Finally, we arrive at the American Home in Vladimir, Russia, as did our luggage. We will spend two weeks here learning about Russian history, religion, politics, law and order, education, the economy, women and family, and the media. Not all our time will be spent inside, we will also take field trips to historic sites: Russian Orthodox churches (many recently restored from museums to churches after the Soviet era), a city hall, a prison, schools, a factory, an orphanage, etc.

 
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After a "nuts and bolts" discussion on how to survive in Russia—"be aware that Russian drivers don't like to yield to pedestrians" / "a taxi shouldn't cost more that 100 rubles ($4)"—everyone told about their first night with their host family. Some of the stories were quite funny. For example, E B's recounting of his encounter with the cat that opened its mouth t o meow—but no sound came out.

Then it was on to Russian language instruction—alphabet review and reading in the morning and etiquette, i.e., greetings, etc. in the afternoon

A serious conversation at  lunch:  Kay and Tom

More Russian Lessons
    
Today's lesson is on language and culture and words reflecting history. Deidre, with a Russian reader, asks for help.

At the Children's Museum  
After our morning language lesson, we had a tour of the Vladimir Children’s Museum.

Young girls, in traditional dress that they made themselves, participate in a folk festival at the Children's Museum. 
  

Audrey S with Ivan the Terrible in the Children's Museum.

 Here we are inside an active Orthodox Church.