This night was called ” White night”
Because all night it was light.

We have arrived in Petrozavodsk in the republic of Karelia,
In the north western part of Russia.

I wondered how long it would take,
To see each river and lake.

They tell us their are 2700 rivers and 6000 lakes in Karelia republic to see,
But seeing them all would be to much for me!

On the city tour we viewed buildings built during the era of the soviet,
But the newer people’s apartments are not up to par…yet.

To live here does not look like a feast,
It appears depressing to say the least.

Today they memorized the Nazi invasion because it is the 22nd of June,
There have been many changes since , but it still looks like gloom.

And we observed the ceremony at the eternal flame,
where today the Governor and his delegation came,

To remember the heroes who died on this land,
They are together in this grave but listing their names they cant

Much I did not know,
About a Karelian folk show.

But a I was glad I went,
Because the evening could not have been better spend.

Never before had I even had a glance,
Of these foreign instruments and dance.

We were able to observe a traditional Russian wedding ceremony,
Which according to our guide includes a lot of baloney.

Couples think tying the knot in summer is wise,
Because winter is to cold with snow and ice.

The guide tells us all the guest get drunk on this day
And the groom also may.

After dinner an interactive Russian fairy tale show,
That showed us what we did not know….

That Russians like to laugh, have fun and believe in tales……
No matter how often their government fails.