Поступок

Literally, this word means simply "action" or "deed" -- something that one does. However, its connotation is of something profound or great, something significant.


It's the end of my Russian summer, and this will most likely be my last post while in Russia. I have the rest of today, then tomorrow and Sunday to spend in the city, and then Sunday night at 9pm I'm heading to the airport.

I had an invitation to go to Moscow for a night, but I chose to spend that time here instead, seeing a couple of museums that I wanted to see (The Arctic/Antarctic museum, the Maritime Museum, and maybe the Railroad Museum), seeing the city, and mostly spending time with some of my new Russian friends. I wonder whether a younger me would have jumped at that chance to go to Moscow. But now I have friends in Russia, and most likely whenever I return here I would make a trip to Moscow. I'll see it eventually. Like I said several weeks ago, I'm starting to see the bigger picture as something not quite so intimidating and scary. I suppose that tends to happen as people grow and age, deal with life and experience, and begin to comprehend existence.

I had a good conversation with one such friend a couple of days ago as we walked around the lines and prospekts of Vasilevsky together, concerning the steps that one takes in life. He mentioned the word поступок, the title of this post, and he told me about an American short film he had heard of that concerns a young man (not older than 25) who decides to leave his job and ride a bicycle around America for a year, armed with a video camera. (I'll find the name of the film later, as I must go to lunch very soon.) Such a drastic thing to do, yes! But I told me friend (Sasha is his name), I understand that somewhat. In some way, all young people go through this process when they go out into the world, and it can be something like that poem Ithaca that I posted here last month. For me, I simply knew that I had to go out into the world, a feeling that I couldn't avoid. Russia for me has been a great experiment, and I will wrap up that idea further when I get home.

This is the end of my summer in Russia, but I have gained so much from the experience. All that's left now is a couple of days--exploring this afternoon, clubbing tonight, museums tomorrow, packing, spending time with friends, and that will have been two months. Where did these months go? I'm left with an ability to speak conversational Russian, some random souvenirs, over a thousand photos, memories, thoughts and epiphanies, perspectives, and many new friends (I met a guy from Hong Kong yesterday and we ended up talking for three hours). One day I will return here. I've learned so much!

I spoke with my 89-year-old grandfather in Washington DC yesterday about some of these things. He's experienced so much in his life; I can't wait to see him next week.

On to the next adventure.

But first, our last Russian Table lunch!