Pot Luck

Goodness! I was beginning to think that I'd never have a spare moment again, but I found one. I have finished my tours and lessons for the day, and in a few minutes we will be having a pot luck dinner with our host families here at the American Home in Vladimir. The idea of pot luck is an American one and this is the Russians' first time. The food smells really good!

The last two days have been spent mostly touring the sites of Vladimir. There is a lot of history here, and a lot of beautiful scenery. Again, I could write volumes, but I am going to just let you know a few things about everyday life here in Russia.

1. There is no hot water. Every year for a couple of weeks, each neighborhood loses their hot water so that the government cam perform repairs. It is quite annoying. My hostess Galina is kind enough to warm pots of water for me so that I can have a hot "shower."

2. Russians love mayonnaise. It is on almost everything. Traditionally, most dishes are topped with sour cream, but since Russia has opened up to Western influence, many people have decided that they prefer mayonnaise.

3. It is quite clear that I am an American because I wear shorts, tee shirts, and sneakers. In Russia, women are always a little dressed up. Even if they are wearing jeans, they are wearing nice shoes (usually high heels - ouch!) and fancy shirts.

4. I saw the babushkas (traditional Russian grandmas) selling fruit, vegetables, and flowers in the street. There are many old people in Russia who suffered a lot when the Soviet system collapsed. Now they depend on selling things they grow in their own gardens to survive.

Ah, I am being called to dinner by my "families." Miss you!