This morning Tatyana, Julie, Jared, and I toured the Gornaya Apteka-a museum devoted to the history of medicine in the region. After learning about methods for making and labeling medicines as well as pharmaceutical endorsements from soldiers, we were treated to a traditional soap-making session with a modern adaptation: the microwave.
Julie and I probably won't be going into the soap-making business any time soon, but Jared's looked pretty good.
Waiting for the soap, we were treated to herbal tea and tasty baked snacks that included ginger bread- like rolls and pretzel-like rings (I have become a fan of the Russian breads).
In the afternoon Nina took us to Anastasia's lovely cottage in a nearby village. We started with a tour of her garden- an impressive feat in any climate but especially in one that experiences 40 below Celsius ( when school officially closes for high schoolers).
You can see Anastasia and Julie in the garden. We are told that spring has come early, but I don't think I could've lasted long in sleeveless clothes.
Below is a picture of Anastasia's cellar where she might keep her delicious kompot (cherry juice).
When in Rome-or in this case Russia, one does as the Russians. So a banya ( or sauna) was our next experience. As the only male in our trio and as our fearless Irex leader, Jared went first. When he came out alive and refreshed, Julie and I had our chance, but not before misunderstanding what is and isn't appropriate for dashing from the cottage to the banya outside.
Here we are before our honey and heat-infused adventure ( the honey here is amazing as a condiment and an emollient).
Today I learned the real meaning of Russian hospitality. Anastasia not only opened up her home and banya to us but also invited us to spend time in her kitchen and with her family. We broke bread (she said Russians believe it is bad luck to cut bread with a knife), ate great home-made food, learned how to make blinis, sang songs in Russian and in English, and even played American and Russian card games.
After Anastasia's demonstration, I had a go at making blinis( thin Russian pancakes).
And here is Nina playing "Let it Be."