In leaving Kazan at 1 am from the hotel to make it to our start point for the night shift of running, I was drawn to remember the many people that I have met so far and the run is only 1/3rd complete! From the fellow Canadian at the first Dow plant waving his Canadian flag...to the doctor in Berlin who told me about how Reagan's speech at the Berlin wall made a difference for the people of Germany...to the girl on the bike who saw me on Polish TV and wanted to meet a runner...to the homeless boy yesterday that was intrigued to find out where I was from...to the Russian police who continue to jump out of their car to come shake my hand after finishing my 10 mile leg because of their admiration for how I push myself... it all makes a difference and only thanks to the Blue Planet Foundation and Dow. I would like to think that if the resolve of the Russian police is to warily watch us, that at least the ones on my shift are saying that they are impressed to be involved and mention how at least during my shift the cars passing are waving, smiling and nodding with approval and connection. The responses from the drivers who I pass are incredible. Some inspiration in them produces a smile of genuine compassion, of caring and connection. Either that or they're just amused at the funny looking dude running like crazy carrying a white stick. There have been many more that might not of understood the English version of 'Water is Life' but through connection to the act of running and to the Canadian trying to make a splash, I believe the importance of safe clean drinking water will be more respected by them. I also hope that perhaps I have helped it climb a notch on your importance scale.

Poem of the day:

Fortunate I with foot on foreign ground
Noting returning Canada indeed growing
For culture, nature, opportunity prevailing
Canada pulsing my foot through the world
Resounding rythms heard by my elders
In Canada...

Grandfather you are with me... OH CANADA!