Back in Yaroslavl

There is no snow...
The Russians are pretty pissed about it, too. They are used to having great snow during their New Year and everyone is worried about global warming. Forget about what it's doing to the environment – it is messing with my banya. For the real banya includes
not diving into cold water, I learned, but actually diving into heaps of powdery, fluffy snow.

Nadia, the director, is loathe to take us because she says that diving into slush is not "as nice" as diving into snow. She wants to wait...

I really hope it snows.
Everything here is exactly as I remember it. One of the hotel staff recognized me. The volunteer program staff are all very happy to see me, and I actually find myself a bit shy, really. I wasn't the greatest volunteer by far. I got flustered and made a ton of mistakes and everything. However, I am considered a seasoned pro here, although there are only 2 people to whom I can show off – Adam, a 40-ish dad from England, and Cortney, in her 30s, from Ventura County.
My biggest feat so far – I was able to guide us all, myself included, to and on the tram, and through the square, past the kremlin, down the slushy street to the 24-hour internet café.
I consulted the handbook, and was still somewhat stunned that I actually kinda remembered how to get here.
I requested and received placement back at the Children's Hospital. I was sad to see that 2 of the kids I saw last March are either still at the hospital, or have been sent back there. I don't think they recognized me, though it's hard to tell. One of the girls I hugged tightly, and she rolled back her head and smiled, and I realize that she must be really, really sick, and that made me want to cry.
Adam and Cortney are great. We are all on the same page, and Cortney and I took a scary trip to the market across the street to buy yogurt for her and sodas for me.

God I missed this damn place! I missed the smells and the market with all kinds of goods and meats and breads, and I missed the rickety old tram, and the drafty gloomy hospital and the rough children, all of it.
I am here for two whole weeks.