If Only Clowns Ruled the World

At a reception for clowns, Ukrainian and Russian vodka living side by side in peace.



For the 22nd time, Patch Adams and a gaggle of 40 clowns from 12 countries came to Russia for their annual tour. Most of their time was spent in homes for veterans and the elderly, in hospitals and orphanages, and in homeless shelters in Moscow and St. Petersburg.



Along the way they met with the director of Maria's Children and pretended that they were attending a fancy-dress ball. But they also found time to stroll along the Old Arbat and gather for a portrait in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No international incident was reported.



Read the full story: Got a Diplomatic Dilemma? Send in the Clowns

Cees and other clowns trading stories with a WWII veteran.

Cheering up hospital patients.

Clowns contemplating the Foreign Ministry in Moscow.

Clowns invading the Arbat.

Jilly Bean shares her glasses.

Maria Yeliseyeva and Patch Adams dressed for St. Petersburg.

Patch and Maria clowning with locals at Catherine the Great palace in St. Petersburg.

Patch clowning with a child in a hospital in St. Petersburg.

Patch hugging a child.

Zhorik the clown making use of a free prop.