by Kay
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Don's European trip...


This is a story I have remembered and thought about many times over the years:

I recall Don telling us of their travel by train to Russia. Travel was scheduled in the evening so travelers would not see the living conditions of the people living in the rural areas.  But, as they entered Russia it was just dusk and Don said they could make out images of people working in the fields along the track including women and their meager means.  To this day I have this image in my head of an old lady dressed in an old house dress, cotton stockings, an old wool coat, and a scarf tied under her chin, with a pick axe in her hands.  

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I recall Don telling us that when he and Jim along with the rest of the group arrived at the hotel they were to stay in, it was discovered the hotel was short one room.  The tour leader asked for two volunteers to stay elsewhere.  Don and Jim jumped at the chance.  They were to go to a specific hotel.  That was a nice setup to strike out on their own.  

That evening they met a couple of young Russian men and struck up a conversation.  I think it was Jim who suggested these men let them go to their apartment so they could see what living in a Russian apartment was like.  The men were very hesitant as that was not allowed in Russia.  I do not remember for sure if Don and Jim stayed with them overnight, but I seem to remember they did.  I also recall Don saying he or Jim asked to take a photo of the men.   They first said, "No', fearing being caught allowing these Americans in their apartment, but finally allowed it.  I remember Don saying they had a very enjoyable time.  

[Don tells us that that was his and Jim's other Russian apartment story, this time in St. Petersburg.]

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When Don and Jim were in Sweden they stayed with [Jim's great aunt].  After finishing their supper that Don described in the audio (horse meat and subsequently Jim barfed up!), they were offered a bowl of fresh strawberries.  Or perhaps just Don, as Jim wasn't feeling well after the horse meat.   That sounded like a delicious end to the meal they had just eaten.  Don was asked if he would like fresh cream on his strawberries.  That sounded wonderful and he said yes.  Placed before him was a bowl of strawberries with curdled cream.  Grandpa Fred Paulson would have loved it, as a big glass of chunky curdled milk with breakfast was a favorite of his.  I don't remember how Don handled this, but it seems to me he maneuvered his way out of eating it.

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I think we all remember the Russian winter house Don brought home for Mom and Dad with a light in it.  Was it marble? (or soapstone?) [soapstone].  Guessing Don has it now.  I just remember how beautiful it was.  (Perhaps a photo could be forthcoming?) [Yes, photo will be added later.]

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Roger mentioned the European tradition of a slice of cheese for dessert that Don served us.  I was remembering a slice of cheese on top of apple pie, as that also is a European tradition and I remember eating that one time and liking it.  But just cheese is also very common.

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A footnote to Grandpa Fred's big glass of curdled milk.
I remember sitting at the kitchen table for breakfast and Grandma saying to Grandpa he shouldn't have that when there was company.  Us kids piped up and said, "That's okay, we don't care!"  We just loved our Grandpa Fred so much we had to stand up for him, even though it looked gross.

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