CompuServe Thread

To All; About a month ago or so I left a message on this forum section concerning a RFE (Russian Far East) rockhound who wants to correspond and trade mineral samples with any or all US collectors. Didn't get a response so am re posting another message. Some background for you to think about. In May/June of this year I spent almost a month in the Russian Far East (principally the Magadan area). This area was the site of the Stalin Gulags. During my stay I was given a tour of a working Russian Gold Mine about 150 KM west of Magadan outside the town of Karamken. While there I met a retired russian geologist and saw his extensive collection of minerals etc. While I am not a collector myself (my father was and so I have enough knowledge to know what constitutes a quality collection), I was impressed with his diverse collection and his hospitality and desire to trade with those outside Russia. Here's his info for anyone interested: Mr. Vladamir Bukata 5-12 Oktyiabrskay St. Karamken, Magadan Reg. Russia 686112 Be advised that mail correspondence takes forever to get to anyone in that area ( up to 2 months as it goes through Moscow first and their postal workers put ours to shame when it comes to mail processing). However, I have a Ham Radio contact in that area who can be a relay for you if you are interested. I and some other people are working to get him (the Ham) set up for packet transmissions (computer/satellite hookup) to facilitate even better correspondence. Although it seems like a lot of work to correspond, I can assure you the time spent doing so would be well worth your effort. I've found the people there to be hospitable to the nth degree, courteous to a fault and most desirous of contacting/corresponding with Americans. While Vladamir speaks only Russian, there are a number of people in that area who can translate for him/you. If you wish any further information, leave a E-mail here on CIS or Fax me at 612-925-0195. Hope to hear from you… spah-see-bah (thank you) – George Neitz CIS ID 76630,1564 Using: Windows NavCIS PRO 1.21