From Russia to England with Love After returning from Poland the same day, a contingent of 16 Russians came to my Dojo in London for special training and sightseeing. It was nice to see the children and families being able to spend time together training and absorbing the culture of the capital. I could not believe that they walked for 7 hours around London visiting the most popular sights that London is famous for without travelling on any form of London transport. For the duration of the trip they walked everywhere, they said London is a wonderful place with lots of history and culture, and the children said they felt like they were receiving V.I.P treatmen. I just wanted them to enjoy themselves and to return the hospitality I receive when I'm in Russia. Training was in the morning and evening every day, which gave them time for sightseeing and time to chill out, The senior instructor who led the group was Sensei Pavel Klopov 5 th Dan IOGKF from Moscow ; he is one of the longest serving members of IOGKF in the Russian Federation . It was not all about training, I was presented with a traditional lacquered painted honey pot with real honey inside which is my favourite in herbal tea. To my utter surprise I was also presented with a Russian Icon of Jesus Christ which made me feel happy but also tearful because of the work and love in making this item which is made from tiny beads and was made by Sensei Pavel's wife. Wiping the tears from my eyes, that evening I prepared a B.B.Q for my guests and played music to create a welcoming and party atmosphere, everyone seemed happy and the children especially fulfilled their appetites. I am please to say that more and more regions of Russia are coming to London, and I hope to be taking in the future a group from England for social interaction, communication and cultural understanding because this is important for future relationships between our countries. I would like to thank Sensei Pavel and Delia for her translation and look forward to the next trip to the UK . George Andrews |