Izhevsk, Russia

On August 8th I am departing from the JFK International Airport to land in Moscow, Russia. A total of 10 days will be split between the capital and my hometown Izhevsk, with my sister and her boyfriend keeping me company. I won’t lie: I often envy those born in the big cities like Moscow & St. Petersburg – all they need to do is hop on the non-stop flight and voila, family reunion! For us, it’s a much more involved itinerary; 600 miles lie between Moscow and Izhevsk, resulting in 2 hours on the plane or 1 1/2 days by train.

My plans to visit Russia were conceived 6 months ago, on new year’s eve. Our last visit in 2002 wasn’t exactly idyllic: cramped schedule, jetlag and lots of complications took their toll – not the least of which was inability to withdraw cash from debit cards. Luckily, a lot has changed since; we now have friends and a nice place to stay in Moscow and a more flexible schedule to ensure we get to see everybody in Izhevsk. My goal is to have an enjoyable, relaxing and insightful trip.

I do have some unfinished mental business there. Maybe it’s an immigrant thing, but the nostalgia can become unbearable at times. Few people understand it – my far-away Russian friends can’t relate and certainly not Americans – neither have been yanked out of their environment and transplanted into a new place. Don’t get me wrong, I love New York with all my heart but I still have some strong ties to Izhevsk. Walking through South Brooklyn really hit home with me – the cracked pavement, lack of crowds and warm summer air impregnated with silk tree blossom all reminded me of my adolescent summers. A feeling of simplicity – something you almost never get in NY – enveloped my heart and I felt a strong urge to move & live forever in this unglamorous, castaway part of NY. I will always miss that uncomplicated life where friends and neighbors show up at your door step without warning, simply by ringing your bell – and are always welcomed.

There are a lot of things to be accomplished on this trip. Seeing my friend Zemfira, who had married, had a baby and converted to Islam over the years; reuniting with my dad – also re-married with a new baby, although no Islam – are just some of them. What I seek above all is perspective. Living in the same place for too long can extinguish the appreciation, and I’m not one for living without it. A great journey lies ahead that will hopefully give me some answers on where I come from, who I am, and how I got there.

Deerlings: have you visited your hometown recently? What were your impressions?