RUSSIA. Black Sea, Anapa. January 4, 2021. I really wanted to the Banja and swim in the icy sea but the Banja was booked already. Yulia and her lovely Siberian family were so nice to invite me to join. The Banja has always been a big part of the Russian identity and community. It has always been a place where people go to strengthen their health. I hope 2021 will allow us to gather together again safely.