May 16th. Our tour today is in the village of Rostov or Rostov the Great as it is known to the Russian people. It was first mentioned in 862 as an established trading settlement. The towns most important landmark is it's Kremlin. This Kremlin is considered to be the finest outside of Moscow. The Rostov Kremlin was commissioned by one of this cities metropolitans and he had a vast fortune for that time (probably comparable to billionaire status) and hundreds of people working for him.
In addition to seeing the Rostov Kremlin, it's collection of fine enamels, a church under reconstruction and the beautiful church, we visited a working Monestary this morning. At the Monestary we were to cover our heads and they provided wrap around skirts to cover the women's legs. We paid 50R to walk up the tower to see a panoramic view of the river and the village and we marveled at the gold gilded art work and icons in the cathedral.
This afternoon I learned a Russian dance that I and the rest of the dance class will perform at the talent show tomorrow night.