As you all well aware computers were supposed to break down right on the first minute of the year 2000 crashing down all which would be within the reach. Another common knowledge is that everything in America is based on computers. Computers here, computers there, computers everywhere. However, Russia is quite different. Almost everything is still paper based. Naturally, I decided to spend this dangerous time in the safe place.
I was dreaming of how I would go to my small summerhouse located in a deep forest of Karelia far from all signs of civilization. Get enough vodka and fire wood to live through these dangerous times. So, together with my friend I found a good deal at Tiss and bought a roundtrip tickets to Russia for just $530. That was very cheap for the over-the-New-Year tickets.
My visa has expired which brought me into the need of getting another one. The situation with visas was quite dangerous. People around were telling me that US limited the number of visas considerably. Some news even told that visas would no longer be issued until things clear. Political relationships between Russia and US were not good either. Many were saying about the return of Cold war.
That is why I spent some time preparing documents. Besides regular I-20 form that was needed anyway I took prepared some papers about my studying, employment and scholarship. Among other things I took with me, were lots of 'presents' from seven of my friends. It took a large suitcase to pack them while all my stuff fitted into a small one and a carry-on luggage. Sending presents with 'okasia' is still the best way to send things to Russia. Some friends sent money too but this time typical amount was about 200 dollars.
This time I also took my camera with me. That was Canon EOS-50, 22-55 Zoom lens and 75-300 Zoom lens, Speedlite 360EX flash. I also took a number of film rolls, mostly Fujifilm Sensia II, the only acceptable slide film available at local Wal-Mart.
Friends