Fifteen years ago, I went to Moscow from a Siberian city called Irkutsk. Grey, unfriendly Moscow met me with a cold and piercing wind that threw a handful of snow right in my face. It was a city of dirty snowdrifts, giant billboards, and flashing neon casino and nightclub signs.Impressive luxury cars crawled through the traffic.
It’s all in your hands Long ago in an ancient city lived a Master, surrounded by his disciples. The most talented of them once wondered: “Is there any question that our Master cannot answer?” He went to the blossoming meadow, caught the most beautiful butterfly, and covered it in the palms of his hands. Smiling, …
A vast ocean, waves foaming white at their crests, rainbow-coloured kitesurfers hurled by strong winds across the blue sky — the thrill of speed, power, and independence. Carving the ultramarine wave tops until the invisible barrier of momentum and resistance falls behind, they jump and soar in a delirium of adrenalin and salt spray. Airborne! …
Irkutsk, Siberia, -40 degrees, January 1977 When people ask me why I decided to change my life drastically and emigrate, I answer, “I dreamt of trying oysters”. Bright, Sunday morning sun breaks through the window painted with frost curlicues. My mom cautiously wakes me up at 7 am. “Nina, our turn is coming, we should …
It is time for a change I know that among my distant ancestors was a romping gypsy, handsome, laughing and a blustery fighter, who loved to show off and have a drink. Always brightly dressed, dancing till dawn and prone to enchant the most beautiful girl in the camp. But, when the time came, no …
Fulfill your dreams The most amazing, incredible and unexpected thing that happened to me when I turned 50 was that I began to fulfill my dreams. I suddenly realized that my time is not infinite. If it’s not now that I do, feel, try and taste something new, then when? The moment when I saw …
Life begins at 50: only now am I fulfilling my dreams Read More »
Do you feel you can do much more? Where do you want to see yourself? What do you want to change? Do you feel you are too old or too scared to start? Are you ready for a change but you don\’t know how? I will be with you on your amazing journey to the …
Photo: Lake Baikal I grew up living on stunning and unique Lake Baikal in Siberia, surrounded by magnificent mountains and wild, boundless taiga. Baikal is the deepest and most ancient lake on the planet, holding one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. In the pine forests of the north, white tigers prowl the shores and in …
For me as a former competitive swimmer, swimming always was and still is the best work out. I also discovered that being immersed in water is one of the best ways to relieve stress and tension. Whatever bad happened with you during the day, the fresh, clean, aqua blue water will wash your worries away. …
Snorkeling is one of the most fun ways to exercise and to see the beauty of the underwater world at the same time. Snorkeling itself improves overall strength and endurance, reduces stress, and burns about 300 calories an hour. It works out quads, hamstrings, calves, ankles, hip flexors, core, and shoulders. Snorkeling also increases our …