Sibirsky Extreme 2012 - The Toughest Ride of Them All

[Colebatch]

Originally Posted by Blackbert

There is something. I don't know what it is, but it's not coincidence. It happens on a regular basis. Things go pear shaped and because of that, you meet the right person or end up in a wonderfull place. Karma?

A structured, meaningful coincidence. A series of seemingly random events that when put together create a definite outcome ... Its called Synchronicity .... thanks to Carl Jung

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronicity

[Colebatch]

Originally Posted by 2WheelieADV

I noticed that Swedish and Norwegians folks are fluent in English as it's like their native language. Is this what you speak in your country?

There are some nationalities that as an entire nation are fluent in English as non native speakers.

The Dutch are number 1. Best non native english speakers in the world ... Prutser and Beamster were obviously totally fluent.

Followed by Swedes and Norwegians. Older Swedes and Norwegians dont speak much english, the younger ones are almost all fluent. Our boys here are middle aged Nordmenn but all very good with their English.

In Holland everyone leans FOUR languages in school ... Dutch (of course), English, German and French.

These days in Europe, everyone learns English in schools. When a Swede talks to a Norwegian, they will probably speak in English (sometimes Swedish if the Norwegian isnt ashamed to admit he speaks Svensk). When a Italian checks into a hotel in Czech Republic, he will talk in English. When a Dutchman talks to anyone anywhere outside of Holland or Flanders, he will speak English.

I know loads of mixed language couples (like a Frenchman married to Russian living in Poland) and they speak English to each other.

English is just like the common language of Europe.

We native speakers are spoiled ... thats why we are lazy.

[just jeff]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

A structured, meaningful coincidence. A series of seemingly random events that when put together create a definite outcome ... Its called Synchronicity .... thanks to Carl Jung

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronicity

OR: serendipity, The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way-Websters
Regards....justjeff

[stemic01]

Originally Posted by EtronX

Out of Krasnoyarsk we passed this old relic. A reminder of long gone and sometimes tense days.

EtronX: When I came to Krasnoyarsk and met the guys at one of the local biker clubs they had also invited a translator. This was a very nice elderly man who spoke english pretty well. He was still working a bit as a teacher. It turned out that he had been working at one of the missile plants here in Krasnoyarsk. So here I found myself meeting one of the guys who actually made these long distance rockets which we in the west feared in our younger years. He told stories about how it was to live and work here during the Soviet days. It was really fascinating to speak with this guy. I had some really amazing meetings with people here in Krasnoyarsk. The bikers were exceptional and let us stay at their club house, made a barbeque for us and use the garage for preparing the bikes for BAM! I totally agree with EtronX regarding the Russian people - it did really amaze me and I had to put aside a lot of my prejudices. What a journey!

[ROD CURRIE]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

There are some nationalities that as an entire nation are fluent in English as non native speakers.

The Dutch are number 1. Best non native english speakers in the world ... Prutser and Beamster were obviously totally fluent.


English is just like the common language of Europe.

We native speakers are spoiled ... thats why we are lazy.

I think it's worse than that Walter. We Brits are shamefully embarrassed anywhere we go and the Dutch and Scandinavians are the best at making us (rightfully) feel that way. I'm constantly, cringingly appalled by the behavious of the Brits and yes, Americans too who expect not to have to put the tiniest effort in to international travel. I'm guilty too as I only learned a few words of Russian and the alphabet before I went.

Nyedalako? nyet..zdyez! Khorosho!!

[gsd4me]

I have more than enough trouble getting English words out without trying to learn another language.

[Erik RS]

So shame on the Aussies also

[ROD CURRIE]

All.
This seems like an opportune time to step back from the thread and let the guys actually participating in Chapter 3 tell the story without the distraction of posts from my ride across Russia.

Once they get to ...wherever they get to () I'll put put up the story of the ride across and onward to the UK via Moscow and Tony P.
If anyone's interested, the bike was faultless all the way and I ran the same tyres all the way home. 9000 miles in all.

Thanks everyone for your kind comments, questions and PMs. If you have any more Qs either stick 'em up on the thread or PM me. Cheers.


Now. WTF happened next ??RC

[levain]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

We native speakers are spoiled ... thats why we are lazy.

So true, but unfortunately, as English speakers, we don't see it that way which leads to our ignorance that Rod has alluded to.

[Frey Bentos]

This thread has gone beyond the realms of epic. I love the cast of thousands.

[Eldezento]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

There are some nationalities that as an entire nation are fluent in English as non native speakers.

The Dutch are number 1. Best non native english speakers in the world ... Prutser and Beamster were obviously totally fluent.

Followed by Swedes and Norwegians. Older Swedes and Norwegians dont speak much english, the younger ones are almost all fluent. Our boys here are middle aged Nordmenn but all very good with their English.

In Holland everyone leans FOUR languages in school ... Dutch (of course), English, German and French.

These days in Europe, everyone learns English in schools. When a Swede talks to a Norwegian, they will probably speak in English (sometimes Swedish if the Norwegian isnt ashamed to admit he speaks Svensk). When a Italian checks into a hotel in Czech Republic, he will talk in English. When a Dutchman talks to anyone anywhere outside of Holland or Flanders, he will speak English.

I know loads of mixed language couples (like a Frenchman married to Russian living in Poland) and they speak English to each other.

English is just like the common language of Europe.

We native speakers are spoiled ... thats why we are lazy.

There is another reason for learning english, too: Hollywood
Due to economics most movies get not translated to czech, greek, and even svensk, whereas every movie is synchronized to german, spanish,... So if you live in a small country (exactly: small population) you will see every blockbuster in english. When you are just 4 years old, you cannot read your own language, but you can follow to english movies.
so there is no wondering that people from eastern Europe a often speaking english much better then Germans or Austrians, like me: Although I learned it in school, I was not forced to speak or understand it in real life, apart from holidays in other countries. but this forum is my best training now

[kyns]

Originally Posted by Eldezento

There is another reason for learning english, too: Hollywood
Due to economics most movies get not translated to czech, greek, and even svensk, whereas every movie is synchronized to german, spanish,... So if you live in a small country (exactly: small population) you will see every blockbuster in english.

The reason some countryes do NOT DUB movies... is not economics. Dubbing is soooo uncool. I would hate to watch a Hollywood movie with Finnish dubbing, no way. To hear the original actors voice, is part of the experience, that's why we use subtitles.

[ROD CURRIE]

Originally Posted by Frey Bentos

This thread has gone beyond the realms of epic. I love the cast of thousands.

Hey FB.
Just reading your Scotland for the Brave report.

I'm trying not to guffaw out loud (did but told wifey I was sneezing) as wifey is sitting behind me and thinks I'm doing her Mum's birthday card on Moonpig...

sshhhh...

[CharlestonADV]

Originally Posted by just jeff

Battery life aside, its probably better to burn up a cheap aircompressor than an expensive starter! Check out www.cyclepump.com for a quality electric pump.
Regards....justjeff

This is a terrific piece of gear. I've owned one for 5 years and it has always performed flawlessly.

[Motorrev]

Rod,

Sure going to miss you and your great writing and photography. Glad to know you made it home without any mishaps. Stay in touch and looking forward to your ride home report. THANKS! for your great contribution to this amazing report!!
Cheers,
Bob