Back in the USSR, you don't know how lucky you are, boy.

Today we spent our first full day in Irkutsk, which celebrates its
350th anniversary this year. First we toured the city, stopping at
several gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedrals where we were required to
wear head scarves and knee length skirts. It was nice to know that our
clothes were completely clean for the first time in a while since our
Sunday best was not exactly required at Bol'shie Koty. The rest of the
tour consisted of visiting a strange combination of both tsarist and
communist monuments, from the newly re-erected Tsar Alexander III to a
gigantic Lenin staring proudly at the dilapidated industry of Irkutsk.
Interestingly, Irkutsk is one of the last major cities in Russia whose
streets still carry the names of noted communist leaders, many from
Stalinist times. Once again we encountered an impressive memorial for
those who gave their lives to defend the Soviet Union during the Great
Patriotic War (World War II). This eternal flame has been lit since 1945
symbolizing their eternal sacrifice.
After another delicious Russian lunch, we had the honor of meeting with
some of the most prominent environmentalists of the area, the leaders of
Baikal Ecological Wave. BEW is an organization that strives to save the
natural beauty and resources of the Baikal region through education and
stern monitoring. Marina Rikhvanova, co-chair of the organization, along
with her assistant told us about their troubles with generating
sufficient funds, lack of understanding by the locals and most notably
governmental oppression. We were all inspired by their perserverence and
dedication to their projects, especially in trying to close down the
infamous Baikalsk pulp mill. They then showed us a local newspaper
article featuring a photo of our very own Professor Moore, Professor
Rodenhouse and Rachel during our meeting with the vice mayor of Baikalsk.
After a hunt for midnight snacks in the nearby grocery store, it is
time to write up this busy day in our journals. Tomorrow we finally see
Lena again, who will be released from the hospital at 4 pm and rejoining
us for our last dinner in Russia.
Kira and Katja