Penza (09.2011)

Founded in 1663, the Penza region lies in the heart of Russia's black earth zone and is an important agricultural center. Just Six hundred and twenty-five kilometers (388 miles) southeast of
Moscow, the region is an important industrial and educational center and birthplace of famous Russian poet, writer, and painter Mikhail Lermontov.

Rustem's grandmother was born in a village in this region more than 100 years ago. She left when she was 17 and returned once with then eight year old Rustem more than forty years ago.
Rustem visited the village during this trip, walked around asking if anyone remembered his grandmother, and soon enough was dining with his long lost relatives.