A year in Chernobyl

[oniman7]

I'm not sure where this would go, but since it's about a book, I guessed here. There's not really a fitting sub-forum. Anyways, I'm currently still in High School. I've got this idea -- it's really crazy, and I may end up completely forgetting about it -- of something I could do after college. I spend time learning basic Russian (or whatever they speak in Ukraine) survival skills, etc. and I go and I spend a year in Pripyat, the city around the Chernobyl reactor. Of course, I would have to spend time going through legal deals, and probably ( no joke ) try to get a permit for a semi-automatic AK 47. This all seems really crazy, mostly because I bunched it up so much, but I think it would be a great idea for a book. Keep a diary/ journal of every day, and combine it into one book. I know there would be challenges. I'm not looking for someone to dissuade me because it would be dangerous or such, I'm not even looking for you to accept that I might try to do it at some point in the future. I'd just like some people to discuss it for a little bit.

[panta-rei]

Probably would go to Entertainment if it were an existing book. But since this is a book idea, this place seems fitting. I love the idea. Of course, it would be dangerous... But I think it would be an amazing experience.

[oniman7]

Me too. I think it would be amazing. Now, it may sound like I'm glorifying it, but it would be similar to Fallout 3. Not in that you shoot people and go on huge quests, but the huge expanse of wasteland would be amazing. Apparently, something like 8,000 people live there, and it would be great to try and meet some of them. Of course, it would be a huge challenge, but it would be an amazing way to make a living, don't you think? Of course, I'd have to learn *a lot* of things. I'd have to learn a lot about radiation (for instance, I've already found out that I'd have to make a campsite because the metal buildings and vehicle graveyards hold too much radiation). I'd have to learn Russian. I'd need to get a weapon for raiders (again, although it sounds like I'm glorifying it, they go into buildings and illegally steal anything and everything. Even toilet seats are gone from some buildings). I'd have to lug around tons of equipment with me, including a lot of MRE's and supplies I'd need (the point is to experience it, not to put myself in the place of people who are struggling to survive) For now, it's just a dream. Maybe I'll be able to do it some day. Who knows, maybe I'll spend a year in each of different "ghost towns", write a series of books, and live at least somewhat comfortably for the rest of my life. One can dream.

[panta-rei]

Yes, sounds great. Be careful, though. Don't go just because it would be cool. Be sure that you are really ready. Perhaps going with a team would be a better idea, for protection and companionship. Wouldn't want to drive yourself insane.

[oniman7]

Of course. I imagine, if I did go (again, for now, I'm just tossing around ideas. I'm still 5 or 6 years off from even having the means). Anyways, if I did go, I'd probably bring with me: 1) A doctor. People underestimate the seriousness of things even going down to the common cold when you're in that environment without medicine 2) a local, that can show me the area 3) A photographer. I'd like to be able to get a bunch of photos, as well. 4) A survival expert/ professional hunter. These people often know how to improvise things such as slings and bandages, and can get us food if we run low (even if it would be irradiated) 5) possibly another writer. This actually all started with an interest in seeing Chernobyl. I don't know why, but it looks quite beautiful to me. Destroyed buildings and all. Anybody ever been to Pripyat or taken a tour?