A visit to the Russian Graceland

I know that I've talked way to much about the bathroom situation in this country, but each day brings a new experience in one of the most basic elements of life. Again today I've been scared for life. I've taken pictures of many tiolets for you guys, but the worst ones are so bad I'm having to try to survive and forget about taking pictures until hours later after I have recovered. I'm sorry, but you will just have to travel in the Russian countryside for yourselves to get a picture. I also just learned yesterday how to properly squat on the things. I also just learned another interesting bit of info about the banya( remember the sauna experience) I had seen something for sale in a store--the hat i had worn and the glove for scrubbing--they also had a placemat made out of the wool-felt and I wondered why you would need a placemat. I was informed yesterday that is a butt matt. We had used our towels and had no idea such a thing exsisted. I'm learning more everyday. Anyway to my day--Saturday August 1st. We headed out to a men's monastry in the country. The cool experience today was we got in on a service. As I told you they don't have seats. The priests were wearing beautiful robes and chanting as they stood in a circle. The people were standing around, every few minutes they will bow and make the sign of the cross. Im talking 50 times in the short time I was in there. Some would bend over and touch the floor. As they enter and light candles they kiss the picture of the icon. i mean everyone does. No wonder their death rate is high ---I bet they get sick from that. This church was new inside and very very beautiful. I'm glad we had that experience. We were then off for the boyhood home of Sergei Esenin. I've mentioned him before. He is a famous poet from this area. He was only 30 years old when he died. He had married isadora duncan who was an American and the founder of modern dance. We saw the house of his patron. She was the rich land onwer , we saw his school and his boyhood home. He lived 1895-1925. Sasha says its a dark story. No one knows because of the Soviets just what happened. They said he hanged himself, but then others say it was a gun shot. There was this gaint photo of him over looking the river valley. People were everywhere just like at Graceland. We then went for McDonald's again. We worked on our pamphlets and powerpoints on our subject matter. I then spent some time walking around by myself, which was a nice welcome change. One more day here going to an Art museum and then for a farewell dinner at the dasha. On Monday we will travel to moscow--4hours by bus. Then Tuesday we will start the 24 or more hours journey home. I've so ready to see everyone and take a shower. This morning while i was trying to get clean I realized I live the closest to the airport and will be the first one in the shower. yeah!!!!!!!! Love to all.