9,288 km…over 5,000 miles. This represents the distance between Moscow and Vladivostok. It approximates the distance I traveled over the past month within Russia. Traveled—Wow, I am sad to already be using past tense.
This journey taught me more than just about places.
It showed me that the Russian people are among the kindest I have ever met, abolishing my previous beliefs. I will always hold more charitable views of a country’s citizens from here on out. This adventure demonstrated how technology could augment an experience in the physical world. My iPad and its Russian data plan prevented me from getting lost. Can you imagine Marco Polo not getting lost once? It facilitated communication across the language barrier. It also made for a great photo frame of the many photos I shared, something the Russian’s truly enjoyed and helped me connect with them. This trip has increased my confidence and ability to navigate far reaches of the world.
I hope my future endeavors continue to provide these opportunities of growth.
Knowing what I know now, I would trade 45 of the first 60 or so days of my trip in Northern Europe for another 30 days in Russia.
I hope you got something of value too. Thank you for following along.
A quick stop in Tokyo, Japan is next before heading back to the USA for Christmas.
// Oliver