Thanks for your comments, suggestions or questions.
We will try to answer all the
questions we can and will tune into this page regularly to read your comments.
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 1995 21:40:55 -0700
Mark Loundy
loundy@lightside.com
I saw your Web page
I'm here at the electronic Photojournalism Workshop in Concord, Calif.
with Chuck Gathard and I am very impressed not only by his work,
but by the small portion of your work that I've seen.
Congratulations on some very fine work.
--Mark Loundy
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 1995 06:21:38 -0700
JAMES PS HOWLETT ESQR
100633,332@compuserve
Travelling Russia
I AM FINDING THE VISA SITUATION QUITE DIFFICULT TO COME TO TERMS WITH
I JUST WANT TO GO AND SEE THE TALLEST STATUE IN THE WORLD
IN VOLGOGRAD, BUT I AM GONIG TO HAVE TO STAY IN A HOTEL THAT COSTS
£50 A NIGHT. QUITE STEAP FFOR A FORMER STUDENT.
ARE THER ANY CHEAP PLACES TO STAY THAT CAN PROVIDE VISAS FOR A
SHORT TERM STAY?
HOW ARE YOU COPING WITH THE SAME SITUATION? ARE YOU ALLOWED TO CAMP?
I LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND AM VERY JEALOUS.
Dear James:
Save that $350 for your student loan repayment. There are much cheaper
and
easier ways of getting to Russia.
In the last several years, small businesses have been cropping up to deal
with the visa problem for foreigners. For a fee -- usually about $60 for a
3-month visa, more for visas of longer duration and multi-entry visas -- you
can receive an invitation sent to you or to the Russian embassy in your
country*
The Travellers Guest House (TGH) in Moscow is a pretty reliable source
for
getting 3-month invitations, even though both Gary and I had considerable
problems with them in getting our six-month, multi-entry visas. But they can
send you a 3-month invitation by fax within a couple of days (maybe even that
day). TGH's e-mail address is . Send your message to the
attention of Nadia, and tell her you want to visit Volgograd. Also put that on
your application to the Russian embassy.
Ask TGH about cheaper places to stay in Volgograd, or check a guidebook
(Lonely Planet comes to mind). I think that there are places you can camp
throughout Russia, but with mosquitoes the size of helicopters and the big
freeze starting in October, good luck surviving it.
Gary and I are staying in private homes on this trip, so we don't have to
deal with the expensive-hotel question. And it's a great way to really see how
people are living, even if they do get a little freaked out at first when they
see our multitude of wires, cameras, computers, etc. We look like the mobile
CIA.
Anyway, good luck seeing the biggest statue in the world, and check this
space later, as Gary and I are planning to stop by the BIGGEST LENIN HEAD IN
THE WORLD in Ulan-Ude...
Lisa
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 1995 01:01:00 -0700
Danielle Ohayon
France Info
Advertising in Russia
Dear Gary,
I'm a french journalist and I want to know what kind of advertising can
be seen on the russian channels
Can you send me some relevant pictures and comments
How many channels have the Kabarovs inhabitants (Chinese ?) ?
Best regards
Danielle
Dear Danielle:
TV advertising in Russia is getting to be almost indistinguishable from
Western advertising in quality and content. Some TV commercials are even just
dubbed versions of the ones shown in the West (You see the actor's mouth
saying "Wow! It's so clean!" but the sound coming out is "Okho! Tak chisto!")
Most of the goods being advertised are Western: Panasonic, Wrigley's,
Head &
Shoulders shampoo, Coldrex cold medicine. The well-worn staples of Western
advertising -- clucking doctors pointing to floating graphs, computer-enhanced
images of stereo systems, and impossibly shapely women taunting young men with
a particular brand of gum, shampoo, or whatever -- are now standard fare here.
The ads for Russian products are infrequent and generally less polished,
sometimes with bad lighting and grainy film quality.
In Khabarovsk there are four television stations: one government-run
station,
two commercial stations, and one a mix of both. Occasionally, if the weather
is right, TV's in Khabarovsk can pick up Chinese and Japanese television
stations.
Western advertising execs would still be horrified to see the intro to
the
news: the old Soviet-era ticking blue clock is still around. For 20-25
seconds, the screen shows nothing but the clock, counting down the seconds
until the news hour. Tick-tick-tick-tick: for an ad exec, it must as maddening
as Poe's Telltale Heart. All that potential ad revenue, ticking down the
drain!
Lisa
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 1995 11:49:40 -0700
Randal Eastman
randaleastman@igs.net
Congratulations
What a wonderful surprise to discover your web site, and how unfortunate
that I only found it after you had left Vladivostok!
I envy you the time you are taking on your journey, when I did it I only
had 7 days and felt like a circus animal in a cage.
When will you be in Khabarovsk?
Q. for the next Russian you see:
What would be their advise to the Quebec nationalists that wish to separate
their province from the rest of Canada?
Cheers!
Randal
Dear Randal:
We'll be sure to ask a Russian what they think about the situation in Quebec.
I have heard a wide range of comments from Russians about the question of
Chechen secession: some argue that they should be allowed to secede from
Russia if they choose to; others argue that they are a "corrupt and sneaky"
people who must be "kept in line". By and large, most Russians that I've
spoken with are opposed to the military attacks on Chechnya, regardless of
what they personally think about the secession question.
Lisa
Date: Sun, 24 Sep 1995 02:58:01 +010
Harv Dickey
hdickey@aol.com
Did you get this?
Lisa,
If you ever get this, please send e-mail and say "I received your
comment from the WWW."
Your Dad
Dear dad:
Yes, I got your comment on the WWW! Don't you worry, I am taking my
multi-vitamins and trying to be in by midnight every night. Are you getting
the sound bites okay? Try Netscape instead of AOL and/or Mosaic; that should
work better...
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Glenn <72172.150@compuserve.com>
Subject: I'm with you
Howdy partner,
Thanks again for the Kashgar files. I am in Little Rock
now with my sister editing the hundreds of rolls we took
the past year in Central Asia. Maybe Asele and I should
start our own web site on Cent. Asia! Not maybe, we're
definitely going to do it. Thanks for the inspiration.
You must be writing like a mad woman. Glad to see that
you're getting plenty of play. Is this message for your
eyes only? Big hello to Gary. Cheerio, g
and
From: Glenn Mack/Asele Surina
Subject: Hello Guys
Gary and Lisa hello,
We read every corner of the 'Chronicle' and
admire your work. It's a brilliant format and
we're glad to follow your trip. Stay warm and
keep up the good work. Cheers, g and a
Dear Glenn:
Glad you found the site and are enjoying it!
I can't wait to see your pictures
from Central Asia, and I assume you took a bunch in
Kashgar as well. How's
your re-acclimatization to the US after life in Tashkent?
Lisa
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 1995 11:46:00 -070
Laura Walker
lwalker@violet.berkeley.e
I have found you at last. You will not escape again. Hee ha ha hee hee.
for Laura Walker:
Laura!
Okay, you've found the site! Now send us a haiku of your own composition in
honor of the occasion. I know you can do it.
xoxo
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Francisco Mata (Mexico)
Subject: Congratulations
Soy un fotoperiodista mexicano y estoy verdaderamente emocionado por ver tu
trabajo, me parece una idea sensacional que verdaderamente sienta las bases para
la creacion de una nueva manera de hacer fotoperiodismo, ver tu trabajo me motiva
muchisimo a realizar una idea similar, animo y te envio un abrazo desde cd. de
mexico.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Tony Genco
Subject: birthday greetings
I am thrilled to have found you on this my 49th. birthday. You can be sure that I
will be following you on your trek. Years ago, I was an avid cyclist; in this
way,
I'll be traveling right along with you. My interest in your trip is great. My
wife's
heritage is American and Lithuanian. Sometimes I think she is too little
Missouri, and too
much Vilnius. Thanks for this great opportunity. I'll be on the sidelines as you
wend your way to St. Pete ( which by the way, is only 15 miles South of me ).
Kudos ............... Tony Genco .... ( on the West Coast of Florida )
Dear Tony,
Happy belated birthday! Glad you're enjoying the site. One question: how much
Vilnius is too much Vilnius?
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Clinton Cook
Subject: great
I want to say the reading so far is great, interesting and
informative. Nice to see some of the plain people instead of
just the leaders.. I will be looking foward to more of the
same.. Keep up the good work....clint
From: Virginia Brohard
Subject: Relatives
Travelmag referrered me to your site. I had posed the question to them
about sources to use to locate relatives in St. Petersburg. My
sister and I will probably visit Russia this coming spring-'96.
Our father was Russian and left in 1917. He was one of 12
children. Do you know of a source(s) to use to locate what
might be left of our Russian family in St. Petersburg? I
thought that since Lisa Dickey speaks Russian and is apparently
quite familiar with St. Pete. she would know of some sources or
could direct me to the appropriate place. I would greatly
appreciate any info you could give me on this. Our uncle
Boris (Slastnikov) was reportedly a retired admiral
and was alive in 1969. He was 80 then. Thank you. Virginia Brohard.
Dear Virginia:
Offhand, I don't know of any local agencies or organizations that can help
with the question of finding your relatives in St. Petersburg. And as you
probably know, there are no easily accessible private telephone listings for
city residents, so just looking up people with the same last name is also not
really an option.
That said, I do have some contacts in St. Petersburg that may be able to help
us with this question. Send a message to me at in
mid-November, when we will be getting back to St. Petersburg. I will root
around then and see what I can dig up for you.
Lisa
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 1995 14:45:04 -0700
David Agar
tickboy@islandnet.com
The Siberians
An interesting novel to read on your journey might be " The Siberians" by Farley
Mowatt.
I really enjoy "The Lighthouse Keeper" article and photos. Good work.
Dear David:
Thanks for the suggestion. We have few opportunities to get hold of any good
reading material in English here, but I will look for "The Siberians" when I
return. We had an unfortunate situation when we accidentally left the few
novels we brought in Vladivostok, so when it came time for our two-day
Birobidzhan-Chita train trip, we were forced to scrape around to find whatever
books we could lay our hands on. Birobidzhan's main book store only had a
children's book in Russian and English on fairy tales, but we hit the jackpot
when Shelly, one of the young women doing mission work in Birobidzhan, passed
along "Charade" by Sandra Brown. Nothing like a trashy novel to make the time
fly. Excerpt:"Her heart was already racing with anger. His inflection made it
flutter with awakening desire. She wanted to scratch out his eyes while also
wanting to melt against him." And it's a New York Times bestseller, no less.
Yikes.
Lisa
From: Bob Nagy
Subject: Style
Wow- Great Idea Guys! I've done half way across and back..
Not quite what you thought ehh?-Ehh? My comment is that you
should extend the text with each person in the
"In their Words" section by about
50% Its very interesting..and you are left wanting more.
You could also take some license as journalists and create
Verbal "Scapes" for us. Some of the impressions of central
asia need to be Transliterated for westerners into familiar
metaphoric symbols. Smells..quality of light...etc. Lots of
good raw material there. Go Poetic!
Have fun You'all!
Bob Nagy UT Botany-Austin
for Bob Nagy
A very wise writer once told me to "always leave them wanting more" -- so it
sounds like the "In their words" are just about the right length! Some of the
conversations with people just naturally turn into longer excerpts; others
jump from subject to subject and it's harder to keep them as a coherent whole.
At any rate, I'm finding that the simplicity and directness of people's speech
is often more eloquent than the most skillful narrative.
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Bertrand Pecquerie
Subject:
Gary,
Je ne comprends toujours pas comment quelqu'un qui te pose
une question sur le Birobidjan peut s'apercevoir
que tu lui rÈponds.
Dans quelle section peux-tu dire: je rÈponds
ý monsieur X qui m'a demandÈ...
Sinon, bravo. Cela devient trËs intÈressant. Bertrand
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 1995 21:37:10 -0700
Todd March
tmarch@primenet.com
From Los Angeles With Luv
Pardon mon French, but fan-fucking-tastic! This entire adventure
is remarkable. When somebody mentioned it on the Photoshop List page, I
though what the hell. It'll kill ten minutes of surfing; little do we know
when things are around the corner that can touch and change our lives
forever...
Dear Todd,
Thanks for your note! You may be interested to know that many of the Russians
we've spoken with have said they feel that a special simpatico exists between
Russians and Americans, more so than between Russians and other nationalities.
Many others express the belief that people have basically the same concerns
the world over, just altered a bit by cultural differences. One of the most
interesting and gratifying things about this project has been finding just how
much we have in common with the Russians we meet.
As far as helping with the project, maybe you could stick some of that mushu
chicken in a ziploc bag and send it post restante to Irkutsk...
Lisa
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 1995 13:21:23 -0700
Paul F. Gero
PFGero@aol.com
what a great idea
This is great! It is exactly where I see the future of media...being able
to do documentary work,
tell stories and then present them in a coherent way--with no limitations
such as $$ newsprint. Take care you two and enjoy the rest of the
journey. I have to admit, I'm a bit envious ...
Paul F. Gero, Gilbert, AZ
Dear Paul,
Thanks for your note. Is it warm in Gilbert, Arizona? If so, we may be envious
of you pretty soon...
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Glenn Mack
Subject: Irkutsk
Hi Lisa,
I imagine things will settle down for you guys when you
leave town with Johnny Law on your tail. Listen, you guys
are doing better and better stuff every day and no need to
shut down the operation just because of a silly little visa
problem.Guess it's kind of hard being inconspicuous in Siberia
with three tons of electronic equipemnt to lug around.
