Return from Russia

We actually got back late last Saturday night; I think we are all very grateful to be home. Three weeks away is long time, but it was an incredible trip. Lots of high points (seeing this artist at his home in Starokonskaya and attending Orthodox services at some incredibly beautiful churches, to name just two), and of course, a few lows (my wonderful in-laws had to bribe the border officials in Rostov to let me leave), but I have never experienced a trip like this one. I was able to get a glimpse of how people actually lived and worked and existed (a lot of bribes, in fact); I met a lot of my wife's family and friends and got to see the places where she grew up and went to school. I saw Krasnodar and the countryside and the Black Sea coast. I saw the city and little villages.

Still, it's great to be back. At least, I can read the street signs again.

Pics and stories to come.