What surprises us about each other…

I hold my two co-writers in the very highest esteem. Sergey writes (and speaks) immaculate English, even though it’s not his first language, and tells us his opinion of all things Russian, despite the risks involved in such a totalitarian environment.

So, it somewhat surprises me that though these columns, Sergey has often appeared to be a fan of Donald Trump, whilst Dean and I have no time for any of Trump’s antics. Sergey admits Trump is no nice guy, neither has he got good manners. He’s no Obama. But Sergey suggest he has other qualities, more precious. “He’s tough, he’s got his vision and clearly communicates it as leader. Even at his own expense.” To him, Trump is what a leader should be: fearless and having a strong agenda to deliver and to ignite people. 

I’m not suggesting Sergey is wrong, I’m just somewhat startled that he thinks that way. But that has at least made me look at a bigger picture, rather than just assuming my point of view on Trump is the correct one.

Dean is simply one of the most well-read and knowledgeable people I have ever encountered. Two things mystify me about our resident cowboy. Firstly, he is not at all bothered by alcohol. Yes, he drinks it, but it doesn’t ever appear to excite him, or interest him too much. He will, indeed he does, drink the most appalling white wine, which looks (and, to me, tastes) like a urine sample, and genuinely appears to enjoy it. Maybe he’s just got a different type of panache……

The other thing that surprises me is that Dean has so much faith in his American people; he is ever-optimistic that the ordinary voter will eventually do the right thing, and get rid of Trump. He is also always assuring me that Trump will eventually be forced from office, even put away, because of the excellent American judicial system.  

As I say, I have nothing but respect for them both, and I am absolutely dreading what they are going to say about me……..

What surprises us about each other

It is not going to be a love letter, you bet!

However…

Back in the 1980s, my mid school years, I felt, I would call it, admiration about the United States and the UK. 

The US love story came to me through Jack London’s tales that I had read around 1985, my fifth grade at school (hello, my future Alaska!). #

Also, from the Soviet journalists who had visited America and left a line or two about their experiences. I especially mark Henry Borovik for his beautiful ‘A day of a naked sun/1968’ travelogue. 

And from the Russian émigré stories, how it was to live in New York City in the early 80s, when I was a kid and Ronald Reagan was something very close to Hitler, as Soviet propaganda were telling us, naïve Russians. 

Those tales have been unfolding me a very different story. Even Soviet propaganda had been quietly admiring America. They’ve had respect for America, not like today’s cheap propaganda delivered by thugs.

As a foreign exchange student, I visited New York, Vermont, and, of course, Texas in 1993/94; I have become a different person. And ever since. 

As to the UK, I have never been there. Yet. But…

I know my football stories. I have read great travelogues about England (or Britain?). I remember England v West Germany great semifinals, the 1990 World Cup and 1996 Euros, to understand what ‘Cool Britain’ is. Plus, multiple stories from my friends who have been to the UK in the 90s. 

Britain was a friend of my generation, just like America. We have been looking at both countries to see how cool things could be in every way. Movies, sports, personalities, fashion, music, literature, vibes… I can only hope England will hit it this year, chances and motivation are as high as ever!

Now, back to my lads, Roger and Dean. 

I’ve had – and I still have other friends from UK/US. Yet, you guys did open to me a new dimension in my life. Personal stuff mixed with… I’d say geographical. Very cool. I won’t get into personal details, but I can only say that you guys light up my life. I have plans to see you again but we’ll see because, as you know, I come through some turbulence and I must settle it first. I had your support when I needed it, even when I was showing my weakness. I appreciate your help and patience. 

Roger is as ironic and extravagant as a Brit must be, in my mind. A very educated person I don’t always agree with. Still, very attracting. I miss our jogs!

Dean is a wall, I can always rely on. True America. Probably, we’re sharing the same life experiences. Shit!

What’s cool? Trump! 

They think he is a new edition of Hitler. I think he is America’s – and the world’s – savior. 

What has surprised me: in an American/British tradition, people who don’t agree, respect each other. In Russia, they become, eventually, sore enemies. 

In our case, I learn it – and appreciate it – and find it cool. 

We are friends. I very much appreciate it as friendship has no borders or time zones And, this is what surprises me, after all. I look forward to see my friends sharing a bottle of beer/cider (or a S Blanc, in Roger’s case) or two. In a beach bar in front of the sea. 

I’d call it happiness.

What surprises us about each other…

I wanted to start with Sergey because… wtf. Maybe a little background would be helpful. SP and I are friends, as in he’s flown to my house from Moscow to visit. He has two absolutely adorable girls and I look forward to anytime we can just hang-out.

As a human, he’s buttoned down. What I mean by that is that he is self-aware and ready to face the real world. He doesn’t think he’s perfect and doesn’t think he’s right. We all want to always be right, we really want to know that we didn’t get all stupid and vote for a guy who has been convicted 34 times. So, we often deny we messed-up. Maybe we claim those convictions don’t count, or maybe they were only politics. Sergey is not such a person; he owns his mistakes. Sometimes maybe a little too much. I admire that.

I think what surprises me about Sergey is his basic Russian outlook. You need to understand something about the Russian mindset: liberal people are considered not terribly bright. They don’t quite understand the world and lack a mind that perceives deeper truths. This is NOT the liberal/conservative mindset in the West.

Of course, Sergey understands this. He is completely aware that he will be ostracized. I admire that and wish he wouldn’t do it all at the same time. Roger and I have talked about this. How can we protect SP? Maybe we can suggest different topics? Maybe something where he doesn’t need to speak his truth?  Let me ask you: how can we help Sergey? Reply in the comments below.

Let us consider the sad case of Roger Bara. If you were to ask me who my best mate is (best friend), I would answer Roger. That is no complement to poor Roger. Law enforcement normally considers your friends when determining your trustworthiness.

What’s surprising about Roger is his skills on the piano. You have heard Roger play piano if you own a radio. He has been on hit records. If you’re not a front-man, you don’t exist. He has no name you would recognize but Chrissie (Mrs. B) knows and that’s good enough. He’s a truly talented guy.