14/08/2012
Siberia.
The freezing wasteland that served as a continent-sized prison for so many years. So atrocious it was considered a hellish place, a punishment for the worse sins you can imagine. That's what history taught me. Thats what russian novels taught me. And then, like a child told not to do something, I went there.
What I found was quite different.
Living in Akademgorodok is, in fact, a real treat.
Imagine peaceful suburbia meets scientific town.
Imagine imagine youthful spirit meets old soviet buildings surrounded by nature.
Imagine being so far away from everything else meets a thriving and innovative tecnological and business environment.
Can you? Can you really?
You can't.
I will tell you a little about what my personal experience here was.
My job is part of the business oriented side of a fast growing IT company. Everyone is very helpful and make an effort so you can have the best possible results in whatever you are doing. I was even lucky enough to experience my company moving to a beautiful brand new Technological Park, which only comes to show how much development this place currently enjoys.
Are you still worried about, for instance, the unbearable cold? The vast nothingness beyond the forest? Lack of things to do? Well, I came here in May. Common sense told me to bring an assortment of coats. They have been collecting dust in my wardrobe. Consistent sunny, 20-30 degrees celsius weather, and
…
wait for it
…
beach.
Yes, beach.
Plus, a quick bus ride away from Akademgorodok we can find Novosibirsk, the 3rd largest city in Russia. In both places you can find interesting places to spend a weekend afternoon and an exciting nightlife.
For the sake of being brief, this description ends here. So much more to tell, though. I recommend you try it for yourself.
José Araújo, 23, Portuguese