While working today, I was listening to a radio station from Minsk. I like to do this, because it keeps me current on the local news and helps with terrain association if you actually know of the places that they are talking about. One of the songs that played was recently performed by Belarus' competitor at the annual Eurovision contest in Dusseldorf, Germany. For those who don't know what Eurovision is, it is like American Idol, but with the entire European continent sending contestants, and there is a lot more "bling".
This year Belarus sent 20 year old Anastasia Vinnikova to Germany, and she kicked it off with "I Love Belarus", take a look.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Matt...In Search Of: Belarus
Matt...In Search Of: Belarus: "When we read a travel magazine we are taken to exotic locations, often near turquoise water with white sand, or to Alpine ski resorts that c..."
Belarus
When we read a travel magazine we are taken to exotic locations, often near turquoise water with white sand, or to Alpine ski resorts that cater to the rich and famous. I think that sometimes, In this day and age of competition, we take for granted, the natural beauty of wheat field or undisturbed forest, the silence of agricultural village at dawn, or the smell of chimney smoke in the air at dinner time. These may conjure up memories of old times, for some, but in one corner of Europe it is the way life goes on. Welcome to Belarus.I am not a sentimental person, by any means. And it takes a lot to move me, but for some reason, when I leave Belarus each time, I choke up a little. Perhaps I should start from the beginning. My relationship with Belarus began in late 1996 when I received orders to the US Embassy as a Marine Guard. From then on, Belarus has been a part of my life. I lived there for 16 months, and married a wonderful woman, with whom I have two gorgeous daughters. If you had told me at the age of twenty-one, that I’d be as connected to Belarus as I am, I’d have called a damned fool and walked away.
Sadly, what most people know of Belarus is what they read, hear from others or see what’s on the TV after a demonstration. Politics seem to overshadow anyone’s positive impressions of any location. This holds true in Belarus as well, but if you’re smart and can put the seriousness of the current situation behind you, I would encourage you to get out and enjoy the scenery. The people of Belarus are warm and giving and you’ll never leave a table hungry.
For the art lovers we have the birthplace of Marc Chagall, military historians would be interested in seeing the birthplace of General Tadeusz Kościuszko, there’s something for everyone. Occupying the crossroads of the geographic center of Europe, Belarus is a door from east to west. Sharing its western and northern borders with the European Union nations of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, and its southern and eastern borders with Ukraine and Russia, Belarus could not be any more centric if it tried. When I visit, I often take short trips to nearby countries, and it’s as simple as buying a train of short plane ride. In a matter of minutes you can change between three languages, and hear at least three more from travelers coming from the far corners of the old Soviet Union.
I am often impressed by the amount of goods that I can buy when I visit Minsk. Fruits from and vegetables from Uzbekistan, wine from Georgia, fish from the Baltic Sea, caviar from Siberia, and to wash it all down, fresh beer from local Belarusian breweries. A trip to the local market, and parting with ten dollars and you and three friends can have a nice picnic in the forest. Hell, who needs a market? During the summer, the intersections of any road become small farmers markets, with villagers peddling fruits and veggies, fresh sour cream, and catch of the day from the nearest lake.
I’ve spent many hours sitting outside of my in-laws house, at a makeshift table, eating slow cooked meats, fish, and salads, while talking, arguing, laughing, crying, but never walking away upset. No rush, no problem, this is the mantra that I hear again and again, and that I wish I could replicate in my hectic life in the States. I’m often asked whether it’s worth it, to work each day from morning until night, to put your kids in a daycare, and to rush home to cook dinner, so that I can repeat the process the next day. I haven’t been able to answer that yet. I’m impressed, jealous actually, that I visit other countries and see people who have far less than I do, and even less opportunity, and they are more content and happier than I am, why? I hope that I find the answer some day. In the meantime, I have my respite in knowing that my version of heaven is only a day away by flight. I think I’ll call home now.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Matt...In Search Of: Back to life, back to reality
Matt...In Search Of: Back to life, back to reality: "I have left the lands of Mohammad and am now back in Northern Virginia, what a difference 36 hours, and eight time zones make! Dubai was an ..."
Back to life, back to reality
I wish that I had more time for sightseeing, but unfortunately, spent a majority of the time in meetings and conferences, I suppose I wasnt' sent there to play. I hope to make it back there, again, I've already developed my list of things to do. First and foremost is to finally take the desert safari that I missed. Secondly, to go skiing inside the Mall of the Emirates. I saw the mountain, but didn't get in, damned appointments!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Matt...In Search Of: My Frankfurt
Matt...In Search Of: My Frankfurt: "I have some time to kill before my next flight and wanted to give an update of my morning. The flight from DC was uneventful. I flew on Unit..."
