Notes from Nalchik

That night, instructors had the opportunity to stay with a student and his or her family. My hosts were named-in the Americanized versions-Bob, the student, his mother, Olga, and their friend, Albert, a local banker. Russians are known for bending over backward to accommodate guests with a big spread of food, an occasional shot of vodka, laughter, an occasional shot of vodka, conversation, plus the occasional shot of vodka. Hospitality and building relationships with people, I learned, are highly valued in Russia.

Thursday and Friday, Oct. 12-13

Getting ready to head back to the United States. Despite considerable efforts, the wheels of the Russian bureaucracy would not turn to revise my visa. My feelings are of sadness as I pack my souvenirs and head back to the Mineralnye Vody Airport, but I have many wonderful memories of Russia to treasure-the culture, the people, the wonderful students.

When I return in April-yes, I'm going back-I'll be able to build on those experiences-and finally take that vacation to Sochi.