The New York Times article:
To Russia with Notions made me think. When I go to Russia, will I feel like a materialistic American snob? I don’t like to think of myself that way, but I wonder how I will handle being there. I have heard that you have to have the mind set that it is like going camping. Am I too used to American conveniences and luxuries? Will I miss modern, perfectly climate-controlled homes and buildings and cars, double pained windows, clear English speakers, spacious single family homes, large grocery and department stores with everything I could possible need in one place, free and well-kept modern bathrooms, safe drivers, English cable TV, luxury airlines and transportation, American food? Maybe I am a snob.
On the other hand, I am sure that I will love to experience a new culture, historical architecture that is beyond beautiful, fabulous museums and galleries, exciting shows (such as the Bolshoi if we are lucky), an amazing metro system, interesting Russian dolls and souvenirs, and most importantly gorgeous little orphan children that long to be played with!
And when I think about it- I like to camp.
Labels: traveling to Russia
The architecture is beautiful, the people really are friendly (if you can get past the fact that they don't smile) and the thought of being in another culture and observing it first hand is just amazing. I had always longed to take a backpack across Europe trip, but we could never afford it. Adopting gave me the opportunity to see a part of the world that I would have never travelled to on holiday. There are all kinds of places I would like to see: India, Ethiopia, Cambodia... hmmm, those sound like places where orphan children live. Then D told me we could travel and not actually bring any children home. What's the fun in that?
But, alas, we perservered and met some really nice people and it wasnt all bad...that author has led a very sheltered life and if I were her husband, I would be offended by that article...
But, then again, she wasnt there for adoption and her son was not waiting for her there...that seems to brighten any place :) gaye