Part 3/8:
While awaiting the bus, curiosity leads the narrator across the Gulag fence into what is referred to as the “rough side” of town. Here, he observes the remnants of the Soviet era juxtaposed with vibrant life today. The area is filled with traditional Russian houses and local businesses, evoking thoughts about the historical presence of the Gulag and its impact on the community. The residents, who are often perceived as fearsome, are noted to have a friendly disposition, and the narrator makes light of local oddities, such as key-cutting shops.