Olga and Alexei: Russyans on Move

      Returning from the Vatican Mayor's Conference, I sat with a Russyan family: father, mother, and little son, about 4 years old.  The plane was full(as always), and it was a late day departure time.  After the meal, the husband, Alexei got up and went to the rear of the main cabin.  Immediately, Olga raised the arm rests across their 3 seats and stretched out, seeking a little sleep.  Little Pieter then curled up next to Mother and dropped off to sleep.  A bonus for all nearby passengers, including me.  These 11 hour non-stops can be grueling, especially if situated in unfriendly circumstances(troublesome seatmates).  But, the little fellow did sleep, Olga also found dreamland, and the time went by (with 3 movies-all dull).
      As we approached SFO, I asked Olga how her travel experience was going with Pieter.  She explained that they had left Moscova earlier in the day and that he has been doing well.  They have made this trip several times already since moving to the Bay Area, which they love.  Alexei works in the tech world of Silicon Valley, and they have been fortunate in their timing with employment and locations.  As young 30 somethings, they are on a good life path.
      She was most curious about my opinion of Mad Vlad the Putin.  I explained that I had recently read Karen Dawishe's book Putin's Kleptocracy and thus knew of his KGB past, his sordid St. Petersburg exploits, his steps to the presidency of the new Russyan Federation.  Olga seemed surprised at my knowledge of the Russyan president; but she understood when I explained that I had an academic interest in modern Russyan history.   She reserved her response to a simple acceptance, obviously not willing to share much more.

Curious Vlad