I would not describe Volgograd as a visually beautiful place. Certainly, there are many, many impressive monuments and there is the mighty Volga. However, there are not the manicured and lush lawns that are familiar to many of us. Open areas seem dry and weedy. Then, there are the roads. I would have found the roads difficult to imagine – broken up with an amazing numbers of potholes. Drivers must constantly swerve about to avoid the deep and frequent obstacles. Still, they seem to be able to manage an impressive and often dangerous speed. The buildings also are nondescript. Mostly dull looking and repetitive in design.
Given this outward appearance, what lies within might not be predicted. The flats (apartments) are very nice and comfortable. For those of us interest in technology, the Internet is very fast and there are plenty of iPhones, iPads, and big screen televisions.
In speaking with people I have met, it seems the difference between the outside and the inside is a matter of control. What individuals feel they can influence lies behind the steel doors of their flats. They may be frustrated by what is outside, but believe factors beyond their control determine what happens there. What happens within is different. This they can control and this is where you find individuality and creativity expressed.
There is probably a larger lesson here. Perhaps it is that when we want others to respond to external expectations we must convey some opportunity for control. Without allowing a sense of ownership, it can be difficult to get a glimpse of the potential that lies within.
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