July 8, 2007

Sunday at the dacha was great!! I slept in and had a leisurely zaftrak with my host family. We were driven to Olesya's parent's dacha near Suzdal by Alex's army buddy, Andre. Upon arrival, we ate salads, soup, and veggies. We were then off to the River Nerl for swimming. Alex is fond of 'diving' and dons a full wet suit with mask, snorkel, flippers, and SPEAR GUN! Fishing is serious business in Russia! He went looking for catfish of some Russian variety. The rest of us went into the 60 degree F water. Refreshing! After 15 minutes my thumbs were starting to feel that numbness. But overall it was a good swim!

After the swim, we prepared for the true Russian Banya experience! Basically it is a sauna, homemade, that gets a room over 100 degrees Celsius! So, five times we sit in the heat for 5 to ten minutes and then take a cold shower. One time we went to the river instead of the shower. The last time it was wash and scrub. Super clean by that time. What a rush!

After the Banya, shishkabobs of chicken wings, pork chops with more salad, cottage cheese Russian style, veggies, and cake. We toasted each other. Ludmilla and Igor (Olesya's parents) break the Russian mold. They are always smiling and talking and trying to make everyone comfortable! A wonderful day in rural Russia!