As part of the American half of the Student Exchange we went to South Dakota and Wyoming for a few days. This trip was the biggest outing that we went on as a group; it was the American equivalent of the St. Petersburg trip in 2006 (although South Dakota and St. Petersburg aren�t quite the same :)
Our trip was 5 days long and included 4 nights spent in various hotels. On the morning of July 9th, Pasha, Masha, Danil, Alina, Jess, Carly, Sam, Eva, Bill, Ljudmila and I left La Crescent for the long drive. Most of our first day consisted of driving through Minnesota and parts of South Dakota until we reached Sioux Falls. We traveled in a van so we were a little bit cramped but otherwise the trip went well thanks to food, soda, magazines, music and our fellow travel companions. By the time we had reached Sioux Falls we were so hungry and exhausted that, after eating supper and checking into the hotel, the day was essentially over.
The next day, after leaving the hotel and driving a short while, we reached the Badlands. The barren landscape and colorful hills fascinated the American and Russian students, especially since the landscape was different than that of La Crosse or Dubna. We scampered up the rock formations, cameras in hand, to capture the unique patterns and shapes of the rocks. Everyone tried to outdo each other through posing like models and movie stars, as if we were in the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately the heat and lack of shade didn�t help so we moved on.
Switching the pace to a more patriotic theme, we pushed on towards Mount Rushmore. After a few hours drive, we finally reached the hotel, and then, our destination. The monumental faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt greeted us from their mountain home as we picked up our audio touring devices to learn more about them. Touring the museum and then the base of the mountain our group was able to learn much about the creation of this monument. Created in the early 20th century by Gutzon Borglum and, later, his son Lincoln, this national treasure took many years of dangerous and meticulous work. The result is a world-renown, greatly respected and beloved American magnum opus. Our Russian friends were also able to learn much about some of America�s greatest presidents. Unfortunately our tour was cut short by a thunderstorm. But the weather gods weren�t entirely against us; the storm passed quickly and we were able to see the light show below the mountain.
The following morning, we moved onto another American monument: Crazy Horse. Like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse is a sculpture of a famous American leader (the leader, in this case, is the Native American chief Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing to his lands) carved immortally into a mountain. However Crazy Horse was the creation of Korczak Ziolkowski and his family, funded through private donations (Mount Rushmore being endorsed by the US Government) and has yet to be finished. After 50 years of work only the face has been completed, and the torso has been outlined. Once at Crazy Horse we toured the museum compound. Not only did the museum discuss the creation of Crazy Horse but also dedicated itself to the Native Americans of the area. Local artists sold their artwork next to displays of wigwams, tools and other Native American daily items. We were all struck by the beauty of the Native American art, and saddened by their tragic history. Crazy Horse was one of our favorite sites on this trip because of its fascinating history and the beautiful Native American tales it told.
Once again we packed into the van and moved on, this time to Deadwood. However, before we were able to explore Deadwood, we were whisked away to Tatanka: Story of the Bison. This museum is dedicated to educating people about the bison and how their roles in the Native American and white cultures. Our guide at the museum also helped illustrate how Native American customs, dress, and beliefs are different, and often more sensible, than those of the white settlers or modern Americans They demonstrated how the Native Americans used every part of the bison for various tools, clothing, and other items. The highlight of the museum was the life-size statues of Native American hunters on horses hunting the bison and driving them into a trap. This statue was on the peak of a hill, which overlooked views of four different states (North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana) The Russian students were amazed by the enormous bison, which had grazed the Great Plains until the white settlers drove them close to extinction.
There are no bison in Dubna or La Crosse so this was the first time they had seen these giants.
Returning to Deadwood we were able to check into our hotel, which had a casino on its first floor. We hopped onto a city trolley to explore downtown Deadwood. There were many sights to explore in this former mining town, including casinos and souvenir shops. But before long shots rang on the main street. The re-enactment of the murder trial of Jack McCall for murdering Wild Bill Hickok was taking place. We were invited to witness the arrest and trail of McCall. Between each segment of the re-enactment we were able to explore more of the city, eating ice cream and Rocky Mountain Oysters :). We had to sneak out of the trial early because it dragged on too long/ Yet Deadwood showed us a side of the Wild West, just like a western movie (except the events at Deadwood were real, unlike most movies).
On our final day of sightseeing we got up early to travel to Wyoming. Our main stop for the day was Devil�s Tower, just a few miles over the boarder between South Dakota and Wyoming. Devil�s Tower is a unique rock formation in the middle of the flat plains. Its origins are unknown but nonetheless it is admired for its great appearance. We were given about an hour to walk around the vast formation and explore it. What amazed us the most were the brave rock climbers from our team who had no definite path up the rock. We were also in awe of the Native American legend surrounding the size and gouges on the rock. According to this legend, several Native American girls were running from a bear, when, suddenly, a rock shot out underneath their feet and lifted them up above the bear. The bear angrily clawed on the rock in hopes of getting his prey but no success. Thus, Devil�s Tower and its gouges on the sides were created.
After gazing at America�s first national monument we loaded up the van to head back to La Crosse. We made a quick overnight stop at our first hotel in Sioux Falls since the journey was too long for one day. The following morning we drove through Minnesota to La Crosse where our parents waited to pick us up.
Overall the trip was amazing. The Russian students were able to learn a lot more about the US, and see a different side of this greatly diverse country. We American students were also at awe with the hidden treasures of South Dakota. Many of us had been here before with our families, yet we all hope to visit these beautiful states again.
This trip would not have been possible without the help of Bill Trussoni and the American families. Originally the brainchild of Bill, the American students and families were not only asked to travel but also to raise extra money to pay for the costs of hotels, food, admission, etc Thanks Bill, and all the American families for your hard work and time; it all paid off!

Barbara Jedele