Month: October 2011

Cup of Chicory and the Solemn World…

The more I dwell into Turkish news and the more I dig into Eastern news! The more that I realize that the Western news is total 100% corporate/government controlled. That is a sad thing because it seems that everyone has a desire to believe the corporate folly. It seems that people simply follow the implied leader and jump off the cliff with that leader…

This morning the news is some of the stupidest crud that I have seen in a long time. It is simply ignorant. From almost a thousand doctors in Israel not showing up to work. From unsaid thousands, upon thousands, upon thousands and upon thousands protesting in America. From Egypt getting ready to explode again, with the persecution of Christians. The stock markets are continuing the roller coaster ride of death and mayhem. Looks like pretty soon that the up and down pattern of the markets will reach a crescendo that will send everything flying high into the sky and when it all comes back down, crash will be a nice term…

Also I had to smile this morning. All to typical of a bully like America, when the bully gets his way and gets what is coming to him! Then he reverses direction and starts whining and crying about how unfair life is…

So now in a political play of stupidity America is going to approve legislation to punish China for alleged currency manipulation widely blamed in America for costing American jobs…

Costing American jobs? Okay – I get it! That is what you want to believe and what they are telling you. This is a good political play on sheep in their homes. But once again America needs to look in the mirror and that is where she will see the image of the fool…

It dawned on me today! The USA needs to just go away and hide behind her borders. The USA needs to leave the world stage and stop the crying. The USA needs to quit being a bully and a poor pitiful me country. The problems that America has, are caused not by the world but by the foolishness and stupidity of America herself. I realize that the World would be affected at first but then the world would adapt and grow all the more because the Bully and crybaby would be gone…

I had a saying when I grew up. “When the going gets tough – The tough get going!”…

I use that saying in my life. So after six heart attacks, two divorces, the loss of several offspring, going from rags to riches/riches to rags and numerous other devastation issues. I just get up and dust myself off and start all over again. I always thought it was the American way. Don’t blame others for what you do to yourself…

So today Sveta and I are walking to a mosque near by us. I have been studying Turkey religions and of course it is predominately Muslim. I find all religions are fascinating and the need to study them is great. Being a graduate from a Baptist University I find that other religious sects hold a strong interest to me. It allows me to see what is right, wrong and comparable to what my so called beliefs are suppose to be centered on…

That is my thoughts today over a cup or two of chicory and that cup of chicory was wonderful. Just as it is wonderful to be sitting in Turkey contemplating life…

Have a nice day!

Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia!

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ИТАР-ТАСС : Libyan scenario should not be taken as model – Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov
Image via Wikipedia

MOSCOW, October 10 (Itar-Tass) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed confidence that the Libyan scenario applied by the West should not be taken as a model for solving similar internal political conflicts.

“We have been concerned about the statements of the NATO leaders saying that the Libyan model should be taken as an example for the future,” he said in an interview with the Profile weekly.

“It’s bad that our colleagues believe so, as the Libyan model is a gross violation of the UN Security Council’s decisions, i.e. violation of the international law,” he said.

“Russia has never questioned the right of the Libyan people for better future,” he said. “From the very beginning we maintained contacts with the Transitional National Council notably that happened at the early stage of the crisis and we heard assurances that Libya wants to remain a friendly country for Russia. This fully meets our interests.”

“And we’ve heard, including public statements of the new Libyan authorities that their international obligations will be fulfilled,” Lavrov said. “Now, of course, it is early to speak about this on the practical level, because their short-term tasks are to stabilise the situation and to end military operations.”

“When the Libyan people find out how to live further, I am confident that we will discuss in practice with the new authorities the ways of our cooperation,” Lavrov said.

via ИТАР-ТАСС : Libyan scenario should not be taken as model – Lavrov.

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Hummingbird Hawk-moths in Turkey…

Where ever I go I am always the biologist. My degree is in biology and I have a profound love for all things nature. I am constantly looking for that little creature that will tickle my fancy…

Well today in comes the Hummingbird Hawk-moth a close relative to the Hummingbird Moth in North America. I was so excited and I even was able to get some good picture of them while they fed on some beautiful flowers…

I will post two of the pictures here on Windows to Russia. I do not have anyway of doing a stop gap flash picture to stop the wings in flight. So I have to live with the fastest speed that my camera will do. It catches the body good but the wings are too fast… 🙂

Sveta and I were so blessed to have seen them and they even were nice enough to stay around long enough for me to get some pictures. They are so cool…

The Hummingbird Hawk-Moths were not the only thing that Sveta and I found interesting. This next picture tell a tale of another species of animal that lives on this planet. The species called man..

