My Russia Memoirs; My Thoughts, Impressions and Experiences, By Amb Adichie Izuchukwu

Part 1.

By Amb Adichie Izuchukwu

SYNOPSIS:  Before now, thoughts of my thoughts about the FIFA World Cup competition rarely went beyond capturing the games, moments and side attractions via virtual channels – television, YouTube and social media. Even though I had always looked forward to experiencing the world beyond the confines of Nigeria, Russia wasn’t on the cards and certainly not the World Cup as a global competition.

"Russia" was certainly not on my travel itinerary.

However when a chance came via an executive order from my principal, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah make a trip to Europe with him and over 53 others, an opportunity to be a live witness of the worlds’ most glamorous sport event and most importantly an all-expense paid trip to tour a country presided over by the worlds’ most powerful (and maybe) richest man, President Vladimir V. Putin.

Notwithstanding everything said and heard about Russia, it turned out to be a tremendously impressive country, rich in heritage sites, rich in history and beautiful in outlay / environmental planning.

TAKE OFF:  The date was Thursday, June 14, 2018. The original flight was Lufthansa, Germany’s national carrier. Takeoff time was 22:35GMT with arrival in Frankfurt, Germany scheduled for 9:25GMT. I was in company of my principal and senior colleagues, including: Chief of Staff; Chigozie Gerald Udogu and Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters; Barr. Chinedu Leonard. The plan was to conclude the final lap of the trip to Pulkovo, St. Petersburg, Russia on June 16, 2018 by 12:55GMT from Frankfurt.

Unfortunately, since I did not have a transit Visa, an American or UK to guarantee me a legitimate stop at Germany, the flight plan switched from Lufthansa to Qatar Airways. Thus, I missed Nigeria first game against Croatia played in Kaliningrad, Russia.

DRAMA:  The rescheduled day of our flight at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Lagos, which was on a Saturday didn’t pass without light drama as we almost missed the plane. Final boarding had been called. It was twenty minutes left before departure time yet Immigration officers were unhelpful - check-in system was near comatose. No electricity supply to power electronic checks. We were bluntly told to wait for twenty minutes for “light to come”. With no alternative power supply, it took a staff of Qatar Airways to remedy the situation after which we flew to Doha, Qatar.

DOHA:  After a stop in Doha’s Hamad International Airport at 23:35GMT, we proceeded to Domodedovoa International Airport, Moscow, Russia arriving on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at exactly 02.50GMT. On arrival, we proceeded to connect the final destination via Siberia Airlines’ flight S7 at 10:05GMT, arriving Pulkovo, St. Petersburg by 11:40GMT.

IMPRESSION:  Immediately, many thoughts of Russians greeted me. I wasn't really concerned about the modern technologies and cosmetic glowing of Doha. I was more interested in seeing how open Russia is.

Russia, a war veteran nation, is also a communist state. I awakened my consciousness and was on the lookout for traces of racism, cultural diversity, religious intolerance, inter government relationship with her citizens, the local economy. Yes, there were race discrimination at Domodedovoa by the Airport officials. I was treated like a black man, they weren't friendly. Getting our connecting flight to St. Petersburg was very unpleasant but finally, I flew to Polkovo.

For accommodation, arrangement to lodge the over fifty-three member contingents of Football Made in Anambra at Salut V, Pulkovo Park. Salut V is a luxurious apartment of five blocks of twenty-three storey buildings located at the west of St. Petersburg and 2km away from Expo Forum, Hilton Hotels.

Part 2 To be cont'd...