I have always felt as if the world was mine to experience, and so I set out travelling the world as a young teenager. However, ever since I was a child I have long been fascinated with the history, language and culture of Russia, an no place Ive ever been to has made such a lasting impression on me.

I finally decided to come to Russia because I fell in love with a beautiful girl, and political relations being as they are, it was far easier for me to come to Russia than it was for her to remain in the States.

Everything I knew about Russia was measurably the same as any average American citizen: what we see in the news, film and other forms of media. And while the media can be a tad on the negative side, I knew that I was in for a surprise... but what a surprise it was and continues to be!

I was afraid that there would be a strong animosity towards me as an American, but that proved to be an unfounded paranoia. The phrase "Russian hospitality" is common and well known in America, but I learned very quickly that our ideas of such an ideal didn't even come close.

When I arrived, I didnt know a lick of Russian. I knew the alphabet, but had virtually no vocabulary outside of what I remembered from books and movies. I was amazed how willing the people here are to help someone. Though I have met a few people who are not too keen on American politics, I havent met anyone with a hatred for the American people, or who were unwilling to help me when I needed it.

A good example would be on the journey here from Moscow. After completing the training program in Moscow, my company sent me here by train. I was terrified! I thought to myself: "My God! What if someone tried to talk with me? What if I'm stuck in a cabin with someone who doesn't like foreigners?"

As it turns out, I was stuck in a cabin with someone who didn't speak English. I do not remember his name any longer, but I do remember he was returning from visiting his mother who lived in a village outside of Moscow, and that he was a captain in the police force here in Ekaterinburg. He understood that I was not Russian and I'm sure that it was a near immediate revelation.

However, he tried to teach me some words. As we looked out the window, he would point things out to me, and tell me how to say it in Russian. He shared the lunch he had brought for himself. He really made an effort to try and make me comfortable; partly I think it was after he saw my reaction when the words "milititzia" left his lips.

I've been living here for two and a half years now, and I've accumulated countless stories of the same experiences. I was very impressed by this city itself and the rapid pace in which it is growing and improving. I've met some wonderful people, founded some strong relationships, and been welcomed with open arms into families.

My life in Russia has been an experience of a life time, and I hope that it has only just begun!

Justin Yeager, USA. Teacher of English as a second language, translator. Ekaterinburg.

We welcome comments and appreciate your feedback. Share your own opinion with us: news@e1.ru