As you can see we found a normal human situation. If you can get just a little more on that truck? We can make a little more money… 🙂

I find it interesting to see what humans will do when they can get away with it. I have no idea what they are hauling around. But they are hauling a lot of what ever it is. This is common to see a truck in Turkey loaded so full and there is a guy sitting on top while it runs down the road. He spends his time pushing power-lines up so that the truck can navigate the city streets. They crawl around the streets like a turtle looking for food. Other words not very fast…

They are having a drink and a rest before they carry on with their business as you can see them sitting in the shade. It is a hot day…

So there you have two different species living on the same planet. The Hummingbird Hawk-moths could care less about the over grown, overloaded and old truck. Just as the two guys with the truck could careless that just around the corner is some of the most fantastic little creatures that dart and float just like a Hummingbird looking for food…

That is what makes this world so wonderful and I am so glad that I get to see things as they are…

Kyle and Sveta
Windows to Russia!

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5 years in Russia…

You could say it is an anniversary for Sveta and I. 5 years ago Sveta and I were putting the finishing touches on packing for Russia. I was making the decisions of what to keep and not keep. It is not an easy decision to make. You have only so much that you can take and that is that…

It was a sad and happy mixture of emotions. After 5 years I have no regrets and that is what counts… 🙂

I remember that I was surprised that Seta had no desire to come to America. She had already made a trip to America a few months earlier. I allowed her to contemplate her own destiny and thoughts about America. Sveta and I took a long trip across America and traveled thousands upon of miles. I wanted Sveta to see what America was about. From sea to shining sea…

Sveta was more than home sick for Mother Russia and I understood that she could never leave her country. As to the fact that we really cared for each other and we knew that we should be together. I had to enlist a General friend of mine to cut the red tape, that was literally impossible to wade through. I will be forever indebted to that General and his relentless help to make sure that I got to full fill my dream…

Traveling the world is different when you travel on a tourist passport compared to a diplomatic passport. One thing that I am thankful for is that when I travel to another country now, I do not have to tell anyone who, what, where and why. Least of all I tell my country where I am. That you will learn very quickly is a No – No – No…

I travel with Sveta under my own pretenses and my life is my life… 🙂

So as I sit here and sip that cup of chicory and contemplate life. As I sit here and get ready to go swimming in the deep blue sea. As I talk to my son in America and hear all that he is accomplishing. As Sveta talks to her son and hears about how Boza the dog is doing and how Misha’s girlfriend is doing. As we watched a beautiful thunderstorm this morning, refresh the air and now the sun is out like a sparkling diamond, glinting off the sea…

We (Sveta and I) realize that 5 years ago when Sveta came to America and decided that America was not the place for her. Then my decision to uproot my life and adopt Russia as my second home. That was the start of a new life for both Sveta and I…

But I am the one who was blessed. Someone higher up, must think that I did something correct at one time in my life. For life is as good as it gets and having my sweetie by my side, is the icing on the cake…

Kyle and Sveta
Windows to Russia!

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New Visa Regime Between Russia and the USA…

The Russian government approved a draft agreement with the U.S., which implies the simplification of visa regime between the two countries. It is assumed that in the near future will exchange relevant dipnotami. The changes relate to both tourist and business visas. Their duration will increase from one year to three years.

On Friday, the government approved a draft agreement with the United States and a note of the Russian side, which implies the simplification of visa regime between the two countries, “Interfax”.

According to the document, businessmen and tourists will get multiple entry visas valid for three years to stay longer than six months per visit, and officials of both governments – the annual multi-entry visas if they stay in the U.S. no more than three months date of each entry.

Now most are issued multiple entry visas valid for one year. In rare cases, be issued single entry visa valid for 3 months. At the interview at the embassy for an additional fee you can apply for a visa valid for 2 years.

According to the note, diplomatic missions and consular offices of the parties should decide to issue a visa within 15 days. In some cases this period may be extended as well as reduced to three working days. Currently, the visa processing time is 7 to 30 days depending on how busy the Consulate.

The draft document states that the diplomatic mission, in considering the issuance of visas may apply for a visa application in addition to additional information to confirm the purpose of travel and the availability of funds for it.

The document emphasizes that the competent authorities of each of the parties still have the right to refuse to grant a visa, to cancel the visa denial of entry or exit of citizens of the other party, or restrict them to remain in its territory in accordance with domestic law.

Recall the agreement to ease visa regime has been made during the July visit to Washington, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Following the talks with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, he said that an agreement will be signed later this year.

It is assumed that a note of Russia and the response of the U.S. Embassy and note constitute an Agreement which will enter into force 30 days after receiving written notification of the completion of formal procedures.

In early October, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Ann Stock, said that U.S. officials hope that an agreement on visas with Russia, will come into force soon.

