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.  

I Totally Get It...

Why Aussies would love Altai. Some of the shots, especially on the new highway, I couldn't have found a difference between those and my drives on mountain roads in Western Washington or Oregon. There is also an uncanny similarity between some places in Altai and Wyoming. Joash also explains the issue of fresh water when compares Altai (or most of Russia, for that matter) with Australia and their creek at their farm there.

So, Russia's favorite Aussies are really shopping for a farm and it seems that they are on their way to a Green Card and citizenship and realization of their dream. But that is not the whole story. 

A number of American and Canadian families (75 people in all) contacted RT with request for help recently in obtaining Russian citizenship. RT already made a wonderful pitch (in Russian). 

«Хотим жить в стране, поддерживающей традиционные ценности»: семьи из США и Канады попросили российское гражданство

Translation: "We want to live in the country which supports traditional values": families from the US and Canada asked for Russian citizenship. 

Father Joseph Gleason, I once told about him, is one of those who helps American and Canadians to get in. He and his family of 10 are also a great gift to Russia.

So, as I said few years ago--this is just a start. Russia is NOT a paradise, Russia has corruption, she has bureaucracy, she has many other things to consider, but what Russia IS, she is an arc for normal people--of all races and faiths--but for European Christian root, Russia is a place to find peace. Plus, Russia is doing not bad economically, wink, wink. Large Russian cities? They will give a run for the money to anything in the West. Moscow and St.Petersburg? Best cities in the world, period. Stunning, clean, modern, safe and culture which overwhelms in the most positive way. So, here it is. Life goes on. 

P.S. One day you will have Aussies playing hockey.

Update On Sabrina And Her Family.

Wonderful! Sabrina and her numerous Aussie family's plea to President Putin made it to a major federal news network Rossiya 24 (in Russian). 

Yes, immigration lawyers say that they have very little time if to do it the long way, but as native Italian, now Italian Russian, Valerio Zanetti says, pleading with Putin to solve the issue fast is the way to go. Zanetti's point of view is shared by Deputy Chair of Duma's Foreign Relations Committee Svetlana Zhurova. Get this comment from this video which gets overwhelming support from Russians. Recall what I wrote for years.

Судя по всему, это хорошие, работящие люди. Россия - это ковчег и надежда в этом безумном мире! Добро пожаловать всем кто чист душой и отвергает мерзость навязываемую западной "элиткой"!

Translation:  By all accounts, these are good hard-working people. Russia is an Arc and hope in this crazy world! Welcome everyone with pure soul and who reject the filth being imposed by Western petty "elite".

P.S. Damn, Valerio--from Italy to Krasnoyarsk. Winters there are brutal. But I noticed many European-blood folks love Siberia. Sabrina's family is madly in love with Altai and are planning to move there to farm from Novosibirsk, once they resolve immigration situation. Altai is stunning--a lot of similarity with Montana and Idaho. But unlike Montana or Idaho--the nearest ocean is in 5 hours of...flight. I can drive in 5 hours from Idaho to Pacific Ocean. 

If anyone wonders why they love Altai. Take a look. 

I, personally, cannot live on flat ground and without ocean or sea.