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Northern Kazakhstan. Place of birth.

The Steppes of Kazakhstan (VT member traveldave)

This place is almost entirely a mosaic of dreams and images mixed up with few vague early childhood memories. But, oh boy, the memories they are! Like this one… Huge endless steppes blooming with unrealistically beautiful wild flowers.

Russia. Childhood and Youth.

Novorossijsk, Russia. The best city in the world.

Despite being born outside of Russia and having multiethnic background, I consider Russia my birthplace, cultural heritage and spiritual home. The places I lived and visited in Russia, my social circle, friends, relatives and schools I studied in shaped up my entire life, values and perceptions of the world. Some may describe the former Soviet Union as the pre-eminent source of evil in the modern world (Ronald Reagan), but it was there I first learnt on ideas of social justice, equal opportunity and solidarity with people in trouble. I was blessed to attend schools that actually challenged my intellect and stimulated my personal growth. First kiss, first love, first pain and mistakes, first and only real friends, first everything in a long journey called life. This is my Motherland and it speaks for itself!

Azerbaijan. Adulthood.

Baku, Azerbaijan.

A wonderful country of mixed ancient cultures, traditions and languages. I was truly happy there with my new family and newborn daughters despite hardships of then on-going war with neighboring Armenia. I was warmly welcomed by my in-law family, friends and neighbors. It was there I’ve discovered a whole new world of overwhelming joy, happiness and fear of being a Mom and responsible for somebody’s life.

Israel. Behind the “iron curtain”.

Jerusalem, Israel.

A land where every stone tells centuries’ old history, every tree has a past. No amount of time will be enough to explore this beautiful country. Also there I was first introduced to the western world of overstocked supermarkets, unleashed pop-culture, TV commercials and fast food as well as to the wonderful feeling of personal freedom and great respect for the dignity of the individual.

Canada. Home.

Barrie, Canada. My house.

If I have to pick one word to describe my feelings for this country it would be ‘comfortable’. It means more than just mere modern conveniences of a well-developed country, but in bigger terms a comfort of one’s home. Everything here just fell in place for me immediately and I didn’t have to make huge efforts to arrange my lifeline. Having said that, I have to admit that I didn’t fall in love with my new home right away. Few events in my life took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that at times left me breathless until I started finding my feet. The old Russian saying goes “At home even walls help”. So my new home did just that – gave me comfort, support and sense of security. Here I grew to know myself, learnt to honor what is important in my life and live it out.
I am yet to explore the vast beauty of this country, its diverse culture, and ancient way of life of First Nations People.

The Steppes of Kazakhstan *

As I was writing the lines about Kazakhstan, I was browsing through some VT pages to find a suitable picture for my Homepage since I don’t have any pictures of the place except my baby pics. To my astonishment I came across a picture, which was an exact image of my childhood dream. The picture was posted by a VT member Dave (his VT name traveldave). He kindly let me use it on my Homepage. Thank you, Dave!

Novorossijsk *

The author of the picture of Novorossijsk is a renowned professional photographer Igor Torgachkin, who lives and works in this city. Please check out his wonderful photos on these sites. Unfortunately, they are in Russian only, but I am sure you won’t have problems navigating them. Igor’s work is a living tribute to the Kuban region of the North Caucasus in Southern Russia, its most spectacular coastal and marine landscapes of the Black Sea, historic landmarks and unique flora and fauna. Thank you, Igor!

http://torgachkin.photodom.com
http://torgachkin.flamber.ru/photos
http://torgachkin.fotokritik.ru

Intro Updated May 16, 2011
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Written Oct 31, 2007

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Comments (22)

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kmohandas Mar 11, 2013 at 8:58 AM

Wish you a lovely birthday filled with happiness & joy.
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connectingrod Mar 10, 2012 at 8:49 PM

A BIRTHDAY is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.
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Minceta Mar 11, 2011 at 5:10 AM

Hello, Marina! Hereby I would just like to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY and all the best! If you want, we can stay in touch. Best regards from a today very sunny Belgrade, Jasmina
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sayedaburas Dec 30, 2009 at 11:01 PM

*¨`*:Jingle bells, Jingle bells♫Jingle all the way♫♫Oh! what joy it is to ride♫In a one horse open sleigh♫♫ Jingle bells, Jingle bells♫Jingle all the way!Happy& prosperous New Year 2010.Hugs& Kisses MARINA•:*¨`*
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zolasteve Jun 8, 2009 at 1:58 PM

hi marina, your words are full of powerful emotions. I dabbled with mosaics, but failed dismally!! Steve
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a_kaffash Jun 1, 2009 at 2:25 AM

so kind of you, hope to see you in My land ! Best Wishes
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Mojibul May 31, 2009 at 7:02 AM

Hi Marina Thanks for your nice page
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traveloturc Mar 13, 2008 at 11:45 AM

hi Marina thanks a lot for your kind wishes ...I wish you all the best and wonderful travels ....
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GracesTrips Mar 11, 2008 at 10:31 AM

Thanks, Marina! My daughter was also born in March! It's a great month to celebrate birthdays!
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y2ketan2007 Mar 11, 2008 at 10:02 AM

Marina, hope you are having a wonderful time on your birthday today. Warm regards, Ketan.