“I have the most positive memories from Norilsk, as if I were at home, because, despite the cold, people there are responsive and warm”, says George Khalaf. “Snow is unusual, of course. I have not seen it for a long time, because I was on a business trip abroad. But the snow didn’t scare me, it was even interesting: a cold city – and such open people. I got a lot of interesting impressions from the trip, learned about the local culture and, of course, tried the unusual northern food, I had heard about it before. Among those thigs I managed to see, I would note an excursion to your museum – it is very original, and industrial facilities, grandiose buildings. We underwent the initiation in Taimyrians ceremony, watched the competition among the strongest curlers of the world in Dudinka. We had a chance to see the local nature between the matches, it is also unusual for me, especially the polar day that began in May.
As the host of the program about food on Lebanese television, I, of course, wanted to try a variety of local dishes. But I got even more: I myself prepared them under the guidance of local culinary specialists. Learned to make stroganina and sagudai. I will never forget the reindeer antlers tincture – a powerful thing.
I reflected all the emotions in my blog so that my friends, acquaintances, subscribers also knew what Norilsk is like. I would like to come here again and again”.
Follow George and his TV program full of good food and laughter in social networks tagging @kazdoura.official and @gmkhalaf.
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Photo: Natalia Popova, George Khalaf’s archive, ru.globalvoices.org
