Today Tasha, Brandon and their host families went to a country Dacha. The two familles enjoyed to relax, and enjoy the day doing traditional Russian activities. They had a bar-b-que. Made tea in a traditional fashion, and relaxed in the Banya (a Russian style Sauna) The American students got to see how a Russian sauna is prepared, andlearned the tradition when inside of the Banya. The trip in the Banya is started by siting in the very hot sauna for about 10 minutes. and then Going for a swim in a nice cold river. The return to the Banya. take some Hot water and pour it over your face. And then sit for 10 more minutes. After this, you repeat the swim, and come back to the Banya, where Yuris father has a bundle of birch twigs. and he hits your back and stomach with them. Then you sit in sauna for ten minutes, and once again go for a cool swim. This process can be repeated many time. The students and their familles enjoyed a day of relaxation. Rita and her mother also brought painting tools and painted beautiful pictures on Tasha and Brandon's Backs. The day was very enjoyable for both students and parents.
Brandon Lovejoy