Looking for Bobby Fisher

Last weekend we visited co-workers in the nearby republic of Kalmykia, the only Buddhist region in Europe. The Kalmyks are descendants of the Golden Horde that never returned home after the Mongol Khans retreated from Russia. Just eight hours away by car is the capital – Elista. It boasts the largest Buddhist temple in all of Europe. Built less than two years ago, it was sanctified by the Dalai Lama.


Elista is also the international chess capital of the world. “City Chess” – where we stayed and many world-class competitions are held – was opened, not long ago, by the less-than-stellar-American actor, Chuck Norris, star of Texas Ranger. Apparently, Chuck plays chess better than he acts.

Inside the foyer of City Chess