This is my first blog and my first post, so suppose I should just delve right into things.
I am James VerLee, and I hail from the Northern US city of Bangor, Maine. While my life choices have frequently been made on a whim, they have certainly led me on a unique path, to say the least, and for that I am grateful.
My professional life has been characterized by cross-cultural experiences, and I have met many people from many countries. I used to be an employment case manager, and now I'm teaching English in the exurbs of Moscow, Russia, in a city called Dzerzhinsky. Why, might you ask, did I choose Russia? Well, my choice was made on a whim, of course. In short, because it's cool, and it's a massive place with a rich culture and fascinating history; being here is an incredibly unique experience. It's the biggest country in the world! It's also kind of hardcore, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
About me; I am a very curious person, I love to explore new places and I'm very knowledge thirsty. I love nature and the outdoors, and I love to bike, ski and swim. I like winter and I like cold weather. I'm also of big fan of metal music! I am sociable, enough, but plenty comfortable with my own company. I love languages; I learned French when I was younger, a decent amount of Arabic from the University of Maine and my last job, and now I am learning Russian. I am not content with a mere conversational ability; I want to know it all, and I push myself hard!
Why am I blogging? Because I have been traveling to some very off the beaten path places and I think it is worth sharing my experiences. I'd also like to share what my life is like in Russia. My primary interest in traveling is within the country, with a special interest in Siberia and the more 'far out' places. I have already been to many places, but it is a huge country and there is a lot to explore! Sometimes I think I have traveled more in Russia than in the U.S.A. I have also visited some countries that fall within the sphere of Russian influence. In reading my blog, you may learn about places on the globe that you may not have known even existed.
This blog is primarily for my family, and dedicated to my parents, to whom I owe everything. It is also for my friends and for people who share a like-minded curiosity. And so begins this blog, which I should have started long ago. Better late than never!
I am James VerLee, and I hail from the Northern US city of Bangor, Maine. While my life choices have frequently been made on a whim, they have certainly led me on a unique path, to say the least, and for that I am grateful.
My professional life has been characterized by cross-cultural experiences, and I have met many people from many countries. I used to be an employment case manager, and now I'm teaching English in the exurbs of Moscow, Russia, in a city called Dzerzhinsky. Why, might you ask, did I choose Russia? Well, my choice was made on a whim, of course. In short, because it's cool, and it's a massive place with a rich culture and fascinating history; being here is an incredibly unique experience. It's the biggest country in the world! It's also kind of hardcore, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
About me; I am a very curious person, I love to explore new places and I'm very knowledge thirsty. I love nature and the outdoors, and I love to bike, ski and swim. I like winter and I like cold weather. I'm also of big fan of metal music! I am sociable, enough, but plenty comfortable with my own company. I love languages; I learned French when I was younger, a decent amount of Arabic from the University of Maine and my last job, and now I am learning Russian. I am not content with a mere conversational ability; I want to know it all, and I push myself hard!
This blog is primarily for my family, and dedicated to my parents, to whom I owe everything. It is also for my friends and for people who share a like-minded curiosity. And so begins this blog, which I should have started long ago. Better late than never!
Great start Jamie! Love the pictures and look forward to more of them. Where and what is the first picture.
ReplyDeleteCool blog, Jamie. Have you noticed if Russians from different locations speak with differnt accents that allow you to identify where they are from like we have different dialects of English spoken here? Cool pics! Post more.
ReplyDeleteI turned up the heat as I read and viewed your photos.
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