The manner in which Flavour’s ‘Now You know’ has been ringing in my head since I stepped foot in this nation is alarming. Everything around me resonates with reasons why I should never have come back. I wanted to wail, but who will comfort me?
My brothers had already warned me not to come back yet but with my coconut head I decided this was the best time. This song in my head is just reminding me of why I shouldn’t have come back home, now I really know.
Where exactly do I start from? For context, I left home about 8 years ago, and after studying, I had decided to stay back in Russia. Going back to my country now seemed like I was from another dimension, things were not better than I left it. In fact, one could say they’ve become worse.
There are a million and one things I could complain about. It almost seems like there was no growth in any sector.
Is it security? I constantly hear of kidnappings and loss of lives and properties. People can not even travel without having the fear of being waylaid.
Food prices are not left out. In fact, I was in shock about the prices of literally everything. Products are now sold almost 4 times the original price compared to when I left and it doesn’t seem like they will be reduced anytime soon.
Hunger is sweeping the land and citizens have resorted to begging. Everywhere you look, there is someone ready to beg you.
Bad transport systems and terrible roads make one think twice before leaving the house. The thought of getting to your house without having an accident is considered a miracle. I witnessed five road accidents in the span of only two weeks.
See I am not trying to declare woes on my country but I sincerely keep wondering what exactly the way out is for us. When are we going to be rescued? More importantly, who is going to rescue us as a nation?
I took with levity all the stories I heard earlier but now that I have seen for myself, all I can say is that we have a really long way to go, especially compared to the more developed countries of the world.
I can only wonder when the change we all want will come. The sad part is that both the rich and poor are affected. Hopes are being dashed and dreams are gradually being washed away. I deeply wish and pray for a change.
When last did you visit your home country? Did you notice any significant differences between life there and in Russia?
