Siberia. Warm earth, generous, immensely. Figured out some of its secrets in the prime of my youth. After so many years, I yet have not woken up of the dream.
Seven in the morning. The Siberian Airlines plane kisses the soil of his homeland. Omsk, Siberia's second city, welcomes me with a smile. Long and intense! It feels good to squeeze it in your soul, and forget for a moment, 20-hour trip, two scales (Frankfurt, after Moscow) and several time zones. Porto travel to Siberia is not easy, but the possibility of exploring this unknown world is worth the effort.
After all, what could be found in Russia, so remote and mysterious? Political exiles, forced labor, eternal snow? First error: Here there not always snow. In southern Siberia, summers can be as or warmer than in Portugal.
Are 35 degrees. Siberian Heat choking me. However, the eagerness to know about this magical place is inexorable to the relentless weather vagaries.
Green Omsk
Omsk is the daughter of two rivers: the mighty Irtysh and the quiet Om. For nearly three centuries, the military troops of Ivan Bukhgolts built new "home" at the confluence of these waters. Since then, the city has grown at an astonishing rate, currently home to two million inhabitants. The buildings, with features of several styles, and gives it an unquestionable originality. Just go through the "Lyubinsky Prospect” (Avenue of Love) for me to realize that fact. For example, the Dramatic Theatre of Omsk. Inspired by the Grand Opera of Paris has served as an example to many others Russian opera’s. In other areas of the city I discover, with delight, many fascinating secrets. Nikolsky Cathedral, with interesting features of the Baroque. The majestic "Town Duma”. The bustling K. Marx Prospect.
In 1950/60, Omsk became known as the land of gardens and flowers. Well deserves. The impressive number of green spaces captivates my eyes. Behold the beauty of the parks. I hear the silence. Tightening the pulse of nature. Unconsciously, I dress my youth of multiples feelings .
The many bridges that grace the city not only function as mean of communication. Are mirror of audacity and engineering solutions in the forms of expression.
15:00. I go aboard Mosckva -112. The boat follows the frantic movements of Om. A dance rhythm, almost a poem. Yes, the heat is intense. But not only comes from the atmosphere. It also appears in the spirit of Siberia. Second mistake: the Siberian are not closed. Warm and generous, have a great soul.
On the border of Kazakhstan
10:00. 34 Degrees. The immensity of the plain "crushes me." The wheat fields seem endless. In the distance, flocks of birds ranging from the tree branches. The "Sea" of Southern Siberia - the big lakes - make for a moment, forget the high temperature.
I am in Isil `kul a small town 20 kilometers from Kazakhstan. Just a few streets are paved. The lack of water in most houses forces people to go to community sources. You must stand in line. In the intense heat of summer. In the cold winter snow.
The remnants of Communism are still visible. Identical for all dwellings. The same stores to the doctor and the fisherman. However, the echoes of Capitalism become increasingly audible. Particularly in young people. Wear jeans. Buy Coca-Cola. Are addicted to SMS. The oldest, on the other hand, missed the other times. Ensures by those who know, perhaps not without a touch of sadness, formerly they lived better. The Government offered, for example, rates to the people. Now, the only recourse is to the credit.
But in Siberia melancholy does not last long. Third mistake: this people are not gray, they do know the meaning of fun.
13:00. It is time to picnic. In the forest, the soil is covered with a blanket. Prepare the salad. The meat for grilling, chachliki. Distributes the bread. Not to mention the bottles of beer - "Baltika", form number 1 to 9. And vodka, of course.
After the meal, there were the swimming, dancing, singing. It is time to laugh. Victor Hugo said: "Laughter is the sun that drives out the cold face." The cold or heat, whatever. The Siberians are well aware of. Here life is great. Literally. Nature. Heritage. Above all, the soul. The soul of a people who never stops dreaming!
