Back to early 1900s Russia for a bit.

First day of school, Birsk, Bashkiria, Russia, September 1, 1993

I had not seen this event until holidaying in the Ural mountains, visiting a friend who lives in Birsk. All the children and their parents arrive in their best clothes; there are speeches and flowers. The boy winking makes the shot.

Prison, Birsk, Bashkiria, Urals, Russia, September 1993

Someone seems to have attempted an escape, causing one to wonder whether it was a success.