Waiting Day 1

Unfortunately we were not able to make it down to see Anya and Ruslan today.   We are located about 2.5 hours away, and there was not a driver and/or interpreter available.  We are hoping tomorrow.

Instead we stayed in Stavropol for an additional day.  We spent the day wandering around and viewing the city.    In the square by our hotel, they were holding a rehearsal for the big celebration they have for the end of the school year.  There were hundreds of young, and college age students alike participating in the show.

We also saw a small protest.  We have no idea what they were protesting, but there were lots of journalists.  In fact, I think there were more journalists and media photographers, than protesters.

Protesters

The following pictures are from the square near our hotel.



It wouldn't be Russia without a statue of Lenin in the park.



Things we have learned:

Stavropol is on the 45th parallel (same as St. Paul, MN).  So as we have been here we have been watching the town come to life with all sorts of flowers being planted, and fruit trees blooming.

There are no heels too high for the women in this town.  Holy cow!  Seriously have seen more women in 5+" heels then I ever have before.  

If a building looks formal....DO NOT take a picture of it!  Even if it's pretty.

Do not smile too much as it makes people nervous, and makes you look like a tourist.  And certainly do not say Hi to someone you don't know.

Spaiseeba means thank you, and should be said often.  Pazhalusta is you're welcome.

Beer is cheaper than bottled water and bottled water comes in two varieties: still and gas.

Sourcream can be put on everything! 

Lermontov is considered perhaps the greatest of the Russia author (poets).   OK, perhaps mainly in this region, because he is from this region?  But every child here can recite one of his poems.   If you haven't read him, Amazon offers his book "A Hero of Our Time" for free.  It's quite well written and it written about this area.

BMWs are called Boomers, not Beemers, and no self-respecting Russian gangster would be without one.

Mountain People do not like hugs, and if we should go to the mountains I should not try to hug them, or they may shoot me.

We also stumbled upon another Eastern Orthodox cathedral.  It was quite pretty.  We wanted to go inside, but as a female you need to have your head covered and I did not have anything with me.   Darn.



Our Lady of the Holy Water - the cup is for you to drink holy water from the tap beneath her.