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Leyf SermanSwedish journalist finds second home in Russia
Country:
 Sweden |
Content:
- Leif Serman: A Swedish Journalist Finds a Home in Russia
- A Serendipitous Encounter
- Overcoming Language Barriers and Cultural Differences
- Facing the Unknown
- The Lure of Russian Culture
- A Name Born from Adversity
- Citizenship and Political Ambitions
Leif Serman: A Swedish Journalist Finds a Home in Russia
Leif Serman, a Swedish journalist, found not only love but also a second home in Russia. For the past decade, he has resided with his wife, Lyudmila, in a cozy apartment in the historic German district of Zelenogradsk. This seaside town has become the descendant of Vikings' adopted hometown.
A Serendipitous Encounter
Leif's journey to Russia began with a serendipitous meeting in April 1992. He met Lyudmila, a graduate of the prestigious Gorky Institute of Foreign Languages, at a business meeting. Despite an initial lack of chemistry, they began communicating regularly and realized their connection by the end of the year. Leif, driven by a sudden epiphany, made the bold decision to move to Russia permanently just before Christmas.
Overcoming Language Barriers and Cultural Differences
Leif and Lyudmila, despite their different native tongues, forged a bond through a linguistic mixture of English, French, and Bulgarian. Their marriage not only brought them together but also bestowed upon each of them fluency in multiple languages. They embraced the unique Russian cultural aspect of an open and spontaneous nature, where hospitality extended to offering beverages to guests regardless of their personal preferences.
Facing the Unknown
When Leif arrived in Russia in 1993, it was a time of great turmoil. However, he approached the situation with a journalistic eye and a thirst for adventure. Amidst the economic paradoxes and reports of mafia activity, Leif discovered a country undergoing significant transformation. He became deeply fascinated by the resilience of the Russian people and the potential he saw in the country's future.
The Lure of Russian Culture
Over time, Leif found himself immersed in the Russian way of life. He marveled at the warmth and spontaneity of his neighbors and appreciated the open and intimate nature of their conversations. The enigmatic question, "Do you respect me?" became a leitmotif in his daily interactions. However, one taboo topic remained: the sources of income and the enigmatic world of Russian business.
A Name Born from Adversity
The only encounter Leif had with the criminal underworld was the theft of his bag containing his documents in 1996. In a twist of fate, the bag was later returned by local boys. However, the incident led to Leif being issued a new passport with the name "Petrovich" added to his Western name. This unique choice, which raised eyebrows in Sweden, became a testament to his newfound connection to Russia.
Citizenship and Political Ambitions
After eight years of living in Russia, Leif made the decision to apply for citizenship. In 2001, he officially became a Russian citizen. He credits his good fortune and believes his luck has been holding ever since. Now, with the right to vote, Leif eagerly awaits the December elections, where he plans to witness the political landscape from the perspective of an ordinary citizen. His experience and temperament, he believes, could prove valuable in the Duma, where he sees a need for greater rationality and冷静.
