provoking such "dangers". I wouldn't write something if I thought it would risk causing anyone, including myself, harm. I may have my criticisms of Russia, but I also have many about the United States as well, and I would not hesitate to print my opinions (politely put, of course) about the US. Russia IS democratic in nature, and I believe enough in the country's ability and current efforts to grow to post such things here.

I do thank those of you that did write me with your concerns, I appreciate your care very much. But please, know that I'm not an aspiring journalist, I'm not a political activist and I wouldn't do anything unless I was 100% positive it was safe. (I have survived a year in Moscow unharmed afterall!) ((Currently knocking on the wood of my desk!))


Having said my share, let's return to the usual light-hearted nature of this website. We're hear to learn and share afterall!

So my trip to Budapest was just absolutely amazing. I know understand why people spend weeks sleeping on trains or in hostels to backpack across Europe. There really is so much to see in our world, and man, I've just begun. Budapest really opened my eyes as to how diverse a place can be - and when I say diverse, I don't just mean the color or ethnicity of the people walking the streets, but by the architecture in the city, nature of a country's history and a nation's ability to adapt to change.

My Hungarian friend and former roommate Paprika did an amazing job of keeping me busy - 5 days of sightseeing, and they were packed! Needless to say, I slept well during my stay as well! We saw everything, from the local sights in Budapest, to museums, churches, nearby Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia) and she treated me to a bit of rural Hungary by inviting me home to her house outside of Budapest for dinner. I could spend all day describing the intricacies of the trip, but I would suggest checking out the new album of photos I created in my gallery instead. I've put up captions, so you'll know what you're looking at. (Just click on my photos in Picasa, upper right link!)

Just a few words on Bratislava. My motivation for going to Bratislava was to visit Slovakia, the homeland of my grandmother's family. I had hoped to visit her mother's village of Nizhni Ruzbahi, but unfortunately the trip would have required an overnight stay and a exorbitant and long (3 hours) taxi ride from the closest bus stop. I haven't given up hopes, just will plan in the future to make the trip when I have a few more, ahem, resources available. However, I am very happy that I visited. Slovak language is so similar to Russian that I understood it almost perfectly, though did not speak Russian in reply, as the slight difference was enough to provoke an old babushka. Apparently despite the strong similarity in language, they in no way want to be associated with the Russians! The culture however was more European than Russian, with obvious influences from neighboring Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Austria. The architecture, like in Budapest, was wide in range, but what I enjoyed the most was the Translyvanian feel of the Bratislava Castle (Romania is just three hours away!).

In a strange way though, being in Slovakia, knowing that part of my heritage came from this area of Europe and seeing the strong similarities in culture with Russia, I felt a little closer to Russia - as if it wasn't so strange or foreign as it always seems to me. Guess this is a little hard to explain, but wanted to share it.

Well, I guess I haven't left any room for pictures. This means the responsibility is now on you! Go click on that link! The pictures are beautiful!

So, as you all know, I'm back in Moscow. I'd be lying if I said I'm happy to be here. Don't get me wrong, I will be happy to be here in about a month or so. Things are just difficult to get used to, and although this time around I've got a year's experience underneath my belt, it still is frustrating. It's amazing what we take for granted in the United States, or perhaps in the western world in general. For example, efficiency and preparation. Rationalization. Though everybody's drinking Pepsi, wearing Dolce & Gabbana and listening to Madonna, that's about as far as the westernization in Russia has come. Westernization with only half the modernization, and almost no liberization. (Don't get me started on democratization!)

A typical Russian might be offended by this last statement. They might say, "Who says we want to Westernize?". There has been a significant rise in anti-western sentiment here in Russia in the last couple of years, mostly due to the unfulfilled expectations of peristroika and democratization. The problem is, Russian culture (as I see it) is one that almost inherently goes against the grain of Western culture. They imported music, products, foods, pop culture and politics from the West, but no Western ideology or Western mentality. What results is one big mangled mess of double-standards and incomprehensible rules and laws for the Russians to try and salvage a normal life from. A person can easily have a good home feed their children, but I don't see Russians seeking purpose in life like most Westerners do. Even here at MGIMO, what I'm told repeatedly is the most prestigious school in Russia, money drives everything, even for the students. No one is here to change the system, save Russia or to champion a cause they are passionate for. This worries me greatly.

What has happened to Russia? More importantly, what will happen to Russia? Am I just socializing with the wrong people? People here seem to have lost their will to dream and think big, but rather focus on the material things that they now have within their reach. What will it take to get a nation to dream again?

These are just some of the questions that continually motivate me to continue to study, observe and learn this country and its politics. I have many times wanted to throw my hands up in the air and hop on a plane back home, but something in me just can't leave. Russia is infectious. It has left a mark on me, and for whatever reason, I want to leave a mark on Russia.