If you need a safe haven in Irkutsk, try the Youth Hostel
at Baikalcomplex tel 3952-46-24-37. They're officially
part of the IYH system. Give us a report. Keep up the great
work.
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Glenn Mack <72172.150@compuserve.com>
Subject: Logistics
Gary hello,
Just wondering who decides which pix go on the web site
each week. Do you upload all your digital pix and let
Chuck and Alan sort it out? Or do you view and edit on
location? Give us more text, too. Need to know the nuts
and bolts of every day. cheerio, glenn
Hey glenn,
Glad your tuned in. I have to edit pretty tightly on location because each
extra photo I send can add about 10 minutes or more to my upload which adds up
fast. Once sent, they become Chuck's baby. He does all the work on the images
to make them look as good as they do and obviously Chuck and Tripp have the
final call on the edit and lay out. It is a real team effort in the best
sense.
I'll try to work on including more nuts and bolts.
Keep in touch, Gary
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 1995 17:29:10 -0700
erik, lynn,jay
alexis@sirius.com
COOL!!!!!
Yo gary...sorry i didn't get to meet you in paris while i was
there but after erik told me of your new adventure, i thought
i would check it out
anyway they are here looking at the page so far...its great.
when you return if you need bitchen' prints maybe we can work out something.
everyone says hi and good luck!!!!!
Hi erik, lynn, jay.
Greetings from Chita. Now that you found us don't touch that dial! Hope to
be in SF once this project is complete. Look forward to seeing you all.
GM
Fred Ward
fred@csgi.com
congratulations
Congratulations. I had the feeling today that I was looking
at the future of photojournalism. Your cutting-edge concept
is state-of-the-art and high quality. It will be a pleasure
to follow your odyssey.
Fred Ward
Black Star
Fred,
Thanks for the compliment. This is a real learning experience for us all. We
certainly appreciate your interest and continued feedback.
Regards, Gary
To: Gary@f8.com
From: David Friend/LIFE,N.Y.
Subject: Reaction to site
Wonderful, innovative use of the medium. Bob Pledge and Tripp Mikich had both
recommended that I took a look--and I'm glad they did! As strange as it sounds
coming from a picture editor, I'm especially taken with the sound files! Very
uplifting listening to Hebrew prayers from countless time zones away the day
after a Manhattan Rosh Hashona. You're experiment is helping make the world more
close-knit and will doubtless open many eyes. Best of luck with it; I'll keep
checking up....David
David,
Thank you for the nice note. The positive feedback we are receiving from
industry people like yourself encourages us that we are on the right track. I
am sure I am speaking for Tripp and Chuck back in SF as well as for Lisa and
myself.
Regards,
Gary
From: Jeffrey
Subject: Update
Gary baby -
Even on AOL (though now we have an Internet account):
cpimages@Pipeline.com
What you're doing is totally amazing -- though the 2 sound bites did not work at
all -- total hash...Amazing stuff ol'
boy...Keep it up!
Jeffrey
From: Jeffrey
Subject: Update
Gary baby -
Even on AOL (though now we have an Internet account):
cpimages@Pipeline.com
What you're doing is totally amazing -- though the 2 sound bites did not work at
all -- total hash...Amazing stuff ol'
boy...Keep it up!
Jeffrey
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Ynpress(Armen & others)
Subject: Visit us!!!
Hi guys!!! We are from Moscow journalistik agency! We whant
to ivite you to Moscow in our journalistic party!!! Some
times it's very interesting and funny! Write us if you can
or can't. ynpress@glas.apc.org By,by!!! We wish to see you
soon!
Best regards Armen Ter-Minasian(agensy Ynpress)
Dear YN Press,
So, tell us more about this "journalistic party" -- are there journalistic
zakuski and/or journalistic cocktails involved? Thanks for the invitation!
Lisa
From: Benjamin Skaught
Subject: Vladivostok
Our school is participating in an exchange with students
from Vladivostok. What can our students expect to see in
Vladivostok and what might students from there be interested
in seeing in the Hartford, Connecticut area?
Benjamin and students:
Vladivostok is certainly one of the more picturesque cities in Russia: It's
got a scenic bay with small beaches, and it's hills are reminiscent of San
Francisco. For those who are interested in military matters, there is a strong
military (especially Navy) tradition. The city was only opened to foreigners
in 1992, so many local residents still seem pleasantly surprised to meet
Americans. If our experience is any indication, you'll have a great time and
be able to make friends quickly.
What will Russian students be interested in the Hartford area? It's a pretty
good bet that just about everything will be interesting: shopping malls,
downtown, smaller towns nearby, drives or hikes into the country. For many
young Russians, their knowledge of America is derived mainly from the many
American movies that come to Russia. Some frequent questions we get are "What
is it really like to live there? What do you do in the evenings? Does everyone
live in big houses?" etc. In Vladivostok there is no McDonalds or other
Western fast-food restaurant, so even a trip to the local fast-food strip will
probably be of interest. Good luck and have fun!
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Joanne & Ginta
Subject: privet
Found your website inspiring. Great idea.
Are you traveling with any Russians?
Must be fascinating.
Are you planning to publish a book when you return?
People in Washington would
love it. We'll continue to follow your journey. Good luck.
Dear j gallo,
Thanks for your message. We are not traveling with any Russians, although we
are mostly staying with Russians in their homes along the way. It certainly is
fascinating, and inspiring in many ways to see how people are making do in a
difficult economic situation. No matter what their personal situation, the
Russians we have stayed with so far have been unfailingly generous and
hospitable.
We are certainly interested in the possibilities of doing a book or CD-Rom
after the trip is finished, but so far have nothing concrete. Any publishers
out there reading this...?
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Linda and Posey
Subject: we found you!
Hi Gary,
We found you all the way in Russia. It took linda a little bit of time to find
you but she was persistant and bugging me(posey).
how do we find the photographs? We hope you are not an " illegal american" as was
mentioned in your last jurnal on the net. We will
keep following you send me many messages at sposey@dcascr.wr.usgs.gov
Take Care, your sister loves you and I miss you dearly.
bye, bye
From: Kent Hite
Subject: Your trip
I'm enjoying your chronicle and photographs of Russia.
I am particularly fascinated by "In Their Own Words." I have
a friend in Omsk; when do you anticipate arriving there?
Kent
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Oleg Boldyrev, Moscow
Subject: Thanks a lot
That is a great educational effort! Actually, I tried on-line
WWW browsing for a first time and met your page. Cool! Thanks
again.
I'm working for an english-languge paper in Moscow -
"Moscow Tribune". Do you think it would be possible to
make an wired interview with you and the coordinators of
the whole project? We can send you questions and get the
answers by e-mail.
Again, thanks. Don't be too much upset by those visa problems
and other troubles. As you will see, it's possible to get
around without too much pain.
Best wishes. Oleg Boldyrev.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Darcy Padilla <>
Subject:
AMAZING...enjoying your travels...thank you.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Ken Kobre
Subject: meeting at sybold in SFCh
Chuck and Tripp,
Good meeting you at Sybold conf. I like your page and will follow it. I will
provide a like to the
Photoplex Photojournalism:The Professionals'Approach
site http://www.gigaplex.com/wow/photo/kobre/index.htm Keep in touch. We can
discuss how you might help state students interestsed in the WEB.
From: Jack Juni
Subject: comments
I'm fascinated by your ongoing reports and concerned that they stopped several
days ago. I hope you are well. Can we help you in any way?
I'm especially interested in your visit to the Jewish region and your
interviews with the remaining Jews. More details would be much appreciated. I'm
amazed that the government supports the teaching of Yiddish in a public school.
Is the Jewish Autonomous Region still in effect?
Jack Juni
Date: Sun, 1 Oct 1995 20:09:05 -0700
From: David Agar
Subject: Emulsions
Besides using that digital camera, are you two capturing any images on film?
Will we be seeing any color images on the net or are they all black and white?
(Don't get me wrong, I love b+w).
How is it possible for two people to produce so many articles and images at a
constant rate. Don't you two become exhausted.
I am really enjoying your work. Thanks.
David,
In addition to the Kodak DCS digital camera, I am always carrying a Leica M6
loaded with b&w film. As good as digital equipment is, I doubt it will ever
replace
that same quality and texture you get in a fine b&w print. I am also limited to
the
number of the 1.1 meg images I can save on my harddrive once we have completed a
story.
So I try to back up as much as I can onfilm.I don't think you will be seeing any
color this time around. This is more ofan aesthetic call rather than because of
any
technical concerns.It is definitely quite a bit of work-- certainly more than we
anticipated. We are going pretty much non-stop from early morning until late in
the
evening everyday. Unfortunately, the editing of the photography, preparing the
material for upload and the actual uploading takes an enormous amount of ourtime.
We would much rather be putting more time into producing the material. Yes, we
have
had a few moments of fatigue but the positive feedback we havebeen receiving
helps
to keep us very motivated.
Regards, Gary
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Walt Fini
Subject: High Praise
This is what the "promise" of the Information Superhighway was all about. What a
great concept! I can imagine thousands of schoolkids rushing into their
classrooms just to get the latest installment. I have always liked the personal
touch in these kinds of efforts, and I think the balance of general info and
human interest is perfect. Thank you!
Dear Walt,
Thanks for the "high praise"! I agree with you that the personal touch is what
sets this kind of thing apart from what you usually get in the newspaper; it
has been so enlightening for us just to talk with average Russians and find
out how they feel about the situation in their country. We have also been
surprised to find that most Russians initially can't imagine why anyone would
be interested in their opinions. But then when we ask if they would be
interested in seeing how average Americans live all across the US, in small
towns and big cities alike, most of them then see the appeal. Thanks for your
letter!
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Urban Gavelin, KODAK <72610.3122@compuserve.com>
Subject: Greetings from EK
Gary, Congratulations for being on the way. Looks good so far from what I've
seen. Sorry I did not have the chance to get back to you before you left.
Looking forward to hear from you soon!
Urban Gavelin
Eastman Kodak
European, African and Middle Eastern Region
Lonon
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 1995 08:58:05 -0700
Taryn Merkl
tmerkl@umich.edu
trip, in general
As a former exchange student in Vladivostok and survivor of the
trans-Siberian railroad, I am deeply interested in your trip and
this project. First, I want to congratulate you on pulling it all
off so far; it is a testament to you and to modern technology that
this is even possible. Secondly, I adivse you very strongly to take
the train for certain parts of your journey. There is nothing like the
cameraderie that develops in the close quearters of a Russian coupe over
the course of a couple days. You will, inevitably, meet interesting people
and have plenty of time to talk with them about their lives and experiences
(believe me, they WILL talk). Good luck or, perhaps more appropriate:
ni pykha ni pera!!
Dear Taryn:
Thanks for your advice and encouragement. We are about to embark on a
two-day train trip from Birobidzhan to Chita (assuming they let us on the train
-- check the Chronicles for details), and expect that we will meet some
interesting
people along the way. Tune in for our next transmission, when we'll be describing
the trip and our arrival in Chita.
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Norman Allen
Subject: Hey, Lisa!
I'm staying with my folks and finally got on the Internet for the first time.
First thing I did was look for you! Kara had told me that y'all were up and
running. I don't have much time to write now, but will try again soon. I loved
the Lighthouse story! Hope all is well. With envy, Norman.
Norman!
What a great surprise to hear from you! Glad you liked the lighthouse story;
coming from an accomplished writer like yourself, that is a grand compliment
indeed. So, have you made the decision to put your stuff in storage and come
to St. Petersburg? C'mon, Norman! Think of all the wonderful meals we could
have together at the Cafe Bagdad... Write again soon, and enjoy the Washington
autumn for me...
Lisa
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 1995 07:41:47 -0700
SHIRLEY WARD MULLEN
Your Travels in Russia
I've really enjoyed the vicarious travel through Russia!
My e-mail is: SHIRLEY.WARD.MULLEN@pactel.com Please let me know
if you receive this message. I would be interested to hear impressions
from the people you meet about their perceptions of the U.S. Thanks much.
Shirley Ward Mullen
Dear Shirley,
Glad you're enjoying the site! We will plan to ask people we meet in Chita
what their perception of the US is. Generally, people seem to be very favorably
disposed to Americans; some taxi drivers have even refused to take any fare money
when they learn where we're from.
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 1995 17:08:13 -0700
David Woodward
david@wfu.edu
Go to Rostov-on-Don
I think you guys should go to
Rostov-on-don - it is near Ustan- Yetz
and Novachakov in Southern Russia - on the Don River. I went there in
summer of '95 and it was the most amazing experience of my life thus far.
I took 14 rolls of pictures and are in hopes of posting at least a fifth
of them on http://www.wfu.edu/~david/russia The valleys, rivers, people -
everything is awsome there - we loved ustan-yetz the best. If you go to
Rotov-on-don - you should interview Lena Elenshovoy (I could give here
your address) and the Communists who protest outside Gorky Park every so often.
Russia is the most awsome country in the world. I'm excited to hear about
your adventures there... =)
Tell the next russian you see "Yellow Blue Bus" =)
Da Cvidania,
david
Dear David,
Rostov-on-Don is not on our route for this trip, but we will, I'm sure, be
interviewing some communists along the way and getting their views on what's
going on here.
But the main question is, what is "Yellow Blue Bus"?! Is that some sort of
secret code phrase, like "The watermelon sleeps in the river", or "The toothbrush
walks at midnight?" Are you trying to get us in trouble over here?
