Yes, for the last week, I have become illiterate! If you have ever tried to read Russian script or Cyrillic, then you would know what I am talking about. They have a lot of extra letters and some letters similar to Latin script, but have different sounds. It can makes things confusing when getting around a Russian city and it makes it a little intimidating walking into a restaurant not sure if anyone can speak English and knowing that I probably wouldn't be able to read the menu. Communicating is always one of the biggest challenges when traveling and it is just a challenge that has to faced head on.

Yesterday, in Vladimir, I went to a cafe for lunch. I walked around everywhere looking for a place that I hoped would have some sort of English menu, but seeing as this is Russia, I had no luck. So, I just picked a place and decided to try using my extremely limited Russian or at least hope for an English speaker. I sort of got lucky, because the waiter could speak very limited English, but they had no English menu. Seeing as I had no idea what they served, I asked for recommendations, but he was unable to give me any and asked what I wanted. So, I just guessed and told him that I wanted chicken, with potatoes and rice. He seemed fine with that, so I waited for my food, not really sure what I was going to get. I was a little suprised when they brought out to me a clay pot with a lid! I took off the lid and found that what I got was a clay pot filled with chopped up potatoes, onions and grilled chicken with some light sauce! Add in some black tea and it turned out to be an excellent meal! It is still a little intimidating going to different restaurant, knowing I can't read anything, but I also know that it can provide some excellent suprises.

So, as for what I am doing, well right now I am in Suzdal, a small little rustic town, that actually somewhat reminds of my hometown in Wisconsin. It's one of those communites where you are awakened by roosters crowing in the morning, with chickens and stray dogs and cats running around and you can basically walk across the town in a half an hour. It is also over 1000 years old and formerly the capitial of the Medieval Russia! It is a fairly interesting town with lots of churches, some beautiful wooden buildings and it is easily walkable. It is also very quiet and laid back, so it has been a nice place to visit.

Tommorrow, I will be heading to Kazan, which is the capital of the Republic of Tartarstan. It has a large Muslim population, so it will be interesting to see the confluence of Mosques and Churches in the city.

Finally, thank you everyone for the comments. I really enjoy reading them! Also, hopefully, I can get some pictures up soon. So, Take care and you will hear from me soon.