Siberia

The banner sais, "The power of Russia will be reinforced by Siberia"

The pictures that you see above and below were taken in the same city of Akademgorodok (20 miles from Novosibirsk), Russia. They serve the purpose to dispel once and for all misconceptions about Siberian weather. With the territory slightly larger then US, you will find all sorts of climates. Even though we have fearsome winters (-20F or -40C), summers are usually very pleasant time of the year. In June people begin swimming in river Ob' up until early August (and they don't even have to break the ice ;)). This world-famous Siberian scientific center has the highest concentration of institutes, universities and research facilities jammed packed on one long street (below, to the right) then anywhere else on Earth (this fact should be in the Guinness Book of World Records) Unfortunately, with collapse of old Soviet Union science funds were cut and people had to adjust by working on the side or be among the lucky ones and move abroad. This movement of scientists created enormous "brain drain" which continues up until today. In order to rebuild Russia, somebody has to stay or come back with the necessary experience, finances and entrepreneurial know-how. With eventual decrease in restrictions and tax burden on the businesses, Siberia will be stronger and more productive then anyone can ever imagine!

After many years of tireless Internet search, I have finally found my old Russian friends from Akademgorodok - my classmates. We have studied together for 6 long years and I'm full of joy that once again they are part of my life. They were the best friends that I have ever had in Russia and I will always remember them as such. In Russia we have a saying, "Ne imey sto rubley a imey sto druzey", which roughly translates to, " Money won't bring you happiness, but friends will". And I have to say that we sure had some great times together.

If you recognize yourself in this picture or if you think that you went to school #166 in Akademgorodok, Russia then please drop me line. I'll be waiting for all the responses that I can get. My sweet childhood memories will always be with the people you see below. They are my past, they are the Russian future. It's going to be up to them and many others to rebuild Russian economy and make it the world leader that it destined to be.

To enlarge this photo click here(250K)

Click here to see my last photo with the whole class taken back in 1990.

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