Lisa and Gary (not our real names)
To: Gary@f8.com
From: susan
sfriedland@usaid.gov
Subject: yowzah
YOU GO GIRL!!!
Andrey
asebrant@glas.apc.org
Thanks - I enjoy it ;-)
It's fun for a Russian to sit in Moscow and follow you on the Web... Real
nice example
of what Internet means - will show it to the studentswho study journalism in
Moscow schools.
Thanks!
Andrey
Dear Andrey,
Glad you like the site. Are you surprised at all by the opinions of your
fellow Russians in different parts of the country?
Lisa
From: Karim Khamzin
Subject: Connections in Irkutsk
Hi Gary and Lisa!
If you need good photography contacts in Irkutsk may be I can
help you.I was press photographer for 12 years in this area.
My last job in Russia - phographer of APN agency.
At present time I'm living in Toronto, Canada.
In Irkutsk you can contact Victor Belevich, photographer.
His home phone number is 3952-23-59-23 or you can contact
my former boss Sergey Ostroumov (he can speak English).
His home phone number is 3952-34-12-92, fax-43-53-11.
I am shure they can help you with your wonderful project in
East Siberian region.Good luck and wish you success!
With Best Regards
Karim Khamzin
Canadian photographer at present.
From: Karim Khamzin
Subject: Family photo from Irkutsk
Hi Gary and Lisa!
I don't know where you at present time an I hope you can get
my message before or while you staying in Irkutsk.
I left Russia almost five years ago and since than I didn't saw
my wife and my two boys. I'm wondering if you can take their
picture and send over the Internet.I hope they will join me here
soon.I really miss them and it will be really appreciate if you
can help me with it.Their home phone 3952-23-88-34.My wife's
name is Irina.
I already gave you photographic contacts in Irkutsk and hope it
can be useful.Plese do not hesitate contact me if you need help
in Irkutsk.It wiil be great if you can provide me your phone
number where I can contact you.
With Best Regards
Karim Khamzin
Toronto, Canada
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 1995 19:22:53 -0700
From: peter ford
Subject: hello
i am the christian science monitor correspondent in moscow, briefly in new york
at the cybercafe where i am reading your stories. i would love to see you when
you get to moscow. polease get in touch with me this way or by phone at moscow
200-2546 before you arrive. please also get in touch with the friends beside me
who took me into cyberspace this evening, chris vail cvail@aol.com and susan
meisalas, thruy chris.
am loving your stuff, and wish i had got as far east as you are starting. all the
best, cheers, peter
bibi
Dear Peter,
Thanks for your message. I am especially intrigued by this cybercafe -- does
the waiter bring a laptop with your cappuccino so you can peruse the latest
web offerings? Looks like the Internet revolution is now changing the way we
drink coffee forever.
We will give you a call when we are closer to Moscow, which should be sometime
in the beginning of November. Glad you are enjoying the site.
Lisa
Date: Fri, 6 Oct 1995 18:09:32 +1000
From: antonina kisliakov
Subject: Re: hotel pictures
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY. I HAVE A CLIENT WHO WISHES TO DRIVE ACROSS RUSSIA
NAMELY FROM VLADIVISTOK TO MOSCOW AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO
ROAD BETWEEN CHITA AND BALGOVESHCHENSK. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONES WE CAN ASK
WHERE CAN WE OBTAIN MAPS OF THE AREA OR DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO HAS DONE
IT? PLEASE ADVISE WHOM WE CAN CONTACT? INTOURIST CANNOT HELP US AND WE
HAVE ALREADY ASKED AROUND . CAN YOU SUGGEST ANYONE? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
I THINK YOU ARE DOING A MARVELLOUS JOB AND IT IS VERY INTERESTING. GOOD
LUCK! BEST REAGRDS. ANTONINA KISLIAKOV>
Dear Antonina,
Apparently there is a road, although that is probably a generous term for what
actually exists. If our trip from Vladivostok to Khabarovsk is any indication,
there will be long stretches where there is nothing but dirt and potholes.
It's a good guess that any road will be impassable in winter (for obvious
reasons) and in spring, when it will be extremely muddy. Driving across Russia
may seem like an interesting and adventurous idea, but my guess is that after
the first couple days of driving on horrendous roads, with gas stations few
and far between, the interest wears off quickly. As far as maps, you should be
able to purchase a standard road atlas of the country in a good bookstore. I
have book-size road atlas that shows all of the roads as well as where gas
stations are located.
Lisa
>Date: Fri, 6 Oct 1995 12:19:37 -0700
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Mark Kettenhofen
Subject: OOORAH!
What a great consept of stretching the boundries of our
field. I am a U.S.Navy Photojournalist working as an
instructor at Defence Information School, Ft. Mead,
Maryland and just found your site on the web. I've made it
through most of your stories and the writting is wonderful.
It is frustrating not having better quality equipment as
to get full enjoyment of the images. There are ten
photojournalism instructors here at the school and almost
all of them were looking over my shoulder at any given time.
We are very envious.
In 1989 I was lucky enough to be on the first U.S. Navy ship
to visit the then Soviet Union in 47-years. We arrived at
Sevastopal with thousands as a welcome commitee. What a
treat it was to be greeted by some of the nicest people I've
ever met.
Aside from the stories and pictures you will have, you will
undoubtedly finish your adventure with wonderful memories
and great new friendships.
Best of luck to you both. We will share your trials
and tribulations with our students as your trip progresses.
FYI, my e-mail is "Kettenhofm @SMTPGATE.Dinfos.osd.mil"
With Warm Regards,
Mark Kettenhofen
Dear Mark,
Thanks for your very enthusiastic note! We are excited that you enjoying the
Chronicles, and also very pleased that you are sharing them with your
students.
Considering the incredible hospitality we have been shown here, I can only
imagine what the scene was like when you pulled into Sevastopol as the first
US ship in nearly a half-century! I had a chance to chat with some of the US
sailors who were in Vladivostok for V-J day and in St. Petersburg for V-E day
this year, and they had the same thing to say as you: that the Russians were
some of the most gracious and warm people they had ever met. It already seems
like forever ago that we considered the Russians our enemies.
Thanks again for your encouragement. Hope you enjoy our upcoming segments as
well!
Lisa
>Date: Sun, 8 Oct 1995 07:43:31 -0700
From: Don Starns
Subject: 21st century
There's the next century just ahead, and the road looks a
little rough from here. Does anyone have any thoughts about
the future of Russia and its place in the world, or about
Russian-American relations in the 21st century?
Dear Don,
To be honest, most of the Russians we meet are more concerned about how to
make it through tomorrow than to the 21st century. Some older Russians express
their disappointment -- almost shame -- that their country, which was
considered a "superpower" for decades, has become so weak economically. Other
than that, people tend to concentrate on their own situations, and the
domestic problems of the country as a whole, than on Russia's position in the
world. As far as relations with America, the Russians we have met seem to be
glad that our nations are friendly, but doubtful that US aid to Russia is
providing very much benefits on the whole.
Lisa
From: kenneth cukier
Subject: equipment
hello,
i'm an online journalist working on another world media online project - a real
time journal of Telecom95 in geneva.
here i've been lugging around my laptop everywhere, but i can imagine the problem
is much more difficult in your case.
how is it that you're coping in terms of equipment? and have you experienced any
problems filing your copy from the hinterland?
keep up the excellent work, comrades.
kenn cukier
Kenn,
Besides the added weight factor, lugging our equipment around has not
been much of a problem. Out in the field when we are working on a
story, I carryonly my cameras, while Lisa brings the tape recorder
and her notepad. Thecomputers stay at wherever our "home base" might be.
We usually don't needthem until the evenings, when we do most of the
editing and writing.We have been able to get every transmission off
successfully--which I think isa small accomplishment in itself--although
some have gone more smoothly thanothers. The Sprint nod!
es have proven very reliable but our constant battle iswith the quality of
the local phone lines. We have experienced transmissionspeeds that vary from
5 min. to 15 min. for a single 45k file. Considering weoften have thirty or
so images to send, the difference in the total time ofthe upload can be
enormous. Things start to get really frustrating if the linecuts out
12 minutes into a 15 minute upload and we are forced to resend. I also
should mention that the local Sprint people have been incrediblyhelpful and
have come to our rescue several times when we've run intoproblems.Please pass
on a big hello to the guys at World Media.Regards, Gary
From: Norman Allen
Subject: Twain Harte
Hey, Lisa! That Yura Yura story was great! You're not going to
believe this but my folks' home here in the California Sierra
is in a town called Twain Harte. Yes! Named for none other
than Mark and Bret! Both of them passed through this area
and wrote about their time here. How many people living
here now have any idea of the origins of the town's name,
I don't know. My grandmother used to hate the name because
she thought it referred to a heart broken in twain.
Having a wonderful time in the crisp clean air of the
mountains -- hiked an excruciating 18 miles in Yosemite
last week but must head home to DC on Wednesday.
Still dreaming of the St.P., language thang. I saw Kara at
a Kennedy Center opening and she said I should go but then
changed her mind. "Your connections here are too good," she
said. Good stuff is happening and I'm afraid Russia will
have to wait. Readings coming up in DC and LA and a high school
production (!) of my Saint Joan one act. Still, the Neva
calls...
Hope all is well. Track down and interview those especially
interesting people that you know I want to hear about.
Norman
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 1995 20:29:23 -0700
From: Debbie Neuhaus
I just wanted to let you both know that I'm really enjoying this website. I will
try to print quite a bit of it because my daughter will be studying Russia this
year in school.Hope you get enough sleep in your travels.Debbie in New Jersey,
U.S.A.
Dear Debbie,
Thanks for your message. I hope that the printout of our material will be
helpful and interesting for your daughter -- I can certainly say that it has
been an education for us putting it together. Also, thanks for your concern
about our getting enough sleep! We do seem to be on the go all the time, and
even when there is that rare day when we can "sleep in", our eyes somehow pop
right open at around 6:30-7 am anyway...
Lisa
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 1995 21:38:45 -0700
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Tony Genco
Subject: Internet
I am curious to know if the Russian "on the street" is aware of the internet
and its global significance.
Tony
Dear Tony,
It's safe to say that the average Russian is not aware of the Internet, or if
they have heard of it, that they do not realize the extent of its use and
capabilities. Most of the people we have explained the site to are absolutely
astonished, especially at the idea that we can send photos and sound bites
through the telephone lines in their living room. The idea that you can access
hundreds of sites and practically limitless amounts of information through a
computer and modem also comes as a surprise, invariable leading to the
question, "But where is it all located?"
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Luis Albuquerque
Subject:
Being a photographer myself and wanting to travel the world someday
I think this is a great idea. I'm new to this site and have'nt fully
discovered it but I'm impressed so far keep up the good work and I hope
to see other assignments in the future.
Date: Mon, 9 Oct 1995 09:32:01 -0700
From: Marc B-B
I really like the layout and design.
The Jewish story is amazing , did you try to have any Jewish
sites link to it?
I can relate to the visa problem, we were under house arrest
for days in Cape Schmidt,they should be careful if they are near any borders.
You must be exhausted!!!
Marc
Dear Marc,
The visa situation seems a bit more under control now, thank goodness... On
our latest train trip (Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk), we didn't have any problems at
all. Let's hope it stays that way. What happened when you were in Cape
Schmidt? Did they keep a guard outside where you were staying to make sure you
didn't skip town? Apparently if we had been caught by the authorities who were
looking for us in Birobidzhan, we would have had to pay a fine and leave town
within 24 hours. Our fear was that they may try to send us back to Moscow or
St. Petersburg, since those are the only cities on my visa... Anyway, the
coast seems clear for now. And yes, we do get exhausted at times, but one
thing is for sure: we are being very well fed by our Russian (and Buryat)
hosts*
Lisa
From: Beverley Neff
Subject: What a treat!
Hello you two, and the crew back in San Fran. Just had to congratulate you both
on the trip and the web site. Very inspiring. Best of luck, and thanks for
sharing it all. Don't worry Gary & Lisa, when it starts to get cold there, we'll
be feeling the same here.-Beverley, Bridge Lake BC, Canada
Dear Beverley,
Thanks for the warm words. After our initial scare when it started snowing in
early October in Ulan-Ude, things have thawed a bit. We're keeping our fingers
crossed that the real cold won't start until later this month...
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: stanton a hershman
Subject: just a comment/question
i read you weekly travels every chance i get. nice job.
i noticed that your credits state that you are based in st
petersburg, russia. are you a russian citizen or hail
from another spot on this small planet? keep up the good
work. would love to trade places with you at any time!
well wishes
stanton
To: Gary@f8.com
From: stanton a hershman
Subject: comments
saw the msg from your Dad. guess that answers my question!
how did you ever get stationed in st petersburg??
again, to you and Gary, work well done. i can be packed in an
hour if you want to trade places for awhile.
stanton
Dear Stanton,
Thanks for the kind words about the site. I decided on my own to move to St.
Petersburg a little more than a year ago. My idea was to see firsthand how the
country was changing while bettering my language skills in the process. But I
have to admit, I've probably learned more in the last month and a half on the
road about what's going on in Russia than I did in the whole previous year.
Traveling to different cities all the way across the country is really giving
me a better idea of the state of things in Russia than just seeing the
relatively westernized cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow could.
Lisa
ps - You can read brief bios for Gary and me on the Home Page.
To: Gary@f8.com
From:Stig Blombergkfc@algonet.se
Subject: Future travel
I am planning to visit Tomck next week. I will go by train from Novosibirsk.
