Snapshot from Tatarstan

[peacetraveler22]

I don't know much about the Tatars, but I began to go through old photos I took in Kazan last year and noticed I have a lot of shots of locals walking the streets. I guess their appearance is highly unusual to me, even exotic to some extent. Here's just one example. About this girl (woman?), I know nothing, but find her intriguing. :)

What do I need to know about the Tatars, and this Republic of Russia? My host in this city spoke very little English, so it was difficult to learn a lot about the region from the native showing me around. Please share any interesting facts or insights. I struggle to understand why cities like Kazan are so much nicer than other parts of Russia? Is it because the region is rich in oil, and has more resources? Kazan is now my second favorite city, only Peter is more aesthetically pleasing. Both have very friendly locals, and Kazan has more English speakers than any other city I've visited. I guess because there are so many young students there, but it makes navigation in the city much easier for a foreign tourist like me...

Comments

Question

[bruce stores (from livejournal.com)]

Hi Shannon,

As one who has traveled extensively and lived in four countries (Guatemala, Vietnam, pre-revolution Iran, and now Mexico, I very much enjoyed your travel journals. But that is not what brought me to your site.

I grew up in Arlington Va. in the 1950's (yes, I'm older than dirt.) In those years I had a very close friendship with James Edward McKeon who I had been searching for over many decades. I also learned he had a daughter named Shannon, which brought me to your site. Is it possible he was your father or you have a different relation with him?

If not, then viewing your many travel photos in your Journal made this visit worthwhile and please accept my best wishes.

Sincerely,

Bruce Stores, rbstores@hotmail.com

Re: Question

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Hello! Thanks for your message, but I don't know anyone named James Edward McKeon, and he is not a part of my family. Good luck in your search to find him!