"There are bad countries, but there are no bad peoples" - an interview with the traveler Leonid Pashkovsky

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

He knows what the slums of Mumbai smell like, how to get to an underground party in Tehran and buy Shiraz wine from under the counter. He was imprisoned, rode under escort and spent the night in a hotel without light or heating. But he still believes that there are no bad people in the world. Meet Leonid Pashkovsky.

Hi Leonid! Why did you decide to show "reality without makeup and second takes"? People love vlogs about the sea and happiness, not about poverty and dirt

There are too many programs showing beautiful places where you can spend money and have fun. As a spectator, I am no longer interested in watching them.

For those who are inspired, like me, by the adventures and books of Jack London, it is interesting to discover something new. How to get where few people have traveled? How do people live there? Despite the fact that all geographical discoveries were made long ago, there are many blank spots on the planet, about which practically no one knows anything.

Why not head to Easter Island, for example? Since the time of Thor Heyerdahl, very few people have learned about him either

I want to be not only a "discoverer", but also an enlightener. When I was going to Iran, they told me: “Where are you going? Your head will be cut off there! " But this is absurd!

Having been there, you will understand how safe Iran is for tourists. There are no religious fanatics walking the streets. The state was generally secular some 40 years ago. The way of life and thoughts of Iranians, of course, is seasoned with oriental flavor, but very close to the European one. The locals are always cordial and hospitable: they invite you home, treat them to tea, and introduce them to families.

People think about countries and peoples in stereotypes: in Barcelona everyone swims in the sea, and in France they eat frogs. Even more prejudice is associated with such unpopular countries as Pakistan or Bangladesh. I don't want people to talk about cutting off heads and other nonsense imposed by the media, and I hope that my project fulfills at least a little educational function.

Wait! When you arrived in Pakistan, you were immediately taken under an armed escort. Doesn't sound like a welcome

Pakistan is a completely different country, and I went there unprepared. I thought that everything was calm, since the world press had not reported anything about the situation there for a long time. Only then did I read the news on the Internet.

I entered Pakistan via Baluchistan province. As it turned out later, this is not just a desert - the geopolitical interests of many players intersect there. The Chinese are building a port in this place, which should become a major transit hub. There are many minerals for which many people claim. And there is also a border with Iran and Afghanistan, which is important from a military-strategic point of view. Plus intrastate showdowns between provinces and regions of the country. In general, it is heavily mixed.

Attacks occur almost every day in Baluchistan: buses are shot, people are kidnapped, soldiers are killed. Therefore, local authorities are forced to protect visitors. I was escorted with machine guns until I left the province.

Then I traveled around Pakistan as an ordinary tourist. Again, the locals treat foreigners very well. You do not need to be in constant tension that someone will attack or rob you. Religion and culture forbid Muslims to treat guests like that.

"I read the news on the Internet." Does Pakistan have internet?

Pakistan has amazing 4G!:)

This is another stereotype that the Internet is available only in megacities. I was in touch even in the remote villages of Bangladesh.

When viewers ask me in the comments: “How did you charge the camera?”, It makes me laugh.

Couchsurfing for Iranians and Pakistanis is an opportunity to tell about yourself and your homeland.

And what do they say?

Both the bad and the good. The Iranians have complained a lot about the government. Constantly asked to get them a visa to Europe. After all, they also judge us by stereotypes: if you have a European appearance and you travel, then you are German or American and you have a lot of money.:)

The Pakistanis embellished a little, they say, everything is fine and wonderful with us. But I can understand them - they know that the world is afraid of them.

Hindus are very cunning: they speak in beautiful flowery phrases, but they will never tell the whole truth.

What are five things you will definitely take with you on your trip?

1. Smartphone. This is really all you need to travel. Upload all kinds of travel apps, offline maps and go anywhere in the world.
2. Money. Around the world for $ 100 is, of course, cool. But when you have no money, you always think about where to sleep and what to eat. You don't have the time and energy to communicate with people and get to know the country. All energy is spent in order to survive.
3. Camera. I shoot with the Panasonic HC-V770, which is a handheld flip-down camera. DSLRs are heavy, you always have to catch focus and change lenses. And with such a camera it is easy to pass for an ordinary tourist.
4. External battery.
5. Sleeping bag and rug.

Do you have to use a sleeping bag?

Yes, it's convenient! You go in some dirty train, climbed into a sleeping bag and immediately warm and cozy. Immediately "I don't want to go home.":)

By the way, why does the project have such a pathetic name - "I want to go home"?

This is a mockery.

They say it's good where we are not. In fact, it would be nice to visit places that will make you stop complaining about your country. When acquaintances whine about how bad everything is in Belarus, I advise them to live in Bangladesh for a month.

Our starting conditions are an order of magnitude higher than in many countries of the world. I don't understand when people with apartments, cars and jobs complain about life, because I saw people in the slums who are not discouraged and behave with dignity. No matter what.

Are you not oppressed by the socio-economic and political inequality that you constantly observe? After all, you have something to compare with - you often visit the States

I am often overwhelmed by a feeling of despondency and complete despair. The more I travel, the more clearly I see that there is neither justice nor equality in the world. And, unfortunately, it never will.

Money is everything. Branded sneakers in America cost $ 150, and a child who sews them in Bangladesh gets 2 cents a day.

Wealthy people, even in religious countries with a lot of restrictions, lead an almost secular lifestyle. Because money gives a different level of freedom. The poor cling to traditions and customs because they have no other support in life. This greatly inhibits their cultural development.

In one of your interviews, you said that you need to travel not to countries, but to people. What have you learned about people during your travels?

People are the same everywhere. Regardless of religion and skin color. Everyone wants to have a home and food, so that the children do not need anything.

And all people are good.

There are bad countries, but there are no bad nations.

If Islamic countries had a higher standard of living and education, people would not be led to absurd religious appeals. The problem with the same Koran is that a huge number of Muslims do not know Arabic and have not read it. They rely only on paraphrases and interpretations of their local imam, and he can say whatever he wants.

There is such a life hack: if you want to understand whether a restaurant is good or not, go to the toilet. What sights do you need to visit to understand the country?

None.:)

On the contrary, it is best to stay away from the attractions. Go to the market, walk through the local slums, look at the city's train stations. This is real life.

What other tips can you give to "non-standard" travelers who want to follow your footsteps to Iran, Pakistan or Bangladesh?

• Have information. I have met travelers with a zero background and have seen panic in their eyes. Even buying a train or bus ticket in a foreign country can be difficult if you haven't read about it beforehand.
• Do not be afraid of anything and do not listen to anyone. You will not be allowed into hot spots anyway. If you have been given the green light as a tourist, chances are nothing will happen to you.
• Buy insurance. The local police will protect you from bandits, but not from a broken arm or a cold. And medical expenses abroad are very expensive.

And the last thing. What would you advise to see and read for those who are fond of or, like you, do serious travel journalism?

For me, the standard is everything that the American Vice magazine does. They make a lot of reports from different countries of the world and, under the guise of politics, religion or fashion, reveal acute social problems.

I really like the series Parts Unknown by Anthony Bourdin. Also American. It's kind of about food, but the meaning is much deeper. I like the show Riku and Tunn, who are constantly experiencing fortune somewhere (available on YouTube in Russian). From the Russian-speaking I respect "The World Inside Out".

Leonid, thank you very much for your recommendations, life hacks and an incredibly interesting conversation

Thanks to Lifehacker!:)

If the readers have any questions, I will be happy to answer in the comments.