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In more than twenty years
I haven’t leave my town. So who could tell you about it better than me? My
hometown is an unknown place for you so I’ll try to describe it without
tormenting you overly much. I apologize, but some statistics are necessary
(I hate them myself, so only the bare minimum will be used). It interested me to
learn that the Saratov region occupies over 100 thousand square kilometers. The
Volga River divides it into two parts: the east part is covered with hills and
woods, the west one is low and plain. Have you ever been to Texas? Well,
it looks a little similar with the endless fields, oil derricks, gas extraction, and
herds of cattle. You probably wouldn't want to waste your time visiting
that part of region. The only thing I’d like to see there is a field of wild
tulips in the beginning of May.
While reading the information about Saratov I
was surprised to learn how long it was. If you sit in a car and
drive from one end of the town to the other, it’s 50
kilometers long! The entire territory is 378 square kilometers.
The population isn’t too big, only about 900 thousand. Stop!
That's enough statistics.
During my English lessons I ask
the students to tell about their native towns. Now I've given myself the same
task and I hardly have an idea what to I write. How to avoid banalities? Sure, I
could write about several universities, theatres, museums… etc., but almost
every town has the same set of sights. What special is here, a thing that it
would be impossible to find in any other place? All of my foreign friends who
visited me said that Saratov is a wonderful town with a warm soul and
particular charm. But you need facts, not emotions. Here is an idea! Do
you know the first cosmonaut’s name? If you are an American, I’m sure, your
answer will be Armstrong. Wrong answer. Y. Gagarin was the first man in the
space . He landed near Saratov and now there is a monument at that
place. Gagarin studied in the industrial collage and flew his first airplane in
Saratov.
There is a good Russian proverb
which says, "It’s better see once than hear seven times".
So if you are interested just peak
Saratov Gallery at Cozy's
or
Saratov city gallery.
I’m afraid that my tale will grow too
long if I don't stop here. I hope to receive your stories about your native
towns or the places you've visited. Show me (and others of course) the world you
live in. Let’s dream about travels!
Irina
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