I have a very simple question - but I have learned it can be of importance.
1) What is the temperature and weather ?
2) Maybe You have some examples of places which I "must" visit before I go
back to Sweden.
Thanks in advance for Your Email.
Kindest regards
Stig Blomberg
Dear Stig,
My advice is, bring all the warm clothes you have. But then again, I'm from
Florida and you're from Sweden, so maybe for you that's unrealistic. At any
rate,the weather here is very unpredictable, so be prepared for everything from
beautiful fall weather to rain to blizzards. As far as "must-see" places, I'm
not familiar with the Tomsk region, so I can't offer any wisdom about the area
in particular. I would suggest, however, that you take any opportunity to spend
some time with Russians in an informal setting, as the Russians themselves are
one of the best reasons to spend any time here. Good luck and let us know how
you like Tomsk!
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: graham r jones
As a recent entrant into the world of photography,
I have a keen interest in
any feedback you may have. I also am particularly
interested in your photobackground,i.e training and inspiration.
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Scott Fagan
Subject: Truly Amazing
A year ago I started my writing career while living in Budapest
working for Budapest Week. Covering the changes there in
politics, social issues, etc. was one of the most amazing
experiences of my life so I can imagine the time the two of
you are having is truly mind-blowing. I'm back in the SF now
writing for Ziff-Davis' Computer Life magazine and am constantly
looking for ways to promote your site. I'm at a loss for words
I love it so much. How do you guys break up the writing? Does Gary
write one day and you another or do you both just write and let
the guys here sort out what to post?
Keep it up. The stories, the photos, all very exciting. Excellent job.
Dear Scott,
Thanks for the praise and encouragement, and also for spreading the word!
About the writing: Gary is doing the chronicles section (the journal), and I
am writing the road stories, the "in their words" excerpts, and the regional
information. The writing is split up this way for a couple of reasons: first,
since the project was developed as a photo essay site, the journal was planned
to be from the point of view of the photographer. Also, having Gary write the
journal while I do the rest gives a bit of variation in perspective.
Glad you like the site! Thanks for your message.
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: mike matoso
Gary I was just seeing if you can contact me through your email
My address is mmatoso@trumpet.aix.calpoly.edu
It is 2:15 October 12th.
From: Nadia Khoury-Dagher
Have you read, dear Gary and Lisa, the pionnering
books by Ella Maillart, a swiss writer who has done
the same trip in the 20's. If not, I'm sure you can
find the book in western Europe.
Congratulations
Nadia
Dear Nadia,
Thanks for your letter. I've never read anything by Ella Maillart, but will
look for her books when I return to the US. Chekhov also made a similar trip,
and wrote extensively about it. Anyone know if this work has been translated?
I don't know if I have the perseverance to read the whole thing in Russian...
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Alex Balfour, london
Subject: Good luck
Just a note to wish you well on your travels. I'm
enjoying following your progress: it beats Solzhenitsyn's
il fated trip in the company of the BBC last year
Regards, Alex Balfour, Freelance journalist, London
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Melissa Stone <>
Subject: Home Sweet Home
Dear Lisa,
YOU are awesome! So, how did you get the city stamped on
your visa? Are you really Jewish now? What a fabulous
adventure you must be having...this is all very impressive.
Didn't see that Oct. 14 upload, and today is Oct. 16
already...
Sure beats the hell out of sitting behind a desk at good ol'
Kompass Resources, yeh? Just in case you were wondering what
is happening in Washington, we are scheduled to host the
"Million Man March" today, Monday, October 16. This is an
unusual event because it is taking place on a workday, and
is guaranteed to congest every major artery into the city
for at least 24 hours with over a million black men who are
visiting the capital of our nation to reclaim their power.
Much of this has to do with the OJ Simpson verdict. (The
jury declared him not guilty.) He is supposed to come to
the march too, with other infamous black heros, including
Marion Barry. Louis Farrakhan has stated that anyone who
attends the march is clearly in support of his platforms.
(that is really cheating, if you ask me)
So, Lisa, dear, have fun where you are. Your photos are
coming out great! Apparently the phone connectors are
working just fine. Hope you are staying warm enough...
Love,
Melissa
From: sylvie marchandise
Subject: les nouvelles
salut Gary, j'ai survecu a deux mois d'Inde !J'ai
pris beaucoup de photos. J,espere que tu vas bien.
As-tu des nouvelles de Lena ? Je te dis a bientot a Paris,
grosses bises. C,est super de pouvoir te suivre sur
le net !
(avec l'ordinateur d'Anton).
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Harv Dickey
Subject:
Hi there,
If you go through Krasnoyarsk, check out Stolby.
It is a national park withstrangely shaped rocks
as the prime attraction.I ran across their home page at:
http://www.sable.krasnoyarsk.su/English/Stolby
Hurricane Roxane is still sitting just west of
Yucatan, trying to decide what to
do. Hope it doesn't come to Pensacola. Two is enough.
To: default@f8.com
From: Jeffrey D. Smith
Subject: R U gettin' any? MAIL!!!
have you been getting my Email ol' boy?! Good work,
from what I've seen...simply terrifc! congrats!
best to both of you!
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Cheechwhiz@aol.com
Subject: I like it !
Your Uncle Pitt would want me to tell you that "Gomer says
'Hey'"
On the serious side, I hope that this can be a taste of
the future on the Web. I haven't seen anything like this
yet and can only hope for more.
Travel safe...... Cheech
Dear Cheech,
Thanks for the note. What's happened to my Uncle Pitt, anyway? Will he ever
resurface from the incredibly time-consuming work of billing clients to send
his dear niece a message? Ask him next time you see him...
Lisa
From: vladik Bykov
Subject: Chukotka
Hi Gary, Lisa,
This is really not a question, but sortofa inquiry. Ive
always wanted to go to Chukotka, and see how the Chukchee
live with their reindeer. Ive been trying to find contacts,
but have not had any luck. I was wondering if you would know
of someone there, or somehow help me out.
Heres the comment: I thought your pictures and articles
were really great. I hope that you have a chance to there
again!
Sincerely
Vladik
Dear Vladik,
I don't have any contacts among the Chukchi myself, but one source that may be
of some help for you is the book, "The Russian Far East" by Erik Azulay and
Allegra Harris Azulay. It's published by Hippocrene books, if I remember
correctly, and has sections on most places of interest east of Lake Baikal,
including Kamchatka and northern Siberia.
Thanks for your message. Glad you like the site, and good luck with your
Chukchi-quest.
Lisa
From: Konstantin Smekalin
Subject: City of Chelyabinsk
Hi,
I don't know your exact route, but I assume that you may pass the city of
Chelyabisk in Southern Urals on your way, since it's a major
railroad connection. In fact, it's my native city, where I was
born and lived until I was sixteen. My parents still live there,
and my mom works as a math teacher for the local Technical University.
As far as I know, their department is very likely hooked up to Internet
thru high-speed connection, and they do have a couple of pretty decent PCs
out there. I strongly encourage you to ask them for help, as it may speed
up uploading your materials greatly, as compared to russian telephone
lines.
Call my mom, Larisa Smekalina, or my dad Yevgenii, or my younger sister
Katya (20) at (3512)347-143 in Chelyabinsk, or e-mail my mom at
smekalin@math.tu-chel.math.ru. There are quite a few people in their
math department who are proficient in computing and may be of help.
I believe my folks in Chelyabinsk would also help you
with accomodation, if you need it. Don't hesitate to ask.
Actually, I have never been an inch more to the East in Russia than
my home city, but as you move to the West from it, you will go
the same way I went once. From Chelyabinsk I moved to Moscow, where
I studied at MGU for five years, then I moved on to St.Petersburg
(Leningrad then), where I worked and lived for another eight years.
Eventually I ended up in St.Paul, Minnesota, from where I right to
you right now.
I won't press you for anything, but if you stop by in Chelyabinsk,
I would really appreciate you contacting my folks there and including
a coule of lines about them in your reports.
Good luck,
Konstantin
Dear Konstantin,
Thanks for sending your family's contact information.
I spoke with yourmother, who has been feeling a bit under
the weather lately. We are hoping to meet your family later this week,
though, once she is feeling better. Is there anything you want us to
pass along to her? We should be in Chelyabinsk until
Nov. 2 or so, so write soon!
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: John Bantivoglio
Subject: Internet Access in Russia
I am a friend of Cory McCloud's from the US. I am
involved in business in St. Petersburg. I was wondering if
you could provide me with information about how we
could connect with Russian scientists in Russia using E-mail.
How can these scientist's be connected to the Internet. It
would save us a lot of money in communication time. Thanks
for your help with this matter and good luck with your
trip accross Russia.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Stephen Wolf
Subject: WOW
I just stumbled on this site and this has got to be one
of the most impressive things I've seen on the web... not
only conceptually, but the follow-through as
well. The photos are super, the writing is captivating
(I practically feel like I'm alongside you guys), the site
design and structure is a pleasure to navigate.
I'm curious as to how all this came together--planning,
funding, logistics, etc.
Beyond the technology and execution, this project provides
an intimate and personal way to get to know the people and
cultures of the former Soviet Union that have been hidden
for so long. I feel like my world has just gotten a little
bit more human.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: deb Christensen
Subject: Pictures via Lynx?
Hiya folks, I wrote to you a while back about using
The Russian Chronicles for one of the GEnie HotSpots.
Your site looks loverly in Netscape -- but there's no
way to get to the graphics via Lynx. Have you considered
either making them downloadable on the pages themselves, or
adding them seperately? I'm keeping you in my queue of cool
places I want towrite about
in the meanwhile. :)
thanks, deb [also sysmom@genie.com and debc@cris.com]
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Beverly Burdett teacher
Subject: communication
I just was forwarded the info about your project today
and I am loving it! I teach second-year Russian (just
in high school - so we're not too good!) and I am
bringing my students into the lab this morning to explore
your journey. I want them to ask you questions and hope
you can find time to answer them. Thanks for
doing this!
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Jay(Erik's friend in S.F)
Subject: Yo!
Hey Gary, just a quick hi from S.F. and hope things are going good.
I put the projects address on a place called The Set Shop out
of NY,NY that lists cool sites, photo's and the like. They reviewed
it and said it was really cool so I hope you get more viewers
from that.
Take care,
Jay
To: Comment@f8.com
From: amy howorth
Subject:
alright! It's up and running and beautiful!
I think I have the folks at Hotwired interested.
got to go- butI'm thrilled to see such beautiful sight.
amy howorth
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Samela
Subject: Virtually beside you
Vicarious travel becomes "virtual" travel in linking to your reports. I follow
you avidly.
The Chronicles are the "now" of photojournalism. "Dateline" so-and-so has a new
immediacy.
Of course, I speak as one of your own kind - but still confined to the traditions
of the print medium.
Which brings me to questions:
St Petersburg is home to the Maly Theatre. Any reports or observations you can
make of this ensemble when you are there in November would enrich and assist me.
This company is coming to Adelaide's Arts Festival next March.
Secondly: Food. Interesting manifestations of domestic cookery would be
intriguing. Can you implore some of your hosts to pass on the odd folk recipe
(with an eye to ingredients which are easily available in the West) ?
I wish you safe travel and many more adventures.
Samela Harris
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Norman Dudek
Subject: Volga region
Would like to see information about the Volga region. Especially
the lower Volga region where the German colonies were settled
in 1760's.
Dear Norm,
Our next city after Chelyabinsk will be Kazan, which is the closest we'll get
to the lower Volga region on this trip. Other people have written in singing
the praises of this region -- I've never been, but my curiosity is now piqued.
Just goes to show that no matter how much of Russia you've seen, there's
always another interesting place to get to.
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: kendall dwyer
Subject: HI
Lisa: I just got hooked up to World Wide Web
today... this is amazing! I'll try to keep up
with your travels... Drop me a message if you've got a chance.
Hi, Kendall! Glad to hear you found the site. Did you notice that we stayed
with Dave and Dan in Vladivostok? We had quite a nice time at "the cafe" --
thanks for passing along their numbers. I'll be back in DC in December. I
assume I can reach you at NDI?
Lisa
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Pitt Dickey
Subject: Tar Heel Basketball
Do you think that the Tar Heels will be able to
overcome the loss of Rasheed Wallace & Jerry
Stackhouse and win the ACC championship this
year? Do you think Dean Smith is more influential
than Boris Yeltsin?
Dear Uncle:
I think Dean Smith IS Boris Yeltsin. Same ruddy complexion and bearlike
features. And have you ever seen them together? No. I rest my case. But
really, these questions are irrelevant compared to more serious matters, like:
How much farther than deepest Siberia do I have to go to escape this familial
fixation on Tar Heel sports?
yr loving niece
To: Comment@f8.com
From: kathy and EVA
Subject: SIBERRIAN DEAL
Please check our URL at:
http://www,t0.or.at/~siberian or
http://www,is.in-berlin/~kiribati
We were also in SIBERIA - but without commercial
sponsors, and sending our info
via localsources - anyway,
hello and please take a look. We are continuting to connect
to Internet resourses in Russia and Siberia.
This isour REAL/VIRTUAL connection.
Dear Kathy,
We haven't even seen our own site yet, much less had time to look at others -
By the way, were you in the offices of an ecological organization in Irkutsk a
couple of weeks ago? We went there for information on Lake Baikal, and they
told us someone else had been by who was doing an internet project...
