our first day in Tula

Dobre vieche .. that’s phonetical for the Russian ‘good evening’.

Where do I even begin to tell you about today.

We started with a meeting at Tula’s city hall called the White House. It was a big day for Tulan officials as some Moscow big wigs were due in town. But the American visitors rated half an hour with the city manager, a most affable fellow who was happy to share his thoughts on the Albany-Tula Allliance. In short, he thinks it’s great and he was happy to brag about the soon to be re-opened maternal hospital just a few blocks from the ‘white house’… so, off we went to walk in the construction zone. It’s an ambitious project, redoing the hospital which predates the Bolshevik Revolution. Many of the amenities offered when the doors reopen in August follow conversations with Albany doctors. ie: single rooms for moms .. delivery rooms for only one woman.
From there we were off to the children’s clinic #3. Most interesting. Being an Inpatient at a clinic means someone who spends the day getting treatment and medications- not an overnight visit. Anyway, we had a tour and asked and answered dozens of questions. Perhaps the most novel thing we saw was a place where young patients get herbal teas that aim to help with their health issues.
It was also clear that while the visits between Albany physicians and other health care providers have made a difference, the Russians don’t want to diminish the value of what THEY bring to the table.
And I have to note; as my photographer Sony Stark said at our dinner with 2 Russian families this evening ‘ despite all the differences she thought existed between Americans and Russians, we’re really very much alike and she’s thankful for the chance to spend time together.
Tomorrow, off to a medical school in Tula and also to spend time with scientists who are working to reduce lead exposure to Tulans.
Spaseeba ( thank you) for reading.

Btw: I got out for a run this morning, While Tula is at the 55th parallel and Albany at the 45th the mornings are very much the same – clear and crisp. I ran around a stadium in Tula. While the paths could use some work, the park offers 4 clay tennis courts and a soccer field that’s got a “carpet’. But the Tulan’s don’t mow the grass wild grass. Also, unlike NY, I was the only one out this A.M. with an i-Pod .. no headphones in sight, only cigarettes.
And please, check out my breakfast tray – hot dogs - thankfully there was yogurt on the tray .. ( other than breakfast the food’s pretty great)