Well, it only took me 4 months to write about the trip to Russia. That's how long it took to go through my pictures, sort and label. Now that I'm working every week instead of having blocks of time off, I find my time is not organized as well as it use to be. Spicy Bar is how our program director taught us how to say "thank you" in Russian. ...And, one of the first things she taught us how to do is drink vodka. There's a right and wrong way which, of course, I never knew. It involves putting your glass on your arm and holding a piece of bread in the other hand, downing the drink in one gulp, and chasing it with the bread. We practiced on the bus from Finland to Russia - an all day trip!
Our trip was especially special because we were joined by our friend Joan who we met in Egypt and our favorite travel buddy, Cathy from Connecticut. She ran and gave me a big hug as we gathered the group together at the airport. I was so worried she would be left behind that the teacher sneaked out of me as I encouraged her to check in with her guide. Once all the people and luggage were accounted for, we headed off for our hotel and the beginning of new discoveries.
We started with a pre-trip to Finland and Estonia. Both were great places and very modern. The people there love the sun and spend as much time out in it as possible as we all know doesn't last that long when you live so far north. As we speak, it is dark there most of the day and night. Tallinn was a learning experience for me. I knew nothing. It has an absolutely beautiful old town and is where Skype entered the world. What stands out is our lunch at Olde Hanse (a midevil restaurant) with Cathy and Joan. Someone ordered root beer which I have to tell you tasted nothing like our root beer. It was beer from some root, but who knows what! If I remember correctly, they also had reindeer on the menu, however it was not ordered by anyone at our table as it was very expensive.
We had the best program director in Russia, Violetta. She was very good at keeping us in line and entertaining us at the same time. She was in her 50s so had lots of good experience behind her. She was also a theater major which explains why no one complained on the long bus day. Anyway, our cruise ship was nice. We started in St. Petersburg and were exposed to all the luxury, opulence, and gossip of the royalty as we visited the royal sites. UNBELIEVABLE!! Such a disparity between the royals and the common person. We also visited some Jewish sites and partook of that history also. The traffic is crazy in St. Petersburg just like in any big city. They've got a brand new bridge, so no more excuses for not making it home for the night. We did many wonderful things including go to the ballet and circus(Moscow). It was the Amazing Race without the stress - we were all winners!
We made our way down the Volga stopping at quaint little villages along the way. The cathedrals and all the domes were just gorgeous and I probably took as many pictures of those as I did zebras in Africa.
We ended our voyage in Moscow. Again, wonderful sites were taken in and processed - the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the Kremlin/Red Square, a ride on the metro, and a visit to the dead (New Maiden Cemetery) which is nothing like our cemeteries. Outstanding was the visit of three Russian veterans on board our ship. Their stories of WWII were amazing - what they went through and are here still today to share with us. They loved us!
Guess what? The Russians like us. They really do! What they don't like is crispy bacon. I think we have more in common than not. Anyway, it is a new and different perspective on life and everyone should have to travel outside her/his culture as a part of and before completing her/his education.
We finished our travels with a post-trip to the Ukraine, the capital which is Kiev. This is where I came closest to my genealogy roots. I had many questions and got a few answers. I wanted to understand what is what like when my grandparents were there and how easy or hard it would be to do research on my family. The guides were patient with my questions and answered the best they could. I did come away with a feel for the time and place. As far as research goes, I would need to travel to Keshinev (sp)which is actually in another country and guides made it sound like that wasn't a very safe place to be right now.
Well, we made our way home safely and soundly without any mishaps as on other wanderings and it is nice to revisit my trip 4 months later. I just want to say to everyone in Russia - YELLOW BLUE BUS! I love you. Come here anytime. I would love to show you our part of the world.
Well, it only took me 4 months to write about the trip to Russia. That's how long it took to go through my pictures, sort and label. Now that I'm working every week instead of having blocks of time off, I find my time is not organized as well as it use to be. Spicy Bar is how our program director taught us how to say "thank you" in Russian. ...And, one of the first things she taught us how to do is drink vodka. There's a right and wrong way which, of course, I never knew. It involves putting your glass on your arm and holding a piece of bread in the other hand, downing the drink in one gulp, and chasing it with the bread. We practiced on the bus from Finland to Russia - an all day trip! 
Well, we made our way home safely and soundly without any mishaps as on other wanderings and it is nice to revisit my trip 4 months later. I just want to say to everyone in Russia - YELLOW BLUE BUS! I love you. Come here anytime. I would love to show you our part of the world.