Lisa
~
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Annette Kraus <@stud.uni-Regensburg.de>
Subject: organization
I envy you,because you had this luck of doing such a
risky trip. As a student of Russian language, literature
and culture, I also dream of going on the
Transsibirian Railways through Russia. Perhaps
you can give me some piece of information about your
organization you made before you started, some tips about
the costs etc. This would be wonderful, thank you. Annette.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: stanton a hershman
Subject: worth repeating
i said it originally in a msg to you, but it is worth
repeating:
BRAVO!! to the two of you. well done!!!
stanton
Stanton:
Thanks! It's really bravo to the four of us though, because without Chuck and
Tripp in San Francisco to put all this together, the Chronicles wouldn't be
what they are. Glad you like it!
Lisa
From: Steven Caron
Subject: StPetersburg Int'l Hostel
Gary and Lisa,
Please let me know if you want or are planning to stay
at the St. Petersburg Int'l Hostel. We would love to
host you.
Hostel Location:
St. Petersburg International Hostel
3rd Sovetskaya Ulitsa, 28
St. Petersburg, 193036
tel: +7 (812) 329-8018
fax: + 7 (812) 329-8019
e-mail: ryh@ryh.spb.su
Sincerely,
STEVEN CARON
Dear Steven,
Thanks for the offer. We'll be staying at my apartment in St. Petersburg,
though -- I've been living there for a little over a year...
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Debby McHugh
Subject: Personal
Lisa,
I hope you and Gary are doing well. I'm in Seattle and writing this from my
brother's school. I will try to contact you via e-mail from my Dad's (next week).
Do you need anything?! Take care!
Debby!
When are you coming back to St. Petersburg? You haven't decided to stay in the
US, have you? Even if there ARE 268 varieties of tortilla chips. Gary and I
should be back in St. Petersburg around the 15th or so (hopefully). Will you
be there?
Lisa
From: Glenn Mack <72172.150@compuserve.com>
Subject: Check-in
Hi Guys,
I took a couple of weeks off to move into our new apt in Austin
and it looks like everyone has found you by now. Too
many comments to read them all. Great to follow you along
the path. Lisa, wish we could of done this on our trip
through Central Asia. Just was going thru old boxes of
photos and you'll not be surprised to hear I found a
couple of pix of you sleeping on the train, much like on
your leg to Chita. Nothing new under the sun. Come to
Texas after it's over and warm up a bit. Much love, glenn
Hey, Glenn! Glad to hear from you again. As a matter of fact, I'll be in San
Antonio for Christmas. That's only a couple hours' drive from Austin, right?
Will you stay in Austin for Christmas, or off to LA or Arkansas or wherever?
Your message made me laugh -- hard to believe that six years later, I'm still
sleeping on trains and wandering around with all my belongings in a bag.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to some fabulously tasty samosas, etc from your
kitchen, now that you're a bona fide expert in Uzbek cuisine. Get the crock
pot ready. See you in December.
xoxo
Lisa
To: default@f8.com
From: Stephen Serio
Subject: Americans in Russia
I just found your sight on WWW and hope to follow you guys
til the end. Are youinterested in talking to
or photographing Americans who live and work in Moscow?
My brother has lived and worked there for the past two years
or so.
Thanks for your message. In Moscow, as in all the places we've visited on this
trip, we'll be interviewing people who were born and grew up in Russia: our
goal is to see how the Russians (and Buryats, Tatars, Jews, etc.) are adapting
to the current situation here. There are no doubt plenty of interesting
Americans around, but that, I'm afraid, is another story entirely...
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Tim McDonough
Subject: critique
Great site you have set up. Have to thank you for
giving me my first sight of the Hey what's this,
haven't had these types of scrolling
problems since I was using email of Relcom. Anyway.
Thanks for the picture of my wife
who I hadn't seen for two and a half months.
Without being too biased by personal concerns, I have
to tell you that there is no other site on the web I
would rather spend the last hour of my workday. Well,
layed out and a pleasure to tool around in. Plus the
info itself is fascinating.
thumbs up and keep it going.
Tim! Glad you saw the site and liked the picture of Lynda. Tell the truth,
when you spend the last hour of your workday looking at the site, do you look
at anything else BESIDES her picture? Anyway... she seems to be doing fine,
but probably spending too many hours in the archives. I'll be coming back to
Washington around the same time she does, so see you then!
Lisa
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Douglas Yates
Subject: timber development
I work for a small public interest group in Fairbanks,
Alaska. Our work focuses on threats to the ecologic
sustainability of the boreal forest. This northern
region is very similar to Russia's taiga. Please observe
and comment on timber development in the regions you are
passing through. Best wishes, safe journey.
Dear Doug:
We have not had a chance to find out firsthand what the situation is with
timber development, although the few Russians that have commented about it are
of the opinion that the Russian taiga is being sold out from under them to
Korean and other interests. For years there has been a deal in place with
North Korea which allows them to log certain areas as much as they like: they
actually set up camps of North Korean workers, who are brought in especially
to live for a while and work as loggers. They live completely separately from
Russians, and even have their own train cars to ferry them back and forth from
North Korea when they go home. That deal is apparently close to an end,
though.
Lisa
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Dick White
Subject: Your trip
Learned Russian Army Lang. school (1953) I liked Nevsky
Prospect in St Petersburg. Also Novgorod. Thanks for your
pictures.I want to return to St. Petersburg asap. Thanks
again for your page.Prevet from Florida.
Dick:
Thanks for your note. I'm curious -- did your language training in 1953 come
back to you when you visited Russia (much later than 1953, I assume)? I have a
friend who studied Russian as part of her Navy training; she told me she knew
all the vocabulary related to military movements, military equipment, ships,
etc., but that an everyday conversation would tax the limits of her Russian
knowledge. Sounds like a good way to get either frustrated or in trouble on
Nevsky Prospect...
Lisa
From: Lynn Marentette
Subject: Chronicles
Hi. You have great pictures!
I'll try to connect to your site from the school
I work at. The sixth grade students are studying
Russia now, and they might be interested in seeing what you
have learned during your journeys.
Dear Lynn,
Yes! Please do have your students send us questions. If they like,they can
send questions for us to ask Russian kids their age directly. But do it soon!
We have only a few cities left on the road. Hope to hear from you.
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Ken Jarecke
Subject: Great Stuff
Gary,
Just got around to seeing your work. Great stuff.
Great idea.
Keep up the good work.
All the best.
Ken Jarecke
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Ann Wendling
Subject: your project
I am researching the change in the journalism that
has occurred in the former Soviet Union since the
fall of communism. I am very intersted in your project
also. Can you tell me anything about the press and how
it fuctions? I am a student at Iowa State University in Ames,
Iowa. Thanks
Dear Ann,
Obviously, the biggest change that has occurred in Russian journalism since
the fall of communism is that news is no longer all controlled by the state.
There are growing numbers of independent newspapers and magazines that are
less and less afraid all the time to criticize the government and individuals
within the government. One interesting trend in Russian journalism is the
continual blurring between the fine lines of reporting and endorsing. Many
magazines print long "articles" about companies that were basically penned by
company employees. Also, the concept of editorializing vs. straight news
reporting is another concept that has not fully taken root here (but has it
anywhere, really?)
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Lincoln Cushing
Subject: feedback back
Nice work.
From: Keith Supko
Subject: Gay Novosibirsk
Thanks for the story! I worked for Soros Foundation in Novo in
1993 and had the privilege of attending what was then billed as
the first "gay and lesbian disco" in Siberia, sponsored by one
Russian Whiskas Cat Food distributor. It was absolutely fabulous
to know that there are gay people everywhere! I'm not sure I
have the right viewer to view your photos (I'm dying to know if
you met with people I know), but if you need any more contacts
on Gay Life in Novosibirsk, let
me know! Thanks again, and Schastlivogo Puti!
Sincerely,
Keith Supko
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Harv Dickey
Welcome back to the land of the living.
Have been waiting impatiently for this (26 Oct) update.
Hi, dad -
Yes, Gary and I are still living. Saw your earlier message wondering whether
we had killed each other yet! Knowing what a tranquil, easy-going daughter you
raised, how can you ask such a thing? Aside from a few slap-fights, we're
fine*
Lisa
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Andrea Harrington
Subject: comments?
What an incredible site, I'm so envious...How are you making
your contacts? I know a family in Suzdal (near Moscow) that
has interesting stories, (incidentally, if anyone seeing this
has any suggestions on how I might raise a small amount of
money to help them fix the wall of their house that burned
down, email andreah@yorku.ca) and some cool Moscow students...
Anyway, please ask the next Russian you see what they think is
the most important change which needs to take place in Russia
and what they hope never changes. Also, has their contact with
the West and Westerners been, on the whole, good or bad?
Watching your trip-chastliva, rebyata!
Andrea
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Kristin Peterson
Subject: WHAT A GREAT SERVICE
Just wanted to let you know that I am really thankful that you are providing the
information you are collecting via www! It is incredible that anyone in the
world can surf to this site and find up-to-date information on the areas you are
visiting.
I am a Slavic Ph.D. student at Ohio State and am in charge of creating our Web
page. Your site is incredible! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
Sincerely,
Kristin Peterson
Dear Kristin,
Thanks for the kind words. Hope the information on the site can be useful as
well as interesting. We appreciate your message!
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Babushka Sally
Subject: Greetings
Wish y ou cou ld be here for our Thanksgiving reunion
at the beach. Guess y ou wont be with us for Christmas
either.
We had a great time on the west coast
this summer : Washington, Oregon, California, relatives
Crater Lake is th e most beautiful lake I've ever seen
-because of its gorgeous blue color.T he color is caused
by its great depth, but it probably is not as deep as
your Lake Baikal.
1 november l995
Dear Grandmother,
Doesn't look like I'll make it for Thanksgiving,
but I'll come see you in December. Need anything from
"mother Russia" before I come back?
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Igor Tsives
Subject: Great Work
Hello!
Great work! Somebody recommended your site to be added to
San Francisco
Bay Area Russian Community Page, where I am the editor.
So, I have desided to visit the site before adding a link,
and what I saw fascinated me. I just couldn't stop reading.
All of the stories were so interesting, especially that I can
relate to most of them being a Russian Immigrant. My family
and I have fled the country about 7 years ago. I was 13 at
that time. I didn't really understand their reasons. Well,
I wasn't old enough. Now I am starting to understand. They
were looking for freedom of chice for me and my sister for
freedom of American life.
I think that your project will educate many
non-russians about the Russia and the life of people there.
Keep on a good work.
-=Igor=-
The Editor of WWW Site:
San Francisco Bay Area Russian Community
Page (http://www.hooked.net/users/igort)
Dear Igor,
I am really intrigued to hear more of your impressions from the site. What is
it like to see the photos and read the words of your fellow Russians when you
haven't been there for seven years? Do you look at the situation in Russia now
as a Russian or as an American? Does the site make you miss Russia at all, or
does it make you glad that you live in America? I would love to hear more of
what you think, if you get a chance to write us again. Thank you very much for
your letter.
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Peter Milton
Subject: Wishes
From all the folk at Kodak in South Africa, we wish you all
of the very best.
Regards
Peter Miltn
To: Russian@f8.com
From: CHris Baldwin
Subject: drinking
Ask someone to explain the story of pointing to the throat when drinking.
It's a great story with good visuals and would make an interesting addition to
your already very impressive pages. I look forward to following your journey.
chris
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Glenn Mack <72172.150@compuserve.com>
Subject: San Antonio
S.A. is about an hour from Austin. But S.A. is like
Sam's Club at the US Embassy and Austin is Lis's
or Red Zone. You make the call. Granted, you've got
kinfolk there, but you need to listen to some soulful
music here as a good re-culture experience. Much love,
glenn and asele
Hey Guys!
Okay, I'm convinced that I need some re-culture time
in hip and happening Austin. You pick the venue, and the
first round's on me. Send me your telephone number in Austin
to my glasnet account -- I'll be in San Antonio from the 20th
to the 30th or so. Can't wait to see you!
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Andres E. Saldana
Subject: Karim
I was very touched by your ability to put Karim and his family
in touch with each other. Hearing the six year old askfor
Legos broke my heart! Your project reminds me of lyrics to a
song by Paul Simon: "These are the day of lasers in the
jungle..."
Dear ???,
Meeting Karim's family was definitely one of the big highlights of our travels
so far. Seeing 13-yera-old Artyom with his mother and little brother was very
touching too, as he considers himself the "man of the house" while his papa is
away, and is as protective of them as if he were already a grownup himself...
Lisa
From: Joe Murray
Subject: Greetings
Chantal called and tipped me to your WEB site.It looks like a great adventure.
She and Louise are coming over today. You will be missed. I hope to see you on
your next sojurn. I have been busy also. It would be good to plan a randezvous if
not here in San Fran than ?
Some bad news. Taylor passed in to the next world two weeks ago. There is a
memorial for him tomorrrow (Sunday, Nov. 5). He is a huge loss for all of us who
loved him.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Mikhail Soutchanski
Subject: suggestions and thanks
I like very much your Chronicles. I lived in Russia
almost all my life, but I've never been in almost all
places which you had visited. So, I learned a lot
both about people, current events and regions.
Just in case, if the final part of your trip is not
determined completly. (1) I would be interested to know more
about the student life. Perhaps, rare people in the "West"
know that high education in Russia is still free (in the
most of universities, colleges); moreover, students even
receive fellowships from the government. But, of course,
these fellowships are ridiculously small. Could you contact
with students in a medical or in a pedagogical institute,
and ask them why they still study in their institute and
how they managed to live ? They know that a salary they
may hope to receive after graduation will be hopelessly
small, but probably they have other incentives.
