As we start to approach Siberia, I am reminded of our northern latitude by the skylines, fresh air and Cessnas (aka... Russian Mosquitos). Cessnas are a type of airplane that jokingly represent the sheer size and strength of the Mosquitos! I think that growing up in Uranium City Saskatchewan in Northern Canada, living in Manitoba (where the provincial bird is a Mosquito... hahahaha) and now running across Russia all seem to be part of a master plan. We joke up north in Canada that when you swipe at or hit a Mosquito they just get mad and go get their cousins. Well, with that in mind I'm meeting many families up here in the more remote areas of Russia and I know we ain't seen nothing yet.

Although the relativity of the Russian people to the Aboriginals of Canada is very powerful because of the historical account that the first Aboriginal people in North America most likely came from Russia via the north, the ability to understand Russian by an English speaking person simply doesn't exist. It makes it tough to talk to people and to find a store as all the signs also seem to be labeled very indiscreetly. A secret is found though in the eyes and way of life of the Russian people! I see my Gran in the eyes of the grandmother that I just walked by. I can feel the connection towards perseverance and the strength within. This just continues to reaffirm to me the interconnection we all have on this planet.

Poem of the day:

Many centuries ago we walked
and ran to where we now are
Left behind strife and despair
for the excitement of possibility
Now we find ourselves asking each other
what it is we have Learned
And those who are aware in spirit
know not to relate it to today's advanced ways
For the keys to finding peace
and enjoyment in our lives
Is not in the conveniences
nor is it in the comparison
to each other's contemporary living standards
Beauty can only fly in the face of adversity and challenge
and in stepping up and out to face the world
To shout with the depth of our souls
To cry from the tops of our mountains
That we are one!