SIMPLE CELEBRATIONS

Alexi and family arrive for the weekend celebration…

A FEAST & IVAN TEA

Talum, Alexie’s brother in law is preparing dinner for 7 adults and 7 children. Such a feast!

Alexi brings out the Genghis Khan vodka and he and Talum and I manage to finish a bottle and a half as there are lots of reasons to toast and every time I look away, my glass is full again. I was very happy I could walk, not crawl up to my room.

The most amazing thing is that the next day I only feel a little sluggish, no hangover! Just to make sure, after breakfast, I head to the farmers market in town and get some Ivan Tea to drink.

Ivan Tea is a cure all for everything! It is also called Russian Tea, Willow Tea, Fireweed Tea and Koporsky Tea. The tea comes from a beautiful pink flower and once dried, is brewed and fermented. It was the second largest export product, after wheat, from Russian before the Russian Revolution in 1917.

RUSSIAN TEA

The next day, another feast is prepared by Talum. The table is set up outside as the children play in the yard. Vadim & Genia arrive and bring an archeologist friend and his wife.

It is so special to participate in this ancient human practice of gathering around food preparation and sharing and in this moment to be with families and friends where nationality is no barrier.

Alexei and Talum set up the Samovar: a traditional way of making tea which dates back to the 1700’s. Water is heated in the Samovar with coal or wood and it keeps the water warm longer, and is said to taste better. It is delicious!

SAUNA

As the day winds down, Alexi announces we are going on the bikes to Banya. I think it’s the name of village. No! We end up at Vadim’s house and Banya is the Russian word for sauna.

I get a towel and a felt hat to protect my head from the heat. As we sit in the Banya with Alexi, his friend and Vadim, they share stories about the origin of the Russian language and Russian history.

I am honored to be in such esteemed knowledgeable company!

A day to linger in the moments!