(2) Could you please arrange a meeting with a person who
participates actively in criminal busyness in Moscow ?
As you know, Moscow "mafia" becomes well-known phenomenon,
but it is not covered by electronic mass-media. Could you
please ask this person when he/she started to do this business,
on what reasons, what type of contacts he/she has among
police and respectable busynessmen ? I hope you will manage
to arrange the safe meeting !
Thanks.
Wish you successful and good finish !
Mikhail.
P.S.
When you will have access to WWW, please visit
my server, at
http://www.cs.toronto.edu/~mes/russia/photo.html
All regions of Russia by pictures <a>
In particular, I provide there index of your main chronicle
entries.
Dear Mikhail,
We're getting to the "home stretch" here, so we can't promise anything, but
will try to look into some of the things mentioned in your letter. Thanks for
including an index of the chronicles in your server!
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Irina Petrova
Hello there,
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your stories.
I have not been home in more than two years, and there you are
only six hours away from my hometown (Tomsk it's near Novosibirsk)
Now that I know that I can read you articles I will certainly do so.
Thank you very
much.
Irina Petrova
Dear Irina,
Thanks for writing. Wish we had time to get to Tomsk, but unfortunately we're
pressed for time now that the snow has begun falling...
Lisa
Date: Sun, 5 Nov 1995
From: Anatoly Morosov
Subject: Re: The Russian Chronicles
Hi.
Thank you very much for the information about "The Russian Chronicles"-site.
It is just great. I'll add the link to you from my homepage and will advice
my friends to visit your page.
Anatoly Morosov.
Dear Anatoly,
Thanks for the note and the link!
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Bruno Boutteau
Bonjour Gary. J'ai enfin rÈussi ý me connecter sur ton serveur.
Bonne continuation...
See You
Take care
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Judy
Subject: The Cronicles
I think you guys are incredibly brave to do this. I'm 57 yrs
old and wouldn't have the nerve to just go the way you have
even though I've done a lot of travelling. I just read this
non-stop all afternoon. Only found it today since I've been
away in australia for a month and hadn't logged in. Great job!
Judy:
Despite some head-shaking and general disbelief among my Russian friends when
I told them that Gary and I were planning to travel across Russia like this
for almost three months, the only thing we've really had to fear so far is
being fed to death by our extremely generous Russian hosts. Getting up the
nerve to turn down a fourth helping of blinis with sour cream while our hosts
are shouting, "Eat! Eat!" has been the greatest challenge to my courage thus
far... Anyway, glad you found us. Nice and warm now in Australia, I bet...
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: BRADLEY J. SHOGREN
Subject: GREAT JOB!!!
Just thought I'd drop you a note that your site is fabulous!
I'll browse more later (don't have a lot of time today) but
I think that your idea of sharing your experience is great!
I spent two years living in Novosibirsk. The water being
turned off seems like old times. Anyway, just thought I'd
let you know I fully support what you're doing. Take
care, and as they say, "schastlivovo puti!" ---Brad
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Ruth Bar-Shalom N.D.
Subject: Folk Medicine in Russia
Hello friendly adventurers,
Have you met through your yourneys or heard about any folk healers or folk
healing centers or techniques? I am an Alaskan physician and would like to
receive any available information on the subject.
I am particularly interested in herbal remedies, community based health
organizations.
Thank you.
Yours in health,
Ruth Bar-Shalom N.D.
From: Angel Gurria Quintana
Subject: congrats!!
Lisa and Gary (ladies first!!)
As an aspiring photographer and an aspiring writer/historian, and as a
current student of international relations, I was THRILLED to discover your web
site (I was guided there by the advice of a fellow photographer and teacher,
Francisco Mata Rosas, whose comments, I see, you have already received). You two
truly put an accent on Paul Bowles' distinction between a traveller and a tourist
(while the latter always expects to FIND home in every place he/she visits, the
true traveller always manages to MAKE him/herself at home in every new site
reached). This --the nature of travel, I mean-- is a subject I am most
interested in: travelling as searching? travelling as fleeing? both? What can you
say about making a habit out of the new --by which I mean that constantly facing
new places, faces & situations can become as tiresome as getting accustomed to
some daily routine (which, as irony has it, we try to avoid by travelling
somewhere different)? This leads me to another subject which concerns the
photographer in me: when doing documentary work, I find it hard not to get
involved with the people and situations one faces. I know how delicate a line,
how short a distance, there can be between involvement and commitment; and I know
how hard it becomes, then, to leave what one was doing behind. Does this ever
bother you, Gary? After all, you have been able to take intimate --no matter how
fleeting-- glimpses into people¥s lives, personal stories, joys and sorrows...and
then you move on. Abbas once said about getting involved: "I¥m just a
photographer". He was probably right, but I was just wondering whether this ever
bugged you too.
I find your work --pictures and chronicles--
extraordinary. The whole project is outstanding
because it puts today¥s modern resources to the best use.
You confirm my belief that there is still much to be
learned about human experience elsewhere on the planet.
Congratulations, and good luck in the last part of your journey!!
Angel GurrÌa Quintana, Mexico City, Mexico.
Angel,
Thank you for the very nice letter. Yes it is a very fine
line between getting involved and getting too involved with your
subject. I think it really differs from photographer to photographer and
certainly from subject to subject. Obviously the more delicate and
personal the subject matter the more intimate you must become with
your subject. Taking intimate photos is all about building trust.
Even though people you are photographing may not understand exactly
what you are doing with your work, you need to gain their confidence
on a personal level. I usually don't shoot the first time I meet
with people unless I am really pressed for time--which we always were
on this trip. Having said that, I think you still need to maintain
a certain objective distance between you and the subject.
If I become to close, I find that my work suffers because of it.
I also don't want to mislead people. You become very close to them
in a short period of time but in reality, when I leave I will probably
never have contact with them again. I think what's important is
the you try to understand as much as you can about the person
you are photographing and even more importantly that you try
treat everybody with the same amount of respect and dignity,
whether they be a head-of-state or a homeless person. In the end,
each photographer has to find their own formula that works for them
and that they feel comfortable with. I am sure you will find yours.
Take care, Gary
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Fluis jimenez
Subject: travel
SOME FRIENDS OF MINE ARE PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO RUSSIA NEXT YEAR.
THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE FAR EAST, ESPECIALLY
VLADIVOSTOK. HAVE YOU SOME COMMENTS ABOUT THIS SUBJECT? DO YOU
THINK IT COULD BE POSSIBLE TO GO TO VLADIVOSTOK FROM MOSCOW?
From: Stanislaw Starinski
Subject: Flamandia
I am from Russia (Jewish), it appears that many
names thou mentioned, are not
Russians at all. It is true that historically
Russia had transformed from a
European country into a trans Euro'Asian empire,
still it is a fu nny thing when
Dalmar, and other people with similar names, are
called ýRussiansý They are
Chechens, Tatars, Yakuts, etc. and other Muslims
and Buddists. Still they are all
citizens of Rossia and must be called Rossians,
in old Slavic language. Most
ýRussianý chess grossmeisters were Jewish and Georgians,
hockezistsßRussians and
footbolists (European) were Ukrainians.
real Russians
however–
posses Christian and Slavic names.
und
Ukrainians
und
Belorussians
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Stanislav Starinski
Subject: Flandria
I forgot, my name
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Stanislaw Starinski
Subject: Genoe
Flamandia
Bavaria
I forgot, my name ist totally Polish, albeit
I am pure Jewish.
Stanislaw Starinski in Polland
sprachen as
John Britt in England
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Liz Alpert
Subject: Students in Class
Great idea! My Multimedia students love this.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Stanisla wStarinski
Subject: Nord Rein'Westfallia
Mine name ist Polish,
albeit Ich bin
kavalerist
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Stanislaw Starinski
Subject: Gologne
Der Spiegel
Frankfurter
der
Meine
Mein name ist Polish
albeit
Ich
bin
kavalerist
To: Tripp, Gary, et al
From: marc
I follow at least once a week.
Story on gay life,spectacular.
You must be burning out , look forward to hashing it over
when you're done,
Marc
From: Lynn Marentette
Subject: Your trip
What is the weather like? How is the food?
Have you had many opportunities to
eat local foods?
From: David Agar
Subject: On-line work
Hello again, I've written before and I just can't
say enough, how much I enjoy this On-line experiment.
Are the both of you hoping to continue with this type
of journalism? Is this experiment going to be followed
by others like it? It is far more enjoyable then any
magazine or newspaper, and I really hope it continues.
I could quote Neil Armstrong after the moon landing,
but I'm sure you get the message. Thanks.
Dear David,
Thanks for writing again, and also for coming to the WebChat!
Both Gary and I would like to explore this and other ways of
doing on-line journalism. FocalPoint has a number of projects
lined up after this one. Keep tuned to
FocalPoint f/8's homepage for more information on new projects.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Aviva
Subject: Stock Photography
Hi,
Have you thought of contacting The Image Bank Inc. in
Dallas(a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak) to offer them your
images from this trip. If you are interested in marketing
some of your material worldwide, I can give you the name
and address to contact. Enjoy you trip,
Aviva
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Dave Hoffman
Subject: why not Kazakhstan?
Hey, why not go south a bit and visit Kazakhstan? Once
you get south of Ust-Kamenogorsk (and the nasty, industrial,
Russian party of the country), it's really pleasant,
and you can get some good food.
Also, how is it that you can be anything but next-to-
extraterrestrially conspicuous with a computer and
digital camera in that part of the world?
Good luck,
Dave Hoffman
Dear Dave,
When we're traveling, all of our computers, cameras, cords,
batteries, etc. are hidden away in our beat-up bags, but of
course when Gary's shooting, he carries around the Kodak digital
camera and Leica. He's definitely gotten some looks from passers-by,
and a couple of times people have asked him about the cameras. Also,
many people have mistaken him for a street photographer (like the ones
who work Nevsky Prospect and Red Square) and asked him to take a
portrait for them to buy. They generally look a bit confused when
we tell them the camera takes photos on computer diskette, not film.
I agree with you that Kazakhstan would be a great subject for a
project like this. Any sponsors out there for
"The Kazakhstan Chronicles"?
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: David
Subject: hibernia?
Lisa, I thought you said you were just going up to the
7-Eleven to buy a Pepsi? Where the heck have you been?
Don't worry about the kids, we just told them you were
dead. You can explain everything once you get back. Very
impressive stuff here. I think a good question for some of
the Russians you meet would be 'Kakova tsvieta vasha
planieta?" (If you know what I mean). Well, we are looking
forward to some good trinkets when you get back. . .
Love, Your brother David
Daaaaaave!
I AM just at the 7-Eleven. That's the beauty of this Internet
stuff -- nobody knows where you're writing from. I'll bring you
some Pixy stix when I come back*
Lisa
From: katy
Subject: food
This is a wonderful thing you are doing. But what are you eating?
I cook, it'snot political or anything, but what are you eating?
Katy,
Staples of our diet (pre-Moscow): Pelmenny (meat dumplings),
cabbage salad, vodka, bread, cheese, meat cutlets, home-made
jam, vodka, pickles, potatoes, vodka and vodka. With some occasional
vodka thrown in. We have been incredibly well-fed by our hosts on
this trip, frequently being served everything that is in the
refrigerator and being made to take multiple helpings. Most
of the vegetables we have eaten were home-grown (at dachas).
The tomatoes in this country taste nothing like the mushy,
flavorless genetically grown kind we have in the US.
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, I am sorry to admit, we have
been eating lots of fast food. We didn't come by that "In their words"
portrait of the guy working at McDonald's by chance.
Check out the "sheep slaughter" story for more details on our
culinary experiences here.
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Andrew Verostek
Subject: This is amazing
I just want to say that this is absolutely outstanding journalisim.
I have never been to Russia or any other republic of the former
Soviet Union; now I feel like I almost have. Getting to know
Russia and the various people who live there is very important
to me. In 1991, when I was 15, I went to a summer camp in Maine
called the USSR/USA Worldpeace Camp. There I made many friends
from all over the Soviet Union. I have kept in touch with a few
of them since then. Tragically, I have lost touch with someone
whom I consider to be one of my best friends. I haven't heard
from him in over a year; I think he moved and I can't find the
envelope with his new address. When I finish school,(I am a junior
at Earlham College in Indiana) I hope to go to Russia on a Fellow-
ship to study there; I will then spend some time looking for him.
Anyway, that is the story of my most important connection with
Russia. Your adventure is helping me pull together my ideas for
when I go there. I have also been printing out your chronicles
so that my parents in California will be able to get a more real
picture of what Russia is like. It is so hard to get realistic
press coverage of Russia in the United States. Maybe this will
placate their fears of me going there.
Thank you very much, I hope to continue following you on this
historic journey.
Yours truley, Andrew Verostek
Dear Andrew,
Thanks very much for your letter. One of the most disappointing
things about US press coverage of Russia is that they tend to
focus only on the mafia, street crime, political corruption and
other negative themes. Having lived in St. Petersburg for more
than a year (after having lived in Washington, DC), I can say with
certainty that I still feel much safer here than in the US. Even
though the crime rate has risen considerably here in the last five
years, in relative terms things are still safer here.
Hope you find your lost friend. What city does he live in?
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Victor Huey
Subject: Net in Russia
How are you able to communicate back to the Net?