“We hope that very soon the agreement is approved,” – said the stock, according to ITAR-TASS.

That, in fact, it is up to Russia, and America is waiting for the Russian authorities are ready to begin implementing the agreement, the Russian told reporters on condition of anonymity, the representative of the American administration.

“In fact, we are now waiting for a response from Russia”, – he said, RIA “Novosti”.

However, the complete abolition of the visa regime of the question. In March, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin suggested that U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, to make a “historic step” and to abolish visas at all.

“This is a good idea,” – said Biden, but refused to comment further.

More specifically, the initiative on the eve of Putin said in his blog, the U.S. ambassador in Moscow, John Byerly. According to him, the State Department prepared to issue visas to Russians for 10 years, “but this and the other party must be prepared to issue visas to Americans with the same period of validity.”

“Countries should increase the opportunities for mutual visits and the duration of the degree of flexibility in their planning”, – said ambassador.

Byerly said that last year the number of Russians who received U.S. visas, more than in 2004 twice.

Experts believe that the visa-free regime between Russia and the United States is necessary, but in the foreseeable future is unlikely to be reached.

“The introduction of visa-free regime between Russia and the U.S. need to move our bilateral relations to another level. While it is difficult to imagine, but, in principle, I believe that it is possible “, – considers the head of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy (CFDP), Russia, Sergei Karaganov.

“The parties will, of course, work in this direction, but it is clear that if the 70s still can not repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment, not to mention the abolition of the visa regime”, – told the director VIEW Institute of Strategic Studies Sergei Oznobishchevю

Windows to Russia!

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Cup of Chicory and some Turkey Thinking’s…

Sitting here in Turkey and sipping that cup of chicory. Yes, I brought chicory with me from Russia. So far it was a smart thing to do. I have not seen any chicory in the stores here and I decided that I have had enough coffee and will get back to my chicory. I went and bought a non dairy creamer (Carnation) and am happy happy happy…

So now I am back doing some thinking’s over my cup of chicory…

I have to say that the war drums have increased 10 fold over Syria and the West is beating them loud. Looks like the only big countries that have any sense is Russia and China and I was very happy to see that they stuck together so far on Syria. The Western propaganda has all you Western people thinking that Syria needs to be saved and that like Libya we need to save them. Well sorry, but all we did in Libya was help a bunch of slime get into power and kill thousands upon thousands of people who did not deserve to die by the Western hands…

So maybe Russia and China do not want to see innocents slaughtered in the name of humanitarian aid. Syria does not deserve that and everyone needs to stay away. Especially in the interference part. Don’t kid yourself America, They do not want your brutal style of democracy. It means death from the heavens…

Also as I have said before the war drums over Pakistan have really gotten loud and it is starting to look like war is on its way with Pakistan. Pakistan is plain tired of the American crap interference. I say take our money and get the hell out of Pakistan and allow the world to be a safer place…

The beach this morning was great…

The waves were huge and smashing everyone into the ground. It was so much fun but I finally had to get out and quit swallowing salt water. Forget salting food you get more than enough from the sea… 🙂

Another thing that is fabulous here is the Mosques. They all have loud speakers on them and they blast the chanting like prayers. It is so beautiful and very pleasant to listen to. From what I understand Islam is the largest religion in Turkey accounting for over 90% of the people. I am listening right now to a prayer time. It seems to be 5 times a day and they really are very beautiful chanting. It is akin to the bells ringing in Russia at the Orthodox churches and the Orthodox chant all the time also. This kind of things just makes the trip worth it. I enjoy seeing and understanding other cultures. People who do not accept other people different from them, worry me…

Communicating with people all over the world humbles me and makes me realize that I as an American raised person, we do not have the tools taught to us to deal properly with the world. America should be working a lot harder at making our children much more worldly instead of behind closed doors…

That is enough for today. Lunch is about ready and then it is time to walk the town a little bit. This is one of the most pleasant places I have ever been and it has definitely been good for the heart and soul…

Kyle and Sveta
Windows to Russia!

