And so we are now into the last 24 hours in Kazan. The day began with personal good news: the broken ankle had, in fact, been mis-diagnosed. The relief when that cast came off was truly palpable. Young Artëm, a student in comparative religion who works the desk at the hotel and speaks quite good English, came with me, so communication was easier than Thursday. In addition, this orthopedist spoke reasonable English, so that between my abominable Russian (yes, Virginia, I now know just how bad my Russian is, and how much work it needs) and his English we were able to communicate very well.

I had one question that I had to keep asking, and I think he probably thought I had some kind of OCD about it -- I needed to know where to get my bill, and where to pay it before I left Kazan. Guess what, folks? Emergency medical care, and follow-ups at the trauma center are all free in Russia. Yes, folks -- FREE!!! Still, I am very glad that I have the CISI international health insurance, because I still need to get reimbursed for magnesium supplements and ankle bandages and braces. But it's sure a lot cheaper than if I had to pay for the health care here!

Today, we had a final lunch with Vladimir Galkin and his lovely wife, Irina, who is also a chemist, and chair of one Department within the Institute. She is a full Professor at the Butlerov Institute (in Russia, full Professors are a very big deal). The lunch was at the Shalyapin Hotel on Baumann Street (that pedestrian mall again!), and consisted of Tatar food. Lovely! And then Vladimir distributed gifts to us all, which I think is a tradition in Russia. I must remember to bring a set of gifts when I return.

I will probably post the last photographs after I return to the U.S.

Your boring old blogger signing off for now...