Friday, March 18, 2011
My Frankfurt
I have some time to kill before my next flight and wanted to give an update of my morning. The flight from DC was uneventful. I flew on United Airlines, nothing sectacular there, standard, standard, "no sir, we already served juice, you'll have to wait", typical US airline.
I arrived in Germany at approximately 6:30 am, cleared immigration and took the train downtown, nothing has changed, except the ticket machines are now touchscreen, but it all came back to me! I decided to get out at the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) and walk, it was only 7:30 and I forgot that nothing opens until at least 9:00 here. No problem, I had plenty of time to walk around and see the city. I was posted here as an Embassy Marine in 1995-1996, in my opinion, those were my definitive years. I had already been a Marine for 2 and a half yars, but this was different. I had more freedom, more money, and a schedule. I lived here with nine other Marines, in a house, just north of the downtown. We worked, worked out, and partied hard, and met some great people, friends for life, as you may have seen from some of my postings.
Though we may not see eachother for years on end, there is no doubt that we pick up where we left off once we meet. For many of us, Frankfurt has an attraction that we can't shake. Most Germans will tell you that it is a horrible place, and not the "real Germany", but for those of us that lived here, it was like home. Whenever I come here, I am comfortable, I know my way around, and I feel attached to it.
This morning I walked to many of my old places; the pedestrian shopping quarter (Zeil), the Roemer Platz (where the city hall is), and various places that I was fond of. You saw many of these pictures online, on my facebook page. I sill log into web radio stations from Frankfurt, and listen to the traffic report and know exactly where they are talking about or read the online newspaper from the city, and know what the reporter means. It is strange, but there is a kindred spirit here. Unbeknownst to me at the time I lived here, but my Great Grandfather came from a town just north of Frankfurt, Oberursel. Ironically, during my time in Frankfurt, I would visit this town many times a week to see someone that I was dating here. I walked past a cemetary each evening, that most likely had my family in it, and never knew it. Maybe there was some strange force at work, telling me that I had made it home.
Or maybe it's the fact that I haven't slept in over 23 hours that I'm carrying on like this, who knows? I suspect that some of you reading this have a similar feeling about some place special as well. This should not be ignored, but explored, think about it.
I arrived in Germany at approximately 6:30 am, cleared immigration and took the train downtown, nothing has changed, except the ticket machines are now touchscreen, but it all came back to me! I decided to get out at the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) and walk, it was only 7:30 and I forgot that nothing opens until at least 9:00 here. No problem, I had plenty of time to walk around and see the city. I was posted here as an Embassy Marine in 1995-1996, in my opinion, those were my definitive years. I had already been a Marine for 2 and a half yars, but this was different. I had more freedom, more money, and a schedule. I lived here with nine other Marines, in a house, just north of the downtown. We worked, worked out, and partied hard, and met some great people, friends for life, as you may have seen from some of my postings.
Though we may not see eachother for years on end, there is no doubt that we pick up where we left off once we meet. For many of us, Frankfurt has an attraction that we can't shake. Most Germans will tell you that it is a horrible place, and not the "real Germany", but for those of us that lived here, it was like home. Whenever I come here, I am comfortable, I know my way around, and I feel attached to it.
This morning I walked to many of my old places; the pedestrian shopping quarter (Zeil), the Roemer Platz (where the city hall is), and various places that I was fond of. You saw many of these pictures online, on my facebook page. I sill log into web radio stations from Frankfurt, and listen to the traffic report and know exactly where they are talking about or read the online newspaper from the city, and know what the reporter means. It is strange, but there is a kindred spirit here. Unbeknownst to me at the time I lived here, but my Great Grandfather came from a town just north of Frankfurt, Oberursel. Ironically, during my time in Frankfurt, I would visit this town many times a week to see someone that I was dating here. I walked past a cemetary each evening, that most likely had my family in it, and never knew it. Maybe there was some strange force at work, telling me that I had made it home.
Or maybe it's the fact that I haven't slept in over 23 hours that I'm carrying on like this, who knows? I suspect that some of you reading this have a similar feeling about some place special as well. This should not be ignored, but explored, think about it.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Road Trip!
It's been an extremely busy week, and I haven't had the time to write about anything, at least anything cheerful. I've been tied to the computer, since last week, assisting our employees that were affected by the earthquake in Japan, and consequently, the troubles of the Fukushima nuclear reactor. It's a shame that such devastation can occur in such a quick time, it really makes you think about the good things that you have in your life; family, friends, good food, you get the point.
Which brings me to the cheery side of this posting. I've managed to keep it rather quiet, but I'm gearing up for another road trip this afternoon. This time I leave from DC, fly to Frankfurt, Germany and then onto Dubai, UAE. I will enjoy an eight hour layover in Frankfurt, you heard me EIGHT!, where I'll take a few walks down memory lane and see what's changed in the fifteen years since I worked there. Then off to Dubai. This is my first trip to the UAE and based on the footage I've seen, I'm already under dressed and have been outblinged!
