Last impressions of Ulan Ude

I loved how the cows come into town at nightfall herded by one . The cows all know where they live and as they head down the main street it is as if they are say “Bye Bob-See you tomorrow!” then slow down, one turns left and the rest move on. It is hysterical!

In the 1930’s, Lenin ran electricity through all of mother Russia. He wanted everyone to have a lightbulb! We met several people this week that live without indoor plumbing. Imagine using an outhouse with temperatures of 40 below! Everyone seems to have access to a Banya. Banya’s are a Russian Sauna. ( More on this in the Baikal Post!) On Saturdays they heat up the Banya and take their weekly bath. 

We stopped to see a beautiful church and convent outside the city. Andrei asked the nun to add his son to the prayer book and keep him in their prayers ( Andrei’s son was killed when struck by a car at 14). My Dad was having surgery the next day so I thought I would add him to the book as well…But I was DENIED! The Orthodox do not pray for Catholics- I just knew Jesus was smiling at the absurdity of that!

Dianes and Andrei lived atleast 6 months pf the year in Ulan Ude from 1991-2005. So for Diane it is a true coming home. Seeing all the old familiar faces, many of whom have traveled to the US.Their warmth and gerosity is really beautiful and it was great to see everyone. (Not to mention the many gifts received!)

Nancy was one of the first two non-military people (along with Diane) to arrive in Ulan Ude in 1990.   Nancy was with American Express and the president of the Chicago Theatre Foundation. It was the beginning of establishing a environmental theatre festival to be held on the shores of Lake Baikal in the summer of that year.  Memories of the trip conjure up a gilded cage…the ladies were tightly monitored everywhere they went. Now 19 years later, Nancy makes her return visit. Nancy was very impressed by the growth, supermarkets, cars, new bridges, but the welcoming friendliness of the people remains the same!