vlad.tribnet.com / Issue #155 / Opinion / Reading article...

Hi, my name is Scott Cook, and I live in Australia, where I was born. I have no Russian relatives, but plenty of Russian friends whom I have contacted over the years through their service on the ships of FESCO. These times have been great fun, with trips to 10-pin bowling, mini golf, parties aboard the ships, and just being friends.

I have come to respect and trust Russians more that my own Australian people. They always go out of their way to help me, and make me feel like I was part of their family or crew.

The best time of my life was when I was invited aboard a Russian container ship to sail with them down the coast of Australia. It was there that I really made some great friends and got to live the way Russian sailors do.

I try to keep in touch with my friends, but during the times they are at sea, it is often very hard to stay in touch and find out what they have been doing.

But I do read your newspaper. I find it very enlightening, and also it makes me feel as if I am in Vladivostok with my friends.

I haven’t ever been to Russia, but I do hope one day to get to Vladivostok. My dream would be to go by container ship, but alas, this is very expensive, so I can’t see it happening in the near future.

For those of you who may not know, the Pallada and Nadezhda have set sail for Australia, and in particular, Tasmania, where I live, and I will be helping to coordinate and look after the cadets of those ships. Rest assured that they will be looked after very well, with a wide range of activities organised for the cadets and crew of these majestic vessels.

If anyone who reads this has friends or relatives on board, feel free to e-mail me, and I will pass on any messages. Also if you wish to send them a letter, you may use my home address and I will endeavour to pass the letters on to those concerned.

I wish to finish by saying a big hello to all my friends in Vladivostok.

Scott Cook
113-17 Albert Road
Moonah, Tasmania
Australia 7009
cooksg@southcom.com.au