Dear Family & Friends,
I am again home after a day of rest and relaxation in Santa Monica
and a day of meeting doctors in Los Angeles. The house was burglarized
while I was gone but only a few keepsakes were taken. All else is
insignificant and insured. It is good to be with Jordan and Austin.
Marshall has moved to the north coast and I suppose I won't see him for
some time. Rebecca and I will get together as soon as we can.
I have deliberately not written much about the women I met, with the
exception of Victoria. This is out of respect of the relationships that
may or may not grow in the coming months. I met several very nice women,
there are four where there is a strong mutual interest, and one seems
very special. It is my desire to communicate over the next few weeks and
months to build a relationship that may lead to marriage. At least, that
is my hope. I have no idea what the future may hold.
Several people have asked if I am crazy. Indeed, there have been
rumors. To tell you what I feel while in Russia and about the people I
meet is like describing the color blue. It is something that can only be
experienced. Such lunacy we should all have in our lives.
The values I hold dear are important values in Russia. An example is
children. When I tell an American woman I have four children, she is
very likely to suggest that she will be washing her hair the night I
invite her to dinner. When I tell a Russian woman I have four children I
receive congratulations and am considered a better potential husband
because I value family. In many large and small ways, what I seek seems
to be in Russia.
Yes, there are difficulties too. I did not realize just how many
difficulties exist - and I have overcome - until my flight back from
Moscow. I overheard an American complaining about his Russian girlfriend
and suggested we might want to talk. For over two hours he told his tale
and at nearly every turn I heard him slamming head long into the
cultural differences that I personally had avoided (and a few I had also
tripped over). There were few circumstances that he described where I
did not understand a Russian perspective of the situation. I'm hardly an
expert and I know I will learn more with each return trip, but I have
learned quite a bit and when you know where the potholes are, the road
is much smoother.
This trip was enjoyable. Very enjoyable. I was much more comfortable
and self assured. I had the support system I needed and when it failed I
knew where to look for other resources. I received compliments from
several Russians on how well I blended in and how tolerant I was of
things most Americans deplore. My major limitation is a continued lack
of language skills. In the months ahead I will redouble my efforts to
learn more Russian.
I hope to return this fall or winter. The next trip will be a budget
trip as funds are not without their limitations. This should not be a
problem. Local Russians live on an average of less than $100 US a month.
I think I can do fine with a small budget (by American standards).
I hope you have enjoyed sharing my journey. I know that years from
now these letters will mean a lot to me. I hope they have meant
something to you as well.
Attached is a photo of me departing by train from Orsha for my
journey home. Katia is in the background.
Glenn
