My time spent in Bashkortostan would further contribute to my understanding of the 'Real Russia' which is so seldom portrayed, and the reality of life in smaller towns and cities scattered across this geographically massive nation. It would also enhance my understanding of the many different groups of people living in Russia, a staggering 300 or so ethnic groups spread out from Kaliningrad to Chukotka, and how each and every one of them are slightly similar to their neighbors, yet still unique. Bashkortostan is the most populous republic in Russia with some 4 million inhabitants, but is only one-third Bashkir, the ethnic group after which it is named. The other two-thirds are Tatars and Russians, and while the Bashkir language is spoken, it is more likely to be heard outside of the capital, Ufa. Ethnically, it is a strange Republic. With so much intermixture, you can't quite figure out who is who, but feel like you may be able to take a guess, whereas in a place ...