Monday 7 October — Observing the cable car
The construction of the cable car continues. It is in front of me, but observing it does not give much information about how it is going, and what it represents for the inhabitants of the border.
Tuesday 8 October — Cold-water training
Russian grammar.
Writing.
I remember the swimming competition and especially its communication methods: how are proofs of friendship constructed?
Press and bibliographic research at the library.
I take part in the cold-water swimming training. The training is announced on the WhatsApp group I was added to.
The water is at seven degrees. Resisting the panic induced by the cold, and the current is difficult to manage. Out of the water, my skin is red. The wind feels warm. Five minutes in the sauna to warm up. Paradoxically, this is when I start to shiver even though the air is extremely hot. The skin warms up, but it feels like the inside is still cold. And since I am now sitting, without activating my muscles, the heat needs another five minutes to penetrate me, stopping the shivering. That is at least the sensation I have.
Then I am invited to share tea in the cabin. There will be a competition in Dalian, China, on 19 and 20 October in which members of the team will take part.
Wednesday 9 October — Research
Russian grammar.
Library. Photos and videos of the last competition are starting to be shared.
Research on the Olympic Games and on how sports can become Olympic disciplines. And also on the Russian World Friendship Games.
I run into a French-speaking friend, and we go looking for something to eat.
Thursday 10 October — Progress
The construction of the cable car continues. New parts are being added on top.
Library. Another event is taking place.
Swimming training in the evening. I manage the cold and the induced stress better. The most stressful moment is the turn to come back: this is the moment when I have to escape the current, going towards the bank, to turn around. At that moment, the bank rushes past my eyes, and the cold and breathing are difficult to manage, so all these disturbing sensations mix together, and that is when you have to "keep calm" and relax. So, I manage better than last time.
A photo is taken before and after the swim with the five swimmers (men and women between 25 and 40 years old).
Essential oils can be mixed with the water that evaporates in the баня.
Friday 11 October — Planning
Russian grammar at the neighbouring café.
I need to make a plan, a project for the swimming topic I want to work on, so that I can ask whether I can work with the swimmers and be clear about how to do it.
Library. Reading articles from Silence(s). I wonder how "OSINT" could be applied to ethnographic research.
Discovery of Calenda.
Writing, publishing the site updates.
Saturday 12 October — Bania
Heading to the баня for a short training session. I notice the team leader's name on the баня stove.
Sunday 13 October — Research
Library. Young Chinese students have also been coming here since last time.
Research on the French cable car company and on CIFAL, a group facilitating business in the Eurasian region.
I regularly use Perplexity for this kind of research.
