I do not know if you have looked on a map, but Syktyvkar is pretty far north--it is daylight here until about 10 PM, then it gets sort of dark and then around 2 AM it gets sunny again. The videos that are posted on photobucket (http://s233.photobucket.com/albums/ee286/mbamsa/MBA%20Russia%202011/) are of students and faculty at the Academy of Public Service--their performances lasted more than 90 minutes and I have just provided a small sampling of them--they were varied and involved a large segment of the faculty and staff.
I was asked to make a few remarks and I noted how in all my visits to Syktyvkar we have never been greeted as warmly as this--it was both informative and incredibly gracious. To my great surprise and pleasure, ALL of our group rose to their feet spontaneously and applauded our hosts. It was a remarkable moment and displayed their cultural sensitivity.
After the show we had a reception and during the performances themselves we were served salmon in pastry and the pastry itself was shaped like a large salmon. After some tea and lively discussions amongst Russian and American Students we had to go to the Komi Folk Center where we were hosting our host families at a reception. While there we were treated to traditional Komi dress, culture, food, songs, dances and games. I have loaded up some videos to the photobucket noted above so that you can enjoy the games and music and song. As you can "see and hear" we have tried to afford our travellers an intellectual and cultural experience and they have willingly engaged in all activities. This reception was an opportunity to thank all of our host families for their gracious acceptance of our students into their homes--I hope you talk to your loved ones upon their return and hear first hand of their experiences. It was along day (and worthy of three separate blogs) but an enjoyable one. Be sure to read Angie Bohovich's blog at: http://angiebohovich.wordpress.com/ for another view of the events here in Syktyvkar.
J.
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