?ou must really hate this job. ?That? what my boss said

when I told him I was moving from San Diego to Siberia for a

year. In reality, I was bored and looking for something that

would be completely and utterly new. Whether it was

sunstroke or a developing tolerance to margaritas, San Diego

just wasn? cutting it anymore. Heck, I hadn? even gone to

the beach in nine months and it was only a few blocks away.

Time to rediscover a zest for life. As you are doing now, I trolled the Internet looking for

that rare opportunity that would renew my vigor and let me

brag to my domesticated friends. Pick coffee in the South

Pacific? No, I already drink too much of it. Sail around the

world on a container ship? No, I wasn? ready for

involuntary self-reflection. Before I knew it, I had agreed

to move to a city in Siberia known as Chita. Yes, I was

going to be a professor at Chita State Technical University

through a program put together by Siberian Intercultural

Bridges. Donate - they need the money:

http://www. siberian-bridges. org. So, what does one take for a one-year stay in Siberia? Why,

I?l just go buy a guidebook on Siberia and read the? hat

to take?section. My search of the local mega bookstore was

disappointing. Shockingly, there were no guidebooks for

Siberia. I was tempted to write a nasty letter to Lonely

Planet and others until the bookstore clerk said,? ou?e

going WHERE??When she started giving me the? ou must be a

criminal on the run?look, it was time to go. Fortunately, I was able to find experienced travelers that

could provide me with the details and items that were

absolutely necessary. My girlfriend gave me the

all-important electric blanket, a power converter and

intimate details about what would happen to me if I should

dare share it with another women. Grandpa gave me a World

War II down coat that was about three sizes to big and made

me look like a walking gopher. Family, friends and random

strangers contributed further items and advice that would be

critical to my survival. Apparently rating my chances of survival at 50-50, friends

and family put together a going away/never see him again

party the day before I left. Of course, everyone brought

Vodka as a humorous going away gift. The tide quickly

turned, however, as all were asked/forced to try a? aste of

Russia. ?Many of the events of that night will remain

forever sealed in antiquity, but it should suffice to say

that the wife of one friend went into labor which made it a

very fun night and subsequent day for him at the hospital.

Few got off so easily. Gigantic backpack, electric blanket, hangover and I headed

to the airport the next morning. But that? a story for part

2 of this nomad adventure travel series?ick Chapo is with http://www. nomadjournals. com - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are the perfect travel accessories. Visit http://www. nomadjournaltrips. com to read more travel articles and travelogues.

Author:
Richard Chapo