The Genesis

Picture this, an African guy (Zambian) in cold Mother Russia. Ok, let me start from the very, very, very beginning.

I was 19. It was a hot sunny day in October. Actually, it was on the 10th of October 2010 (10.10.2010). Lord knows I will never forget those 3 digits (10.10.10). I was at the Lusaka International Airport ready and anxiously waiting to get on my first flight (I know, I was 19 the first time I ever got on a plane, ha ha ha. Tough times in Africa folks, tough times!).

Every year, the Zambian government sends about 250 High School graduates to go and study in Russia at different Russian Universities. In 2010, I was one of the mmm “lucky” 250.

Like most of my peers, we all sat at the Airport Lounge with our families, excited but yet frightened because we all heard of how racist Russia is, especially to people of color. I was accompanied by my mother, brother and sister. I knew my mother was just as nervous as I was. I could feel her heart beat faster as the clock ticked on. Will my son be safe? Will my son survive in Russia's dreadfully cold weather? Will my son come back in a casket? Those were the questions that were written all over my Mother's face.

Saying good-bye is the hardest thing to do and it was that time. Gosh, I could feel my tears almost rolling down my cheeks but I couldn't let my young brother and sister see me (the big guy) cry -Oh hell no!

I said good bye to my family; I hugged them for the last time and grabbed my suitcase. This was it, man up or go home and you know big boys like me never back down from nothing and I mean NOTHING.

Watch out for Part 2 tomorrow.

PS - This is my very first post here.

Me speaking Russian and documenting my journey in Sochi, Russia (It's only in Russian Language).