PS: The last few days Windows to Russia has been rocked by hits. It seems to be holding up on the hosting end. If it gets slow just be patient because believe you me we are pushing the limits of the host these last few days. The market posts have gone crazy… 🙂

Thanks Everyone…

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Russia and Venezuela are two of the oil giants of this planet…

I found it interesting that Chavez stirred the worlds interest once again. He has fought a battle against cancer and seems to be winning or at least in remission. He is now expressing what everyone thinks and what everyone would do if they had a chance…

The idea is to create a organization of just the 4 or 5 largest oil producing countries. This would be in conjunction with OPEC. Now he specified Russia and Venezuela as the beginning countries…

Don’t you know that the calls for hate Russia and Venezuela will build like a proverbial storm in the summer…

The bothersome issue is that as usual, Chavez is correct and that will not go over well with the Western Empire… 🙂

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Still Recovering from Market day in Turkey…

Today we are trying to recover from the most wonderful day of price haggling we have ever done. They do not haggle over pricing like this in Russia. This is why I brought an extra suitcase to bring home the bounty that we find…

The market here works like this: Find something you like. Ask for price. They then ask, “Euro, Dollars or Lira?” Then You tell them your flavor of money and they then ask, “Where you from?” Then you say USA or Russia and they say, “Me from Turkey! and they smile…” Then you ask price again! Then they tell you a price that would make you laugh at how high it is. Then starts the process of haggling…

Lets say they want $100 for a item. Then you automatically say No! $10 is too much. They look pained and say $80 dollars and then you look appalled and say $20 but only because it is fine goods. They ignore you and play with the calculator. (Like they are figuring the last penny!) They then say $70 dollars and my family will starve. You say it is wonderful but being that you are a broke American, $30 and that is final. They wait until you try to walk away and they then lower the price to $50! You say I am still insulted and the item is worth it but you are not rich. Then walk away and they holler $40 dollars. Then you say, Okay but I want two shirts and the second one for $30. Then they agree with a pained expression but say that since you look like you maybe mafia,you can have such a cheap price. Just lets hope my family does not starve… 🙂

You and him are happy people, because everyone wins…

It is so much fun and Sveta and I had a blast…

The market was huge and covered several kilometers of territory. The photo above is the entrance and it just goes on forever. We walked so much yesterday that I am having issues with walking today…

So I am just going to relax today and swim, read, write a article and hug my sweetie pie…

Kyle and Sveta
Windows to Russia!

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It is Wednesday: Market Day in Turkey…

Dream House in Turkey...

There are times you find that perfect spot to live. Sveta and I have found one of the most beautiful little homes near the beach for sell. We found it as we walked around yesterday. It is made of real tile block. You know the type of ceramic block with a glazed side that faces the world. It has a patio roof and also a swimming pool. All within a shrub-ed wall for privacy…

It is just a stone throw from the beach and it needs a happy owner. Sometimes I wish I was rich. For in this case I would try to get this place. Probably just as well that I am not rich, for I would have a home in every country that that I visit. Especially this country. It is unbelievably cheap to live! Someone could retire here and live happily forever after… 🙂

Enough of that because it will not happen. Besides Moscow is very cheap living (contrary to popular opinion) and I love my Winters…

Sveta took a picture of the breakfast food this morning…

We could not have picked a better place to stay. The only issue that I have is that the coffee is so good I have fallen off the bandwagon and am drinking coffee for breakfast. Turkey just ruined me with having good coffee. That is one thing about Russia, coffee is not their “Cup of tea” so to say… 🙂

Well we are going swimming then we have a market to go to. It is time to replace my T-shirts and such. Turkey has large sizes for big guys and that is good for me. I can even easily find shoes in Turkey…

Have a nice day and we will talk to everyone later…

Kyle and Sveta
Windows to Russia!

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Mediterranean Sea is Exquisite…

As I said we are staying at the Happy Dreams Hotel in Turkey. It is only a three star hotel but is very adequate. The pictures above is our room, the beach and some fishermen trying to catch the big one…

We thought that the picture of the two men fishing was perfect with the sunset. I am trying to see if I can find a waterproof unit for our camera, or a waterproof camera. The water is just full of aquatic life and is clear to a tremendous depth. I would like to get some pictures of all the fish that we can see…

Once again I am sitting on the balcony of the hotel room. It is about 18 Celsius tonight and a slight breeze off the water. The water to swim in is about 28 Celsius and is perfect swimming water. The daytime temperature is around 24 Celsius and no humidity…

We are going to be going to see an old fortress in a few days and that will be really cool. There is a huge market every Wednesday. It is within walking distance of our hotel and we plan on going to that and see what all they have to sell. The prices are so cheap here for cloths that I am going to stock up on items. I have lots of cloths from Turkey now because Russia is a huge trade partner with Turkey. Since the cloths are dirt cheap here, I packed a suit case within a suitcase. So we have two suitcases to take cloths home if need be. Now I am glad I did that. They also have a huge fur factory and a leather cloths factory nearby.  Now Russians love both as clothes and they allow you to tour these plants before buying. Sveta may just find that perfect fur coat to take home… 🙂

I can already tell that this trip will be over before we know it. But we are going to enjoy it to the max…

Have a good day and night!

Kyle and Sveta
Windows to Russia!

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