« Home | Санкт-Петербург Dispatch #2This evening I turned o... » | Petersburg Dispatch, #1An enormous building down N... » | The Chicago Tribune's Joshua Klein, regarding the ... » | The sun is out, and five minutes ago I finished my... » | A note found in the west gym of the Fieldhouse, sh... » | Seasonable.Function: adjective1 : suitable to the ... » | Left and LeavingI think I've half-assed it long en... » | Swiss shock Canadian men 2-0I suppose one could bl... » | There's a list, in my mind, of records which are i... » | Who needs that "special someone" on Valentine's Da... » 

Thursday, June 29, 2006 

MOCKBA Dispatch, #1

From age 11 to 13, I must've seen Rocky IV nearly 30 times. Now, my eyes see it as little more than jingoistic Cold War era crap, but back then I always liked seeing Rocky emerge from a plane amid a blizzard in Russia (newsboy cap and invincible jaw) and hearing Paulie say:

"This is Russia? It don't look so tough, Rock."

I try to tell myself this from time to time - it helps with the intimidation.

But at an internet cafe under a huge, Stalin/steel sign that says "MOCKBA," it's hard to stay brave. These are tough people.

I need to remind myself of that everytime I bitch about the lack of internet or clean water.

Stay tuned. Please.

Centuries of poverty and starvation can do that to a people. Russia is not the most fertile country to live in.

At the risk of sounding like your Dad, I'm sure this will be a great experience for you. We always emerge better from difficult experiences

What are you saying about my house? Saying I don't provide clean water? I told you that if you clean your stop being such a baby you stop drinking out of the hose.

But in all seriousness, it sounds terribly fascinating. I am having a hard time imagining what you are experiencing, but it sure must be something else.

When you get back, we are going to have to go to the Silver Derby for a week just so I can hear about Russia.

Well dude, life can be tough when you're a cool mofo. WHile this will be a challenging experience for you, it benefit you later on when you are engaging in one-up-manship.

Your words seem to pitch forward from a far-away time, as well as a far-away place.

Riveting.

Keep 'em coming.

Post a Comment

About me

BloggerPreviousItems>
  • Stay Informed:

    Powered by Blogger
    and Blogger Templates