A few days ago, I was scrolling through the E-Solutions WhatsApp status when I saw a question that looked like a harmless joke: “Ask your partner what the Strait of Hormuz is and see what you’re dating.”
I laughed, but then I stopped. It wasn’t the question itself that got me. It was the realization that I knew if I had asked that question in certain circles, the response wouldn’t be a clever political debate, it would be an empty stare. An unknowing kind of look.
Now, there’s no harm in not knowing the answer to the above question. I mean we all learn everyday but the real damage is if a person is really out of touch with the world around them due to lack of information.
Later that day, I was hanging out with my friends. I brought it up. We all knew what it was, but the conversation quickly shifted to a scarier truth. A lot of people our age are effectively cut off from the world. They are living in the “Social Media Bubble,” where the only news that matters is who is trending on TikTok or the latest dance challenge.
Let’s be honest though: when you reach a certain age, especially when you’ve taken the bold step to japa to a country as complex as Russia, ignorance should not be in the same sentence as your name.
The world is moving faster than a Moscow express train. The wings on which you soar aren’t just your degree or your hustle, they are information and real value. Being informed isn’t just about knowing geography or being a news person.
It’s about:
– professional currency: Being so current in your field that you aren’t just a graduate, but an authority.
– global literacy: Understanding how a conflict in the Middle East or a policy change in the Kremlin affects the price of the bread you buy at Magnit.
– conversational value: Being the person people want to talk to because you actually bring something to the table other than “did you see that reel?”
We are in the age of vibes on vibes, but trust me, vibes don’t pay for a multi-visa renewal. Vibes don’t help you figure out a complex contract negotiation. If you are 25, 28, or 30+, and your only source of information is a social media algorithm designed to keep you distracted, you are at a disadvantage.
Feed your mind. Read a book that isn’t a textbook. Listen to a podcast that challenges your worldview. Follow the news, and not just the headlines, but the why behind them.
Because when the big doors open and the meaningful conversations start, you don’t want to be the person in the corner, looking polished on the outside but staring blankly because you have nothing to contribute.
By the way, The Strait of Hormuz is a tiny, V-shaped stretch of water between Oman and Iran. It’s only about 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, but it’s arguably the most important piece of real estate on the planet.
Why has it been so popular lately? Because in the last couple of years, it has become the front line of global tension. The Strait of Hormuz is a tiny water path where countries often fight for control. It is very important because nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes through it every day. Recently, drones and ship seizures have turned this area into a major danger zone. If this path is ever blocked, fuel prices will skyrocket and make life more expensive for everyone all over the world.
You might be thinking, “I’m in Moscow, thousands of kilometers away. How does a narrow strip of water somewhere affect my life?” It’s simple math. Russia’s economy is deeply tied to global energy prices. When tensions go up in the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices get volatile. When oil prices get volatile, the ruble starts to shake and things get expensive.
If you’re trying to send money home (that black tax we always talk about), a 5% drop in the ruble because of a tanker seizure in the gulf means your family gets less money for food and rent. Geopolitics isn’t just for politicians, but for anyone with a bank account.
Feed your mind. All the best this week.
~
E-Solutions is committed to the African community in Russia. Message us on WhatsApp if you are not yet seeing our updates.
If you want to get help on the latest apartment spaces, job listings, and sending packages to and from Russia, you can join our Telegram community for Africans living in Russia.
Also, keep up with the latest news and ask your questions about the newest updates on our information channel.
Read our recent posts here:
MORE MONEY DOES NOT EQUAL FEWER PROBLEMS