Our last overnight train ride took us to Volgograd, arriving Wed. morning, April 22. Our guide, Katherine, aka the Russian Julia Child, met us at the train station and took us to McDonalds for breakfast. There was rejoicing all around. After settling into our hotel, the "Youzhnaya" (which the Sr. missionaries told us was the nicest in town) we set out to tour the city. We learned all about the seige of Stalingrad during the war, and the valiant effort that stopped the German (the facists) from reaching the Volga River.
We visited the amazing statue Mother Russia, which is larger than the Statue of Liberty. We were able to see the changing of the guard at the eternal flame in the memorial hall to honor the fallen soldiers.
That evening we had a fireside with the local branch. It was really nice to be able to meet with the members and share in their spirit.
On Thursday, we toured the panorama museum of the seige of Stalingrad. Most of the city had to be rebuild following the war as it was nearly totally destroyed. They have rebuilt the buildings in the same style of architecture that was there before the war so that it still has the historic feel. We also toured a small village outside of town which was settled by German immigrants.
The concert that night was again very warmly received, and it was fun to have the members there who had been at the fireside.
After the Show
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