Sure...

 ... but have you seen Russian real estate lately? 

The World Bank’s annual national income rankings, released on Monday, showed that Russia has advanced from “upper middle” to “high” category on the strength of its economic growth. The bank measures gross national income (GNI) based on a method dating back to 1989, and updates its classifications every July 1, based on the previous calendar year’s GNI per capita. The income is measured in the equivalent of US dollars. “Economic activity in Russia was influenced by a large increase in military related activity in 2023, while growth was also boosted by a rebound in trade (+6.8%), the financial sector (+8.7%), and construction (+6.6%),” said a post on the World Bank blog.

First, keep in mind who those children who keep World Bank's blog are. Second, the US still keeps the edge due to accumulation and retaining its infrastructure from Ike's time--this was an immense investment. But it slowly changes, albeit US infrastructure is still, for now, is not too bad. But then... If you have $100 grand... 

This is relatively near Moscow, mind you... Relatively. If you ask me--I can tolerate Moscow for about 10 days, same goes for St.Petersburg. After that I begin to miss my... Pacific Northwest, ocean, mountains, country fried steak (well, that's important too, you know) and the breeze...  

Altaistone)))

On a lighter note. Here I am--fresh from breathtaking beauty of Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho and Yellowstone. And here are Russia's favorite Aussies who moved from Novosibirsk to their dream Altai farm hanging out in Gorno-Altaisk. 

The similarity of the nature is 100%. If not for Russian language one would think that they are somewhere in Montana. Finally, Russia begins to develop those places in an appropriate touristy manner. And here is what matters--both American Pacific Northwest and its near, as well as Altai share not just the stunning nature. They share a stunning scale. Especially when one considers Canadian extension of Rockies from Alberta to British Columbia, both places dwarf any kind of Alpine locations. I love this scale and the sense of freedom it gives you. I also totally understand how Sabrina and her family feel now--it is the sense of wonderment and being spellbound. I can relate easily--I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest immediately. And I need big water--nothing comes bigger than Pacific Ocean. Altai, sadly, is far away from it. Or any ocean, for that matter. But it is still beautiful.  

Pacific Northwest At Its Winter Best.

My front and backyards this morning--a massive snow fall around Seattle which should continue through the next week. 

Somehow this comes to mind. On such a winter's day.