Russia is a dichotomy, between the haves and the have nots, not much middle class here. The middle class is growing but still fairly silent and undefined. Prices in Moscow are out of reach. We’ve now stayed in a number of good hotels which emphasize this dichotomy, in sharp contrast to places we pass by and stop at during our runs. Other than wood products, oil and gas, I don’t know where the wealth comes from. I do know that many middle and lower class workers rely on barter and home gardens to make ends meet and that there is much poverty and suffering. It is visible to the eye. To the contrary there are also many Russians who appear happy and successful, beautiful young people with a zest for life and an interest in outsiders, something I rarely saw during my previous visits to this country.

If you are reading other blogs, you’ll quickly see that each of us has a different perspective and approach, giving you readers great experiential and journalistic diversity. I am working on another personal piece about how I see the differences and similarities between the countries we are running through and the U.S.

It’s obvious that Russia has sanitation, water supply and income issues. They also have visible and great environmental problems: pollution, spoiled waterways, even the spreading of purple loostrife. Prostitution is a means to survive in many cities and towns. It will be interesting to move further eastward and away from Moscow where I expect more localized problems on a smaller scale, yet perhaps even more extreme. Our guides will all be a source of knowledge as we get to know them better. Each seems well schooled and adjusted, with good skills and an interest in the world.

I’m feeling homesick for the green hills of Vermont, my dog and cat and dear friends and family. Looking at photos helps as does focusing on our purpose here and what we can look forward to when we return to the U.S. An ultra-run friend from years past just wrote that she sent in a generous contribution to BPR and her company matched it. Thank you all for your support in every way!!!!

Tonight we will be in Kazan, the last of the “golden cities,” before running the 3am to 9am shift. Spakoynay Nochi!