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I Wish I Could Afford a Trip to Russia

A heartfelt personal journey through Russia's charm, culture, and memories exploring its beauty, people, and unique experiences that makes it legendary. | Mother Russia

Fouad FARJANI

1/14/2025

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There are places you visit, and then there are places that leave a permanent mark on your soul. Russia is, for me, the latter. It’s not just a memory; it’s a hauntingly beautiful longing that pulls at me with every passing day. And I’m not talking about the glossy tourist brochures showcasing the Kremlin, the St. Petersburg’s palaces or most recently the beautiful beaches of Crimean "kURORT". I’m talking about the real Russia, the one that grabs you by the heart and never lets go.

Let’s start with the people. Russian beauty isn’t just skin-deep; it’s a vibe. There’s something almost noble about the way they carry themselves—confident, educated, and brutally human. And the women? Where do I even begin? Imagine walking down the street and being greeted by either angry kinda looking faces or literally smiles that feel genuine, warm, and… inviting. Unlike in many places, these weren’t smiles reserved for customer service or fleeting politeness. In Russia, a smile could spark a story, and, believe me, those stories often didn’t stop at a smile.

What’s remarkable is the effortlessness of it all. You could be a stranger, a nobody in their world, and yet, for a fleeting moment, you’re seen, like really seen. There’s a purity to it, a kind of energetic connection that feels so rare elsewhere. And yes, those connections often went deeper than I could’ve imagined. Let’s just say Russia taught me that life is as much about the moments you live as the stories you collect.

If you’ve never tasted "bOrsch" on a cold winter evening or sipped Vodka that feels like liquid fire running through your veins, you’re missing out on something fundamental about life. Russia isn’t paradise because of its resources; it’s a heaven because its people know how to value what they have.

The food is humble yet both hearty & appreciated, the kind that warms you from the inside out, no matter how cold & angry you can be. Think freshly baked bread, steaming bowls of soup, and simple yet satisfying meals that remind you of the beauty in simplicity. And the wine? It’s not just a drink—it’s the experience. It’s what you share with friends to celebrate, to mourn, to bond. It’s the kind of ritual that turns strangers into comrades.

But again! it’s not just about indulgence. Even the homeless in Russia seem to have more dignity than their counterparts elsewhere. They’ll sleep on full stomachs, with a bottle in one hand, a chick on the other and a sense of survival that’s almost poetic. Life in Russia has a rhythm, a raw, a genuine pulse—that’s impossible to ignore.

If Russia as a whole is a masterpiece, then Ryazan is the hidden gem within a little detail in the painting. My time in Ryazan was chaotic, wild, and I must say, unforgettable.

As a med student, I was thrown into a melting pot of people from all walks of life. It was a world where cultures clashed, languages collided, and somehow, everything just… worked.

And yes, I’ll admit it, my studies didn’t always make it to my top 3 priorities. I was too busy collecting experiences, most of which involved late nights, questionable decisions, and encounters that would make even a seasoned adventurer blush. I’ll never forget the Vietnamese or the Himalayan beauty who turned my world upside down or the countless others who added their chapters to my Casanova story line. Back then, my broken Russian was more of an asset than a barrier. It added a layer of mystery, an exotic charm that opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

But as my Russian improved, so did my understanding of the world around me. And with that understanding came a bittersweet realization: it was time to move on. I couldn’t stay in a place where my past could so easily catch up with me. If every romantic connection I’d made came with a price tag, I’d be bankrupt—both financially and emotionally.

Moscow is unlike any other city I’ve ever been to. It’s a city of contrasts, where history and modernity does clash in the most spectacular way. Walking through the Red Square, you feel the weight of centuries of history, yet the city’s energy is anything but old-fashioned. It’s electric, alive, and endlessly fascinating.

And then there’s the people. Moscow is a magnet for the ambitious, the talented, and the beautiful. It’s a place where dreams are chased and, sometimes, caught. But it’s also a place that doesn’t let you forget where you come from. Every street, every building, every fleeting glance from a stranger serves as a reminder that you’re part of something bigger, something almost incomprehensibly grand.

One of the things that struck me most about Russia is how seriously people take education. It’s not just about degrees or accolades; it’s about a mindset. Even the kids seem more mature, more aware of the world around. It’s a sharp contrast to what I’ve seen elsewhere, where ignorance is often worn like a badge of honor.

Being around educated, thoughtful people changes you. It challenges you to grow, to question, to strive for something more eloquent. It’s a kind of intellectual electricity that’s both intimidating and inspiring. And it’s something I’ve missed dearly since leaving.

It’s been years since I left Russia, but the longing never fades. I miss the people, the places, the food, and, most of all, the feeling of being truly alive. Russia isn’t just a country; it’s a state of mind, a way of life that stays with you long after you’ve said your goodbyes.

I think about the snowy streets of Ryazan, the vibrant chaos of Moscow, the beaches of Yalta & Sevastopol, and the countless faces that became part of my story. I think about the lessons I learned, the mistakes I made, and the memories that still make me smile. And I wonder if I’ll ever get the chance to go back, to relive those moments, and to create new ones.

For now, all I have are my memories and a dream. A dream of returning to the place that shaped me and changed me in ways I never could’ve imagined.

Russia isn’t just a destination; it’s a part of who I am. And no matter where life takes me, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

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