|
|
|
|
Home / Recreation and Leisure / Travel
Siberia, Russia Part 5 – Khabarovsk and a Little Russian
By:Rick Chapo
In this continuing series, we cover my move from San Diego to Chita, Siberia to be a professor at Chita State Technical University. We pick up the story outside the airport in Khabarovsk, Russia.
Khabarovsk
Khabarovsk is an amazing city. Museums with works from Picasso, Rembrandt and other masters. A bustling downtown area with cafes, a lively music scene and architectural triumphs. Then again, maybe not. We were far more interested in finding a hotel with hot water and never ventured into the city.
Outside of the airport, we were a bit flummoxed by the fact there appeared to be no taxis. We quickly learned that practically any Russian with a car is also a taxi for hire. After 5 minutes of egging each other on, Grae made taxi arrangements and we were off. Apparently taking in out disheveled appearance after 3 days of traveling, our driver suggested the Intourist hotel. We readily agreed.
During communism, Intourist hotels were set up for exclusive use by foreigners. Ours was fairly nice and, importantly, had showers with copious amounts of hot water. You can see a picture of it at http://www.lodging.ru/hotels/intouristkhab.asp. After having returned to humanity with one of the best showers of my life, it was time to brush up on my Russian skills.
I am a huge fan of ice hockey. During the eighties and nineties, many of the best players were Russians. In interviews, they almost always talked about learning English by watching television. If it worked for them, it would work for me. Not exactly.
As Grae showered, I flipped through the eight available channels. Sitcoms were a non-starter, but I eventually found a news channel. I see the images. I know what the images are. I hear the words being spoken by the reporters. I have absolutely no idea of what words go with what images. Okay, let’s back up. What words do they use over and over? Damn, do they have to talk so fast? After 30 minutes, I have learned nothing, nada, zippo. My respect for Russians playing in the NHL has never been higher.
Might as well sleep on it. Yes, day three of the trip was finally done. My original prediction of a 2-day trip was out the window. Still, we were in Russia, so how much longer could it take? Pull out a map and take a look at the country. It is twice the size of the U.S.
Next – When Stairs Attack…
About the Author
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - Preserve the experience with writing journals for traveling, hiking, rock climbing, fly fishing, bird watching and more. This story series is being created from journals entries in a Nomad Travel Journal.
Article Source: http://www.dailynewarticles.com
More Articles from Travel Category:
Time And Searching Will Leave You With Cheap Airfare
Flying In First Class: A Royal Experience!
Business Class Travel - What You Really Need To Know!
Criminals Work Vacation Rest Stop
Take Another Honeymoon To Recharge Your Marriage
Ways To Get The Best Last Minute Airfare
How To Find Cheap Airfare For Your Hawaii Vacation
Adventure Travel An Exciting And Enthralling Experience
Lowest Airfares: Getting The Most For Your Money!
How To Travel To Florida With Cheap Airfare
How to Travel with Cheap Airfare
Finding The Best Student Discount Airfare
Free Airfare: Does It Really Exist?
Family Travel Tips: 18 Ways to Enjoy a Road Trip
How to Find Cheap Airfare Online
|
|
