Little Black Guidebook

I feel like I’m the only Russian studies major who hasn’t actually been to Russia. After 5 years of studying the language and getting my Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies, countless culture, language and literature classes, my most exposure to Russia/Russians since I graduated was haggling over a TV stand at my garage sale this weekend. Russia is at the very top of my wishlist of places to go. But on my own dime I rarely go anywhere other than to see family so it may be awhile. I feel like my Russian fluency is fading and I need to find a way to reactivate and maintain it. In the meantime I keep dreaming by reading articles on Russia, Russian news and best of all Russian travel and keep up with my Russian literature appreciate with a steadily growing collection of Russian language books salvaged from used bookstores. This week I was disjointed to find this article on: “Should People of Color Go to Russia?” I am not surprised by this article at all. My Russian literature professor was from Bangladesh and even 20 years ago when she went to school she dealt with hooligans and Russian nationalistic attitudes. In some ways since the fall of the USSR the issues with Aryan supremacy have become worse. I know I am glad of my blonde hair and blue/green eyes when going through customs in most countries and only think it would serve me more in Russia. In South America I hate my hair because I get unwanted advances constantly, but I think it would make me more comfortable in Russia.

This packing list from the One Bag One World forums has me wondering if this woman is packing for Sudan or Europe and 6 months or 18 days. Really, does she think you can’t buy feminine hygiene products there if she needs them? Very survivalist in my opinion. I’m more of the type where I say: “Pack it if you absolutely know you’ll need it, otherwise buy it there.” Unless she’s hiking in Europe and not going to any cities she is going to stick out so much its not funny. Oh well, to each their own. 18 days in Europe will be wonderful no matter what you bring or look like, I’m jealous.