Wow. . .

So the last two days were arguably the most amazing time I've had yet in Russia. For a night, I stayed in a small village called Рыбная Слобода just outside Kazan. From the moment we got off the bus we were surrounded by the kindest crowd of students, parents, and citizens I have ever met. Our first school “tour” opened with a crazy dance party, a few rounds of “humiliate the Americans on stage” (square dancing anybody?), and a staged school day for us to see what their art classes are like. We were treated like guests, and while I understand Americans may have been a bit of a novelty, I simply can't grasp how anyone could be happy, kind, and enthusiastic enough to arrange photoshoots, offer a chance to drive a Russian stick-shift, have a “multi-course meal with courses comparable to an American Thanksgiving, and give us adorable gifts including my new favorite ceramic snail. The students there spoke better English than many of the strongest students in the city, which was a surprisingly nice treat. The people I met there moved me more than anyone else I've met in Russia, I hope I see them again. If any of you are reading this, Thank You, I love you.

Still no drunk bears on unicycles in the streets, I'm keeping my eyes out though.