Saturday, Dec 15, 2007 at 01:46
Chris, if I win the lotto its the first or second thing I would do. I would like to go around Australia just as much. We as a family are just starting to do short travels here and there in our trusty Prado.
My mother and youngest brother live on a farm in Hmilovka, a port just out of Vladivostock, as do about half of my remaining relatives. They're from Australia but were born in China like thousands of other Russians still living in Australia. They all left Australia about 12 years ago.
My wife Svetlana whos from Russia, has her mother and sister and others living in Volgograd aka Stalingrad aka Tsaritsin. I see you will be passing through both of these
places and if you drop in to my mums farm (dacha) she would probably feed you all till you pop.
I was born in Australia never been to Russia speak and write Russian (and a bit of Serbian) as does my 4 yo daughter Kristina. If Angelina or more likely her parents are from China then I've probably met her somewhere. We are all connected through our small Russian Orthodox Churches in the major cities and towns of Australia. My great grandfather was an officer in the Tsars army and was a Godfather to Prince Alexander.
My adventurous younger brother Roman would probably jump at the chance to guide you all around and he is fluent in both Russian and English.
I hope you all prepare accordingly because you will be travelling through
places that make the Australian outback look tame. Are you aware of the tigers, bears and monstrous wild boars in the 'Taiga' the largest forest in the world. Around Vladivostock people lose stock and dogs at night and all they see of the tigers is the foot prints in the snow or mud the next morning. It may even pay to purchase a 'Kamaz' a military 4wd truck to take along with you which is already designed for what you are doing, but Im sure you will look into and consider all the options before you go.
Good luck Boris
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