september 10

Rode the bus all night to Penza, 650 km south east of Moscow. I think by midnight everyone was asleep. We had so much luggage it wouldn’t all fit in the cargo compartments so we had to walk on the armrest to get out of the bus at stops as the isle was piled high with luggage containing mostly sculpting tools of every kind, what a howl. We arrived in Penza at about 10am, a beautiful breakfast was waiting for us. We ate quickly as we are all tired and the opening ceremonies is at 2pm. After a little sleep we went to the opening, the minister of art and others were there along with lots of TV and other reporters. They are really making a big deal about this event.