Brighid Deb and I in front of the University (and Lenin)

So... what a fun weekend we had! You knew that Deb and Joel were coming...and since their train came in on Friday at 9 am...I haven't stopped moving.

Friday Brighid and I got to be the tour guides around Vologda and show them our favorite places...to eat and the sites to see. We met with our school administrator Diana, and then Deb and I went over to the Russian Banya, with Yelena from the American Corner.

Oh, the Banya was quite the cultural experience...but I am sure not all of you want to hear about it, so if you do...you know where to find me.

Saturday we went to the monastery with them...and luckily Joel didnt stay. He is strongly considering becoming a monk, and told us there was a possibility he might not leave with us! We were happy Joel came home with us, because I would have missed his amazing karoke skills at the wedding that we went to.

The Russian wedding of Brad and Natasha was so much fun! The wedding itself only lasted 10 minutes. They just signed some papers...and then every one that was there, presented them with flowers and well wishes. Pictures took some time, and then we went around to all of the monuments in the city, and drove over the bridges which is one of the Russian traditions. The reception was quite different from one's I have been to in America. There were a lot more games and customary things that went on. It was also a bit smaller than most, making it more intimate. I got to try Russian vodka for the first time...and I didnt realize that the first course was just the appetizer...so I definitely was surprised (and full by the time) that other dishes kept being served.

The weekend was amazingly refreshing and we laughed the majority of the time. Thanks for coming guys:)