Россия

     The Olympics are a time of celebration for the commitment of athletes that have made some pretty epic sacrifices to represent their country. Not to sound like I'm lacking patriotism, but I'm not the greatest of Olympic sport followers. I catch the briefings and I'm good to go. Maybe I'll get into it when I hit the 4-0 mark. 

    What I find exceptionally interesting is the buzz of those attending and media personnel who are seemingly shocked and overwhelmed by Sochi's conditions. You're in Russia, people. Eastern Europe has been subjected to a whole lot of good, bad and in between. Those with expectations comparable to the States or Western Europe will be sorely disappointed. You are in a beautiful, exceptionally tried and heavy hearted land. There is richness in Russia. If you were expecting four star conditions, disappointment was inevitable. But I say, shame on those people. 

     My sophomore year of college I spent my summer in Eastern Europe. It was a life altering experience. It was the first time in my life I would witness that communism and oppression had not disappeared. At nineteen I learned to make do with whatever I had, whatever I was given and to be content. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. Toilets that were nothing more than two cinder blocks with a hole in the floor. Meals doled out with love, but were small portions of rice and unidentifiable meats. Shopping for groceries with aisles filled with one type of bread, a limited supply of milk and not a whole lot of extras. 

    I encountered fellow college students who were subjected to oppression, poverty and sickness. So much hurt and uncertainty that no wore a face. The beauty of Eastern Europe was found in its people, history and conditions that seemed to be frozen in time. Getting caught up in the details that fall short of your expectations detracts from the experience. You are simply shorting yourself. My hope is that those in Sochi will take this experience as an opportunity to learn, feel grateful for this experience and to explore a land that few have taken the time to delve into. 

    I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to live, explore and learn about Eastern Europe in a way few ever will. If I ever have the chance to hop on a trolly, roam the streets of St. Petersburg or the outskirts of Moskow again I'd there in a heat beat.