My experience with Russian telephone system has
been one of long waits, many hours before one can get
through? So I'm amazed by your trip, and would like
to know how you do it in a country known for it's rough travel.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Bert Kleinman
Subject: Congratulations
I just got back from 2 weeks in Russia and Ukraine.
I have business there, developing radio stations.
I am President of the company that is the Western
Partner in Radio Maximum (Moscow and St. Pete).
Anywhow, I literally stumbled on your web page
less than 24 hours after I
returned from Kiev.
Great job! I've just looked at some of it,
but I intend to take some time over
the next several days and look at it all.
Best regards,
Bert
Dear Bert,
Write us back when you've had a chance to look at the
whole thing, and let us know what you think -
Thanks for your message.
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Peter Millard <100517.665@compuserve.com>
Subject: General
Hi there!
I'm a professional photographer in London who heard about
your trip through Mike Russell and the Association of
Photographers. Just wanted to say what a great idea it was,
and that I thought the pictures are looking fascinating.
All best,
Peter Millard.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Kim Bruun Denmark <>
Subject: In their words
I have just read "in their words" and was very moved by it.
I am are going to recommend it to all my friends.
Keep up the good work and I will follow you to Sct. Petersburg.
Good luck!
Kim
Dear Kim,
Thanks for following us (more evidence that times have changed;
I never thought I'd be glad to be followed in Russia). Look for our
"In their words" from St. Petersburg -- we're doing a group of
elementary school kids, to find out where they think their country
is heading.
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Scott Posey
Subject: going to be an uncle
Gary,
Did you know that you Linda and Phil are "prego?"
I still can't seem to find your photographs in the
Russian Chronicals. Will you please send me a message
indicating how I can see your work online. I am sure
you have had a long trip. Looking forward to seeing
you and your family some day.
good luck,
Scott Posey in Sacramento, CA
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Marc BB
Once again you guys touched me with your
Chechyn soldier story!
I'll be there on Monday AM
Marc
Dear Marc,
Thanks for the note. See you at the Chat!
Lisa
From: George Cowsar
Subject: Religion & Culture
The Orthodox Christian faith is a very important part
of life and culture in Russia. The Churches, the monastaries,
the iconography, what Russia is, is largely defined and
influenced by Orthodox Christianity.
I am wondering why you left this out of your report?
But I can see that you have
a bias towards homosexuality and Buddhism.
Sincerely,
George
Dear George,
Unfortunately, there were a few stories that we really wanted
to do, but didn't have the time and/or contacts to get done in
this project. The Orthodox church,the environmental situation
here, Cossacks -- all of these are relevant topics, and if we
were spending another month on the road, we would be able to do them.
As for our biases, we're biased toward things that are interesting,
and things which show the great diversity of the people in this country.
Thanks for writing.
Lisa
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Red Dog
Subject: Hashing in St. Pete
Hope you're back in time to run with the HHH in St. Pete,
they always have a dandy run, being so close to the Gulf
of Mexico, the air is balmy.
Your adventures out there in commie land have been very
well taken by your cyber audience. Congratulations on
doing it. Grandma Dickey wants to know if you took your
purse with you. Elvis says thankya verra much. On On!
From: a3 m lagerwerf
Subject: st petersburg
when possible check out the sunday brunch at the
europe hotel in st petersburg
To: Comment@f8.com
From: David R. O'Connor
Subject: great job
This is a great step for journalism. I hope to see a
lot more of this in the future.
I just stumbled across this page in my search and wow,
what a gold mine.
My eyes will be glued to the page from now until you end.
Thanks
David
Bowling Green, Ky
Photo Student at Western Kentucky University
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Jay Rogers
Subject: Christian newspaper Kiev
I¼d like to ask you to EMail Alexei and Roman at Predvestnik.
Just a short note explaining who you are and what you are doing.
Alexei and Roman are newspaper editors and possibly could use
photos and stories that you are collecting. Plus,
we distribute in many of the cities which you are going
to be visiting, so we¼d like to put you in contact with some
interesting personalities.
To: Russian@f8.com
From: liebermann robert
Subject: du
first, cannot seem to put full address above... it is ended w/
...edu
wow, this is really neat!
i am a grad student at western
michigan, and i do geography of the xussr. my thesis
research and passion is comparative plant geography of
baikal and lake superior. i was out at baikal all summer,
also in 93. lived in minsk for a year, took visits to
ussr as a student, etc. anyway, i need to keep figuring
out more elaborate schemes to keep returning to russia/
belarus/crimea. evidently you have figured out somerthing
that works. i have not hads chance to see the whole thing
yet, but i will keep looking. how long will it all last?
nice pictures. i had four cameras with me in the summer
but am at present too poor to buy the chemistry for
processing, etc. tell any russians you like that robert
said howdy (my customary form of address for russians).
rob
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Bryce E. Rich
Subject: Novosibirsk
Hi Lisa,
I was browsing through the pages you guys are doing and they
look really great! I had a question: How did you meet up
with Grisha in Novosibirsk? I know him and Zhenya
personally and was wondering: do they have access to the
articles that you did about them? If not, I was thinking of
sending them a copy of the pages in hardcopy.
Keep up the good work!
Bryce
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Your cousin Billy
Subject: Thanksgiving
Dear Lisa,
are you coming to Thanksgiving? Im hoping that you are
coming beacause we have a new beach house.Did you get
Mamaws letter ? Mamaw said that you are coming to
Fayatviele Soon.I have to leave the internet now
so by by!
To: Comment@f8.com
From: PALMS PORTAL TO RUSSIA
Subject: REQUEST FOR LINK
REQUEST FOR LINK FOR OUR URL ON YOUR WWW PAGES
PALMS PORTAL TO RUSSIA
- THE BALTICS - FORMER SOVIET UNION -
EASTERN EUROPE 500 mb of data and 7000 url links, economic
policies and regulations, trade,finance, investment, law,
health, education, environment, etc., etc., etc.
http://www.eskimo.com/~palbank
To: default@f8.com
From: Mr. Tom Dadisman
Subject: Mail to Russia
Do you know how I could send letter to Russia specifically
Vladivostok. Do you know of a local remailing service or
perhaps an US law firm or PI firm that could
assist to get informatio nto Russian citizns. These
questions is not commerically related. Can't say more unless
you are interested in helping...Thank You and congrats. on an a
graet project you are partisipating in!
To: Comment@f8.com
From: diarmuid macconville
Subject: links & congrats
i'm sure did i stress enough last time, how much i enjoyed
these pages. they brightened up my week. The links problem
is with road story directories. whenj you click on revolution
square ( ithink theres a title page?), you get onto the last part
of go go girls. russia/r11f.html. I think it might be the same with
other stories too. is it possible to click directly onto the meat
of a story from the introductory page instead of having to go to
the road stories and then onto a title page? maybe you can put
the names of the stories directly on the page, I find that the
fewer pages the better because they take so long to load. I hope
this makes sense. Best of luck, and terribly sorry to ahve live
chat: will there be another, how are the folks doing in St petersburg,
are they coming back?
To: Comment@f8.com
From: David Friend/LIFE
Subject: Missed Live Wire Nov. 20
Hey Tripp, Gary, Lisa, et. al.: Sorry I missed the live
links to you all at the tail end of the trip. Too swamped
closing the magazine. Congrats to all anyway.
Cheers,
David Friend
(and all the admirers of your site at LIFE)
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Judy Foldi
Subject: Travel
I have enjoyed all this and I hope you guys will do another
project like this one (China maybe, Marc?) and if you do,
please let me know at the beginning so I can follow it from
the first and not just stumble onto it so near the end as I
did this one. Wonderful work!
-Judy
Dear Judy,
Glad you enjoyed the site. I personally would love to do
another project like this one. Keep an eye on the Focalpoint f/8
(http://www.f8.com) site; there are some other projects planned
for the coming year. Thanks for your note.
Lisa
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Elsie Martin
Subject: lifestyle
In the US news we are hearing that Russian men (because
of the untimely death of Sergei Grinkov) drink too much
alcohol, eat too much fatty food, and smoke - three things
that scientists and doctors say are bad for your health and
contribute to heart disease. Could you comment on this.
Elsie:
The alarm bells that have recently been raised about the
health of Russian men are warranted, I would say. While not
every Russian is a drunkard or in terrible health, they are
not especially health-conscious as a people, and years of bad
diets, smoking and drinking have taken their toll. Gary and
I were surprised on more than one occasion when Russians we
had met and assumed were older than we are actually turned
out to be younger. As one reader of our site commented early
on in a letter, the life expectancy for Russian men has dropped
significantly.
And it doesn't seem as though things will get
any better soon.
Lisa
From: <>
Subject:
are you happy to live ?
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Mike GlodÈ
Subject: visiting SpB?
If you get there, I'll be happy to share my delightful
friend and professor of mathematics at University of
St. Petersburg. Heis a computer and literary great. Let
me know if you want his email address.
regards,
mike
From: Mike GlodÈ
Subject: St.Petersburg connection
Sorry- I see from the map you are already there.
OK, try to reach him at:
jvr@or.math.lgu.spb.su
and be sure you give him my very best. If you miss
him, you have missed the best of Russia!
Mike
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Steve Frank
Subject: Nice Job!
Hello Gary and Lisa!
I just discovered your web site, and want to thank
and congratulate you on the wonderful job you
have done. I haven't had the time yet to look at chronicles
in depth.
I have been to Russia many times and work as an interpreter.
I was in St. Pete in August. I hope you enjoy it.
Keep up the good work and take care.
Steve
Dear Steve,
Thanks for your letter. I definitely do enjoy St. Petersburg,
especially in the summertime when the days are so long. Hope
you continue to enjoy the chronicles when you get a chance to
read them more thoroughly.
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Dawn Nowacki
Subject: your trip
Dear Gary and Lisa: I just found out about your trip
through surfing the net today (this is Nov. 30) after
I presume you have come home from your trip. I
have started reading the stories and viewing the pictures,
and I must say you were very entrepreneurial and brave to
undertake such an odyssey. I am an old Russia hand, but
have been no further east than Ufa in Bashkiria. Thanks for
providing such interesting stories and pictures, through an
unconventional medium. I intend to continue reading about
your journey when I have more time, and may assign it to my
students (I teach college courses on post-communist politics).
Do either of you speak Russian (it wasn't clear from your
intro to the journey).
Best regards,
Dawn Nowacki
Dept. of Political Science
McMinnville, OR 97128
To: Comment@f8.com
From: batchison
Subject: Great Website
Hi Gary/Lisa:
FANTASTIC STUFF, GREAT WEBPAGE!!!!!!!!!!
If you get a minute could you check out my URL:
http://www.travelogix.com/emp/batchison/
It's called the Alexander Palace (Tsarskoe Selo)
Time Machine, which I built myself. If you like it,
would you please add it to your hotlist?
Thanks in advance,
Bob Atchison
From: Earl McGehee
Subject: Thanks
Thank you for sharing your trip!
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Daniela Angelica Back
Subject: Chukotka...and the east.
Are you planning a trip to the east of Siberia?
I'd be fascinated to hear of travels to Chukotka and
Yakutia.
What you are doing is innovative, beautiful, and
informative! :) I'm so glad I found this page.
Dark Amber
Dear D.A.,
Both Gary and would would have liked to see other parts
of the Russian Far East and Siberia -- Kamchatka, Sakhalin,
Chukotka etc. Just goes to show that no matter how much you see,
there's more to be seen. Thanks for your letter!
Lisa
From: Michael Smirnow
Subject: Thankx!
Dear Lisa and Gary, and all of your team,
I have lots of pleasant things to tell you, however, I limit
myself with the following: I've spent nearly 5 hours reading
and enjoying your stories and the link to your URL will be a
perl in my "Russia" link collection.
Many, many thanks for your project: it's the 1st ART product
I've found in the Infospace; most of all I admire two things -
simple but elegant HTML design and your choice of people whom
to speak.
Hope you'll find some help to hold this site as long as possible.
With my best regards
Michael.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Doris Boller
I just discovered The Russian Chronicles and am so sorry not
to have been able to follow your journey from the beginning.
I want to see it all and hope you will leave it on the Web a
few more days. I traveled from Khaborovsk to Irkutz on the
railroad and flew back to Vladivostok. It was a wonderful
experience but I did not have enough contact with the people
- being on a tour. I am looking forward to a "visit" with
each person in your chronicle.
Suggestion for future travel: If you have not already been
there, Iceland is a beautiful and most interesting country.
I was there last July and hope to go back soon. It is very
expensive, however!
Thank you for providing this experience and good luck on
future endeavors.
Doris Boller
To: default@f8.com
From: Nick Bronza
Subject: chat rooms
Dear Gary and Lisa.
My name is Nick, I am a Russian living
in the United States. Great site you have here. I can tell
although I have not finished looking through it yet. I have a
favor to ask. Do you have any information on any Russian chat
rooms available over the Netscape? In case you do, I would be
tres reconnaissant if you shared some of it with me. I love
hanging out in the chat rooms but I have not yet been able to
find any Russian one. So if you have time and desire, please
answer me. I was born in Kazakhstan, went to university (major:
la langue et civilization Francaises) in Nizhny Novgorod, lived
in Moscow during the last few years. This is my second year in
the States. I am a student at the Southern Nazarene University
in Oklahoma. Well, I will take no more of your time. Thank
you for reading all this. Maybe I can talk to you friday.
Amicalement, Bronza.
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Elsie Martin
Subject: happenings
I loved the Chronicles.
