This weekend, we were invited to Boris's дача. Unfortunately, it had been raining earlier in the day and the roads leading to Boris's дача were too muddy for the bus to get through. Instead, his daughter and son-in-law (Elena and Sasha) graciously welcomed us to their home. They live within the city limits of Barnaul, but in an area that is quieter than downtown. Their house was beautiful. When we first arrived, we were introduced to Boris's wife Svetlana, their other daughter Yulia and a few of their grandchildren. Boris proudly gave a speech about his family, specifically his grandchildren and all their accomplishments. He is obviously a very proud grandfather. Igor translated the speech for us, and then Elena took over and gave us a tour of their home. Elena is an English teacher and speaks perfect English. That is one thing that has struck me since being in Russia: those who speak English speak it very well and have studied for a long time, though they rarely have the opportunity to speak with native speakers. There house seemed like any middle class suburban dwelling in America, though I gathered this is not common by Russian standards and was definitely a source of pride for the entire family. They own two cars, a garage with bikes, a motorcycle, a wakeboard (for their boat), an outdoor patio with an outdoor kitchen area, a garden full of fresh fruit and vegetables, a handmade banyan which was beautiful, and an above ground pool especially there to provide relief from the hot steam. There was an outdoor table completely covered in an amazing spread of закуска, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, smoked fish, pastries and breads. The first welcome toast was celebrated with a shot of homemade alcohol, which was very strong. Soon after, the women were invited to take part in a banya. We did not go naked, as is traditional, but that made it easier to jump in the pool when necessary! Elena asked us to wear hats to protect our heads from the heat and then we went an sat in the steam room. It was extremely hot and we only lasted less than ten minutes at first. Each time we went back after a jump in the pool, the heat was easier to handle. Elena took us each separately into the steam room to do the traditional massage with birch branches which she said has many health benefits for skin, circulation, and especially for women's health. When we were done, we drank tea and beer and got dressed to go outside where the men had been grilling more meat than I have ever seen on one table in my life. We sat and ate and took MANY more shots of Cognac. Each time I declined having my shot glassed filled, I was laughed at by everyone and given just as much if not more than the last shot. A good time was had by all. From this experience, my take away was definitely the immense hospitality of Russian people. We were welcomed with open arms into the home by the whole family. It was a truly heartwarming experience and will be a memory I carry for the rest of my life.
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