Most people in both countries probably forgot about them.  Looking at the picture, I remember how it all started, continued and ended… The adventures of the painting itself make a fascinating story.

Bob Walsh, who was President of the Organizing Committee of Goodwill Games 1990, got it from Bart Forbes, the artist. It is print 15/750. I got it from Bob several years ago when he was downsizing his life after a divorce from an umpteenth Russian wife of his. I was helping him to move out from his beautiful Lake Washington home, and the poor guy had literally no room to hang the picture in. 🙁

The picture stayed in my Lynnwood home until recently, even after my divorce from my American wife. Mariya (unofficial Goddaughter of Bob?) who spent most of this summer in Camp Killoqua near Seattle, brought the print to Florida, and yesterday we framed it with a beautiful 36”-24” Poster Frame from Target.

Despite all the recent changes in Russo-American relations, it would be very interesting to find the remaining 749 people in possession of the painting. What was their life like after the Games in 1990?

I know my life was good and interesting. Very interesting and very good! The biggest lesson I learnt since moving to the US is pretty pathetic though. It can be best illustrated by an example of my daughter’s dog who is sitting with me on the balcony and panting. It is hot and humid in South Florida. I feel sorry for the poor dog, take her inside and lead her to the water dish filled with fresh cold water. She looks up at me… and ignores the offer. Bitch!