I hope to post as I go, and will be uploading some pictures along the way, stay posted to the facebook page, and feel free to interact! Half of the fun of traveling is telling others about it!
Which brings me to the cheery side of this posting. I've managed to keep it rather quiet, but I'm gearing up for another road trip this afternoon. This time I leave from DC, fly to Frankfurt, Germany and then onto Dubai, UAE. I will enjoy an eight hour layover in Frankfurt, you heard me EIGHT!, where I'll take a few walks down memory lane and see what's changed in the fifteen years since I worked there. Then off to Dubai. This is my first trip to the UAE and based on the footage I've seen, I'm already under dressed and have been outblinged!
I hope to post as I go, and will be uploading some pictures along the way, stay posted to the facebook page, and feel free to interact! Half of the fun of traveling is telling others about it!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Matt...In Search Of: Some light reading on a cold grey day
Matt...In Search Of: Some light reading on a cold grey day: "Here it is, the second week of March, and I'm still sorting through Christmas gifts. Most family members know that I love to read, and I ine..."
Some light reading on a cold grey day
Here it is, the second week of March, and I'm still sorting through Christmas gifts. Most family members know that I love to read, and I inevitably receive several books or bookstore gift cards throughout December and January. This is a great tradition, and I hope it never passes. The only drawback is finding the time to read so much. By the time I come home, have dinner, play with, wash, and put the kids to sleep, the last thing that I can do is concentrate on a page of words!
One of the books that I've been putting off is the "Sagas of the Icelanders", as I said, who has the time to read a magazine or small book, let alone a Saga! Well, I wish I started it sooner. This book is fantastic! I can't pronounce half of the names without butchering them, but this book is a gold mine of historical information. If you ever wanted to read about Viking history, and don't want all of the Hollywood imagery, you'll be happy with this. Many of the names and locations are historically significant to those in the Northern countries, and throughout the Baltic rim.
Many of us have ancestry from this region in the world, and it's interesting to see how the tribal differences centuries ago, helped to shape Europe and the modern difficulties that still continue, regarding languages, religion, and land claims.
Politics aside, if at any time you think you've had a difficult life and you're not being treated fairly, than read through this, to give yourself a new positive outlook on life, you won't regret it!
One of the books that I've been putting off is the "Sagas of the Icelanders", as I said, who has the time to read a magazine or small book, let alone a Saga! Well, I wish I started it sooner. This book is fantastic! I can't pronounce half of the names without butchering them, but this book is a gold mine of historical information. If you ever wanted to read about Viking history, and don't want all of the Hollywood imagery, you'll be happy with this. Many of the names and locations are historically significant to those in the Northern countries, and throughout the Baltic rim.
Many of us have ancestry from this region in the world, and it's interesting to see how the tribal differences centuries ago, helped to shape Europe and the modern difficulties that still continue, regarding languages, religion, and land claims.
Politics aside, if at any time you think you've had a difficult life and you're not being treated fairly, than read through this, to give yourself a new positive outlook on life, you won't regret it!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Price of a Footnote
Well this is an interesting change of events! For all of you academics out there, who thought that no one would ever notice that you cut and pasted some one's work, take a look at this guy! 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12608083
Photo: Reuters (This is me, properly footnoting photo!)
Talk about a fall from grace. Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg is a thirty-nine year old lawyer, descended from a noble Bavarian family. It was openly talked about, in the German political circles, that we would someday become the Chancellor of Germany. Now, in the course of two weeks, he's been publicly denounced as a plagiarist, renounced his PhD from Bayreuth University, and following the protest of nearly 50,000 legitimate German academics has decided to resign his post as German Defence Minister. The way I see it, he has a couple of choices; 1) return to the family homestead, as a recluse, and live off of the wealth that your forefathers built for you, 2) move to a different country, and write a book about how everyone is out to get you, or 3) prove yourself, the right way this time, by working on a PhD that you did yourself. Admit your mistakes and move on, he's already hit bottom, unless someone runs over his dog tomorrow.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12608083Photo: Reuters (This is me, properly footnoting photo!)
Talk about a fall from grace. Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg is a thirty-nine year old lawyer, descended from a noble Bavarian family. It was openly talked about, in the German political circles, that we would someday become the Chancellor of Germany. Now, in the course of two weeks, he's been publicly denounced as a plagiarist, renounced his PhD from Bayreuth University, and following the protest of nearly 50,000 legitimate German academics has decided to resign his post as German Defence Minister. The way I see it, he has a couple of choices; 1) return to the family homestead, as a recluse, and live off of the wealth that your forefathers built for you, 2) move to a different country, and write a book about how everyone is out to get you, or 3) prove yourself, the right way this time, by working on a PhD that you did yourself. Admit your mistakes and move on, he's already hit bottom, unless someone runs over his dog tomorrow.
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