UFA

Welcome to Ufa!  I was feeling somewhat tentative upon arrival but my apprehension has subsided. My first day of Fulbright work included the touring of of one premier Simulation Laboratories here in Russia.  Ufa is known to have one of the finest and upon viewing the facility, I have to agree.  They are very innovative and passionate about the technology and it's benefit to medical/healthcare clinical practice.  While many of our Simulation facilities in the US are expansive and financially extravagant, I believe outcomes from each would be worth evaluating. After the tour, John & I were introduced to the Republic of Bashkorastan through the Archeological Museum.  OMG! It was unbelievable.  First off, we were welcomed by one of the researchers whom had more passion about his job than anyone that I have met in a very long time.  He was just oozing with information and such enthusiasm about their excavations and work in the region over many, many years.   You felt like you wanted to hug him when you left and he was a scientist for goodness sake!  There was a giant (and real!) mammoth that you could actually touch in the first room, followed by various weapons, cookery, jewelry, etc. etc. that had discovered in the region.  We saw snow skis carved from wood that were backed with elk fur (the nap of the fur prevented you from sliding backward), beautiful Tartar & Bashkir traditional clothing, and an actual nomadic round furnished home made from wool that can still be found in the areas of Asia well below Ufa.
Next was a Ukrainian meal (mmmmm good) of more dumplings (identifiable stuffing including cherries) and cooked fat (think uncooked pork rind) and the traditional borsch.
Now home to prepare for a presentation to be given tomorrow on "Professional Nursing in the USA" for a school of nursing and hospital nursing staff. We call this a "slam dunk".
(MUST STOP NOW...JUST GOT CRYPTIC MESSAGE FROM INTERNET CARRIER AND I THINK IT SAYS...PAY NOW!...WE PAY AS WE GO AND WITH 2 MONTHS OF RUSSIAN LESSONS (SORRY TRAY!) STILL CAN'T QUITE WORK THINGS OUT, IF THEY DON'T CUT ME OFF TONIGHT, I WILL CONTINUE!)