Every time I arrive in Beslan, I am overwhelmed with an out pouring of emotions. The smiles and laughter of the children fill my heart to the brim. Meeting up with my friends, the teachers, warms my heart as well, even though we don't share a language. It is incredible to me how much you can communicate without words. I love each and everyone of them dearly.
Most of the time I am in Beslan I am basically just playing with the kids. Sometimes that involves clowning around, but sometimes it is just showing off my mad basketball skills in the gym. Sometimes I feel like the boys are somewhat impressed with this old fart. Sometimes I think they are just amusing me :0). Either way, I enjoy it.
This year I did not hold a master class. I wanted to experience Beslan in a different way. So I floated around and just played and helped a few of the other clowns with their classes. I helped Charlie with her juggling class. The boys can make it really challenging! But in the end everyone had fun and they did do a performance at the concert.
One evening we met the Minister of Education, Zita. She is such a lovely woman! And she loves the clowns. She saw me clowning on the streets of Vladikavkas and she said it made her happy to know that we don't just come for the kids at the school, but for all of the Ossetia region. Well, duh! :0). We clowns just like to spread love and joy everywhere we go. That is what we do. Beslan and the school is just a part of that. A big part, but only a part.
 |
| Maria and Chip selling chocolate covered nuts in a market in Vladikavkas. |
So we invited Zita and her husband Marat to join us on the streets. Every morning before going to the school, we clown outside of our hotel for the folks in Vladikavkas. It is great fun and a nice warm up for us. The next day, Zita and Marat showed up. We gave them some accessories (tie, hat, noses) and they clowned with us a bit. So much fun to see 2 well dressed people clowning. We then went to a local market and the clowning continued. Maria and I were allowed to get behind of the stands selling chocolate covered nuts. We did our best to sell it good. If nothing else, Yulia the owner enjoyed our antics. Her husband presented me with some chocolate covered nuts as a present. My heart overflows.
 |
| Marat, Zita, and Maria on the streets of Vladikavkas |
Later that day we went on a "field trip" with the wee ones. Ages 6 to 8. Basically we walked to this fancy restaurant that served us ice cream! It was such a fun experience. We had to walk about a mile in some hot weather, yet the kids did not complain once. They played and laughed and skipped along. I don't even think they knew we were walking to ice cream, just out for a walk with clowns. Fun time.
 |
| Walking for Ice Cream |
 |
| Ice Cream anyone? |
After ice cream we went to a local orphanage that we visit every year. We were told we would put on a little performance when we got there. However, the kids at the orphanage at a different idea. Instead, they performed for us!! There was a rock band, consisting of 4 kids and a teacher, and they were set up with their instruments. They proceeded to play some amazing music, including classic rock by Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. So much fun. We then played games and danced with the children for an hour or so. We hugged and laughed and cried as we said our goodbyes til next year. I can hardly wait!!
 |
| The Band |
And Go Out and Hug a Child Today!!!