I sent a question about the Russian ice skater, Sergei Gringov and
diet, lifestyle. I did'nt hear from you. It was critical for you
to be in the USSR right now. From what I understand, the comglomerate
of states is in disarray. It is important to let the people know that
we support them, want to make things happen in a good way.
The Minneapolis Children's Theater did a Peace exchange several years
ago to bring counterparts together. I think it had something to do
with todays opportunities, plus the fact that Gorbashov was welcomed
in Minneapolis.
One always has to keep trying.
Elsie:
Sorry about the delay in responding -- after the last posting from
St. Petersburg, Gary and I took a little break. Thought it might be
healthy to let a few days of life go by without looking at computer
screen! The response to that question is underneath your previous letter. Thanks for writing!
Lisa
From: David Sisler
Subject: Samara, i.e. camapa
In "The Net" magazine your map showed Samara. The web version
left Samara off and put in Kazan. I've lived in Samara 10 months
over the last 2.5 years. Did you go to Samara? Where?
What did you do? Thanks!
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Peter Crosby
Subject: Russian E-mail
Are there people who would like to - pin pal - share experiances
through E-mail? Would love to experiance the sharing.
Peter:
There are plenty of Russians reading the site on-line, so perhaps
you will get a response from someone just by having it posted here...
Any takers?
To: default@f8.com
From: Ken Lahner
Subject: Bashkortostan
My wife and I send "care" packages to a pen-pal she
has had in Bashkortostan -Meleyzovskiy District - Village
Basilievka... What is this are of the world
like? What type of clothing is necessary for this area?
What lifestyles do these people lead? Any way to get a
package there other than by USPS?
Ken:
I have to admit, I don't know a whole lot about Bashkortostan,
and don't have access to any reference books at the moment that
can tell me anything. The only thing I can recommend for sending
packages is DHL, which has a very extensive delivery network in
the former USSR. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Yuri Hospodar
Subject: Parus
As a thoroughly americanized person of russian descent,
and also being gay, I would enjoy being in touch with/corresponding
with gay folk in Russia. What would the mailing address be for Parus?
I've never sent a letter internationally before (Yes, I'm that naive).
But I'd like to offer my support & help.
Dear Yuri,
I will send you the address for Parus in a message direct to you.
Unfortunately, I don't have the flyer with me at the moment...
Lisa
Frank Sutton
FSutton999@aol.com
miss ya
Glad you made it back to St. Pete, sorry to hear it too.
I'll miss your weekly reports, as you opened up a part of
the world for me that I've never been exposed to past the
evening news or politicians. I sincerely hope that the experience
was profitable, fun, and enlightening enough for you that we'll
see more of you on the good ol' web. As I've told many folks,
it's the first web site i've found that isn't just a waste of time.
Thanks for the good work, and I look forward to seeing you perform
in a coffee house/ cabaret/beatnik poetry reading sort of
thing when you return to NC.
Frank!
That's the sweetest letter I've ever read. Even sweeter than
a Hallmark card. Glad you liked the site so much... Now thanks
to you for sending letters and spreading the word about the chronicles.
I'll talk to you when I get to NC...
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Oleg Matossian
Subject:
Hi,Gary and Lisa. My name is Oleg Matossian,
and I am a former citizen of Russia
and now I am living in Maryville,Tennesee.
I read your road stories all the time and I think
you are doing a really great job, thanks.
I have a question for you. I Love rap music and
ecpecially Russian pop music. You had this story about
"The Godfather of Russian Rap", Is it possible for me
to get somehow to get his CDs or Tapes because I am big
fan of russian music and have not heard a lot of Russian
Rap music and I don't know anywere here were Ican buy it.
I thank you very much.
Oleg Matossian
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Jack
Subject: website
excellent website, excellent photography
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Ken Shields
Subject: mail services
My brother in law is in russia and our only communication to
him is through the mail. It takes two weeks for a letter to
get to him. Do you know of any companies in St. Petersburg
that can print out email and deliver it. If so could you please
send me information on them and their email address.
Thank you,
Ken Shields
oncall@axxis.com
To: Gary@f8.com
From: alice lipowicz
Subject: congratulations!
Hey, I found the site with no problems. It looks great.
I'll let you know what I think after I've read more stuff
but I wanted to let you know my first
impression. What a great trip!
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Michael Paterson
Subject: Your photo-essay
I think your photo essay is the best thing I've
seen on the Internet. I particularly enjoyed the
Far Eastern part - I had a personal/professional
interest in the Khabarovsk/Partizansk/Nakhodka/Vladivostok
area when I was with the British SAS and very nearly ended
up in Perm myself! Congratulations!
To: default@f8.com
From: Dr. Paul Martin Lester
Subject: Cal State Fullerton web
Hi.
I added your link to the Visual Communication Home page
(http://www5.fullerton.edu/viscom/vishome.html) under the
"Cool Site of the Month", if that's okay.
all the best,
les
To: Comment@f8.com
From: L Martin
Subject: wonderful!!
I was in Russia working with teachers and professors regarding
democratic education a year ago Sept. It was an unbelievable
experience and not nearly long enough (only 11 days). I would
go back in a minute. Russians were very leery about democracy--
many thinking it meant anarchy.
Your pictures and commentaries are wonderful! Thank you.
Nicholas J. Bez
Subject: hunger
While in russia what did you eat and how did you get food?
Also, Living in Russia sounds like it must be hard. My question is
how do you get food, if you do get food what kind is it
Nicholas:
Yes, we did eat while we were in Russia.
You can get most any kind of food in Russia, with the notable
exception of tortilla chips and other kinds of specialty ethnic foods.
But the food situation is better now than it was for many years;
the problem now is that many people don't have the money to buy
what's available.
Lisa
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Mike
Subject: commercialization
What is the quality of life in Russia compared to here?
To: Gary@f8.com
From: Jeff Thein
Subject: Laptops in Russia
I'm most impressed with your work guys... nice job!
Lisa, I'm planning a trip back to Russia, and
I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind
taking a few minutes and write to me, in detail,
what kind of computer you took with you on your
trip... and all the specifics you encountered trying
to set up an internet/mail account through Sprint.
What does it cost? How to you connect to
Soviet phone lines? Are there good computer help
centers of a good new store in Moscow that you came across?
I speak Russian beautifully -- but the
computer stuff I'm still a little unclear on.
Lastly, did you do anything special to "hide"
your computer when travelling, so someone
wouldn't steal it? (Like an inconspicuous bag or
something?)
I'll likely have non-computer questions and
comments as I read on in your amazing accounts.
I did something similar to this my junior year
of college while I did an internship with NBC News
in Moscow -- but my reports were in the
form of radio... I know what kinds of things
go into something like this, and I've really
appreciated that while reading your Web site.
Sincerely, Jeff Thein, News Producer,
WCCO-TV, CBS Inc., Minneapolis
Dear Jeff,
Any kind of computer with a modem that has MNP-5 error-correction
will do fine in Russia. Russian electricity is, of course, on a
different current, but many laptops come with a built-in transformer.
Everything you need to get hooked up to e-mail is easily found
in Moscow and St. Petersburg: the companies Relcom, Glasnet, Sovam
Teleport and Sprint are all listed in the telephone book, and you
can purchase five-prong adaptor plugs for your telephone wire, as
well as adaptor plugs to fit your flat-prong electric plug into
the round-plug Russian wall sockets at any of numerous electronics
stores. They are extremely cheap and easy to find in Moscow and
St. Petersburg, so don't get suckered by stores and mail-order services
in the US that sell them for upwards of $20 each.
Employees of the e-mail services can give you plenty of advice and
assistance for getting online. Prices vary, so you should call
when you get to Russia and find out which is the most economical
for whatever area you will be in.
I don't take special pains to hide my computer, but I never take
it out on public transportation. The same general rules for safety
apply in Russia as they do in the US, or anywhere: don't draw attention
to yourself and be aware of what is going on around you.
Good luck on your return trip to Russia. Glad you like the site.
Lisa
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Dan Rexroad
Subject: Pen Pals
I am looking for a pen pal family in St Petyersburg or
Moscow that my daughters 6 and 7 may write to.
can you suggest anyone or a family.
Dear Dan,
When I get back to St. Petersburg in mid-January, I will
try to come up with a family for you. Watch this space!
Lisa
From: nick mares
Subject: chernobyl
What important facts do you have about the Chernobyl accident
To: Gary@f8.com
From: steve stober
Subject: your photos
Your images were wonderful. I am a Canadian photographer.
Could I get more specs on the digital camera you used? Were
you pleased with the results?
Also, the subjects of your portraits seemed quite relaxed.
Was it difficult communicating with them? Was there a
language barrier?
Well done, Gary!
steve stober
http://www.magic.ca/magicmedia/hypervision/hventer2.html
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Steve
Subject: outdoor markets
Hi. Did you get many photots of
farmers' markets, outdoor markets,
or street vendors? Could you load some on your web site.
Thanks.
Professor Steve (Roosevelt U. in Chicago).
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~mar/openair.html
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Ramn A. Boza M.D.
Subject: Russian Chronicles
Yours is an amazingly well put together, artistic, human interest story. Congratulations !
Do you plan to go to the Moslem Russian, Uzbeks, Turkemistan, etc ?
To: default@f8.com
From: Regina Zalewski
Subject: In need of advice
First, I commend you on such beautiful work! We're being encouraged to explore some of the homepages in an effort to get ideas on putting our materials out on our home page at the Smithsonian. I am on the job today waiting patiently for the furlough shoe to fall and not able to read all the e-mail you have posted, but have a question about locating a pen pal of mine. Her name is Svetlana Gusareva. Svetlana worked as a teacher of English at a high school in (I'm not certain) Vladivostok or Luchgorsk. On a part-time basis, she translated for visiting dignitaries and business people. Last spring, she was invited to triple her salary by coming to work (from what I understood) at the only TV station in her town. She is now there full time producing and translating BBC and CNN broadcasts and tutoring privately. Letters take two weeks or more to cross, so I would like to explore reaching her electronically at the TV station, if that is possible. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.--Regina
To: default@f8.com
From: Perry Lawrence
Subject: Chernoble 10th Anniv.
My name is Perry Lawrence and I and a documentary producer working on third world events and issues. I've receintly finnished a doc. on Leprosy in India as well as a docs. on Poverty in Mecico City and AIDS in Africa. (Footage used on ABC World News Tonight). I have a trip to Chernoble planned for the 19th af January. It being the 10th Anniv. of the Melt Down it is very news worthy. I am doing this trip for a group called HOPE Worldwide. They are a benevolent org. that is starting HOPE for Children of Chern
Ask more about their feelings, I mean their attitude toward Americans and what they no about you.
To: Gary@f8.com
From: bernard puaux
Subject: public used phonecards
hi lisa,
I am a "world's used public phonecards collector".my question
is how to reach somebody to swap or to find somebody who
could send me some of them.
my postal address:
bernard puaux
saint rosaire
F83560 vinon-sur-verdon france
To: Russian@f8.com
From: bernard puaux
Subject: public used phonecards
hi lisa,hi gary,hi somebody
I am a "world's used public phonecards collector".my question
is how to reach somebody to swap or to find somebody who
could send me some of them.
my postal address:
bernard puaux
saint rosaire
F83560 vinon-sur-verdon france
To: default@f8.com
From: Ives
Subject: Americanism in Russia
In your travels to Russia, there were a few published HTML
articles from a select group of people discussing their
views on the influence of America on Russia. It was nice
to see that you got a range of ideas; from enjoying those
influences to being quite weary of them.
I was curious how many people share each of those views.
Or what is the general feeling towards these influences?
Are they greeted openly? Or simply accepted as a part of
life in the 'new' Russia?
Thanks.
Ives Stoddard
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Web Review
Subject: Web Review Notice
Hello.
The Russian Chronicles will be reviewed in the upcoming 12/22 issue of Web Review (http://gnn.com/wr/).
If you would like to comment on our review, please contact tyc@songline.com.
Please keep us informed of any changes or goings-on at your site.
Best,
To: Comment@f8.com
From: Mike Galloway
Subject: Your web page
You are to be commended, this is one of the more interesting sites that Ive found.
Keep up the good work!
To: Comment@f8.com
From:
Subject: Completion
Congratulations on the completion of the project. The net brings worlds closer together and you have proved it. What an adventure that you lived. I enjoyed reading about it. I wrote once earlier (about Sergei Gringkov) but can understand that you busy and did not get around to answer. Hopefully you accomplished what you wanter to do. Best wishes. Elsie Martin
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Mreedsr
Subject: Serguiev Posad or Zagorsk
I need a computer contact with someone in the above
mentioned town who knows English.
To: default@f8.com
From: jeff wheeler
Subject: vlad
gary/lisa
you had contacted me for contacts in the far east. i gave you my name in vlad though i was not there and i blieve you ran into dan gotham instead. i also mentioned larisa in khabarovsk with whom i believe you stayed. just wanted to congratulate you on your project as it looks very good.
take care and happy holidays
jeff wheeler
To: Russian@f8.com
From: Sara S.
Subject: electronic traslators
We have Talking Russian/English hand-held translation machines.
Check out our web site:
www1a.inter.net/compadapt/
Yours,
Sara S., USA.
To: default@f8.com
From: Jay Kim
Subject: Birobizhan
Dear Gary or Lisa,
Are you a Christian ?
The article 'The last Jews of Birobizhan' struck me
with awe. I attend a Messianic Jewish or Hebrew Christian
congregation in D.C. Is any of you Jewish ?
Do