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Siberia, Russia Part 3 Communist Planes and Defining Fluent

In the first two parts of this series, we covered my decision to move from San Diego to Chita, Siberia to be a professor at Chita State Technical University. We pick up the story aboard the flight from Anchorage to Khabarovsk, Russia.

Day 3

Technically, its day two and half. I think. Time began to blur as we flew over the international date line. Wait, do we add a day or lose a day? I was so confused that I didnt know whether to whine about losing or gaining a day in my life. Whatever day it was, we were flying along happily on Aeroflot.

I must say that communism had some things going for it. The average airline ticket in the U.S. should come with a shoehorn to help wedge you into the seat. God forbid if the person in front of you should put their seat back. Damn people in first class! Communism solved this problem nicely.

I wouldnt say our plane was old, but the younger planes around our gate were crowding in to hear our plane tell stories about the first flight of the Wright brothers. Despite some interesting details [My God, does that look like a crack in the wing? That better not be duct tape!], the maturity of our flying bull had some distinct advantages.

A central concept of communism is that there is only one class of people, to wit, the workers. Theoretically, everyone gets the same treatment. The benefits of this theory are debatable, but I can tell you it stomps capitalism into the ground when it comes to flying.

The seating compartment on our plane was uniformly first class. There was plenty of space for ones rump and legs. Each two-seat section was the equivalent of three seats on a U.S. airline. It was at least two feet to the seat in front of me. Those that fly a lot will understand as I quietly shed a tear in memory of that flight. Dozing comfortably, I didnt give a damn if the wings fell off. At least we were going in style!

Our flight consisted of about 100 people. Of these, 90 percent were Russians. Grae and I counted as two and the remaining five or so people were religious volunteers going to convert the godless masses. They appeared to be having no luck on the plane, but Grae and I were able to strike up a few conversations.

I must say that the Russians on the plane were extremely nice and very honest. While honesty is generally a good thing, their frankness made me a bit uncomfortable. First, there was a clear consensus that we were out of our mind for agreeing to go to Chita. You are going WHERE?! was followed by a lot of whispering between Russians and bulging eyes. Since I doubted the pilot would be willing to turn the plane around, this wasnt particularly comforting.

Our conversations raised an additional problem regarding the definition of fluent. In my mind, being fluent in a language meant that one could get directions, tell boring stories, etc., in the language in question. It quickly became clear that Graes definition of fluent was something less. This was verified when he turned to me and said, Man, Ive forgotten a lot.

Great. Khabarovsk was only a few hours a way. But thats a story to be told in Part 4 of this series

Yosemite National Park – A Must For Visitors To The USA

If, like many others, you are looking for an exceptional and distinctive holiday in the USA that will give you and your family unforgettable memories, Yosemite National Park should be high on your list of destinations. An area of protected natural beauty since 1890, Yosemite National park is situated in the dramatic mountain area of the Sierra Nevada, California.

Yosemite National park is one of the most exciting ways to experience America, with year round activities and an abundant variety of scenery, giving visitors an immense amount of choice and convenience.

Key attractions include Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point, which at certain times of the year gives tremendous views of the area; Tuolumne Meadows, a sub alpine meadow surrounded on all sides by mountains; a museum at Wawona and the Mariposa Grove, famous for its Giant Sequoia trees – the largest and oldest living things on earth.

The variety of things to do at Yosemite National park is also huge: from taking a drive or coach trip up to Glacier Point to see the awe-inspiring panoramic views of Yosemite National Park, to serious hiking, biking and mountain climbing.

The accommodation you choose will naturally depend on what your plans are, so thinking ahead is vital. Day-trippers are welcomed, and Yosemite National Park is accessible from other parts of California. Entrance fees range from free to 20 dollars for a vehicle. You should expect to spend at least four hours in the park.

For a longer trip, Yosemite National Park provides a variety of lodging and camping. Official discounted Yosemite National Park lodging ranges from basic tent cabins with nearby toilet facilities to the more luxurious lodging in The Ahwahnee, a distinctive hotel that is the pride of Yosemite National Park.

You can examine the variety of Yosemite National Park lodging online, and it may be possible to make reservations. Additionally you can find the essentials for your trip: such as Yosemite National Park maps, camping equipment and crucial information on Yosemite National Park’s weather.

Yosemite National Park is an inspiring and unique place, so be prepared to find that one visit is nowhere near enough!

If you are traveling to Hawaii in January, here are a few annual local events for you to consider adding to your itinerary.

The Ka Moloka’i Makahiki (Ancient Hawaiian Games) is celebrated in the Kaunakakai Town Baseball Park & Mitchell Pauole Community Center on the island of Moloka’i. Every year around, January 21, you can enjoy this week-long celebration of ancient Hawaiian sports competitions. It features Hawaiian games, music, hula dancing, arts & crafts and food.

For over 50 years, Honolulu has held the Narcissus Festival. Beginning in mid-January its purpose is to preserve and promote Chinese culture and traditions. Honolulus Chinatown jumps with celebrations such as traditional lion dances dancing in the streets. There is the Narcissus Queen Pageant, Coronation Ball, Chinatown Open House, folk dances and a Fashion Show.

January on Oahus North Shore brings The Morey Boogie World Bodyboard Championship. Held at the famous Banzai Pipeline on Ehukai Beach Park, bodyboard surfers from around the world come to showcase their talents. This is fun for the surfing fans and anyone who enjoys good outdoor competition.

Late January is the start of Honolulus Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the longest running ethnic celebrations in the State of Hawaii. Lasting through March there is much to see. Some highlights are the Japanese tea ceremony, Heritage Fair at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, and flower arranging demonstrations. At The Festival ball, the Cherry Blossom Queen and Court are selected.

For sports fans January brings the Hula Bowl and the NFL Pro Bowl to Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. The Hula Bowl is the college all-star football game. Here is your chance to see some of the best players play their final collegiate game. The NFL Pro Bowl brings together all the top-rated professional football players for a head-to-head competition.