Tuesday Morning

Today started out as most of our mornings have - slow and lazy. I hate to admit it, but I'm kind of missing having stuff to do to get me going each morning. (I'll probably deny I ever said that as soon as we get home with the kids!) Before visiting the kids, we decided to take this bit of unscheduled time and get some things for Anna and Misha that are Ukranian. Our coordinator took us to the open market to buy DVD's. She said that in the stores the price is doubled. We found (with her help, of course) 4 that would be good for the flight home. There are open markets/stands all over the city, but this one in particular goes not only along the street but into a large lot with paths twisting everywhere. It reminded me of the Berryessa Flea Market, but the stands are smaller, more tightly compressed, and the walk ways even more narrow. There was everything from food, DVD's, clothes, furniture, fabric, to auto parts, hair accessories, used & new kitchen gadgets, and sunglasses. One area was a large fish market, and one area held nothing but produce. During our explorations of the market, I bought enough Borsch seasoning packs to make 20 recipes. I also found new sunglasses (I forgot to bring mine from home). Our coordinator and I share a love of shoes and stopped in a shoe store - stacks of boxes with samples on top. I found one pair I really liked 1/2 off, but decided I probably wouldn't wear them much with the size heel it had. It was tempting, though, at only 135 grivna (about $19).

We then set off for a stroll on the beach. By the time we got there, the wind had picked up dramatically. I love the beach, but getting pounded by the wind for any length of time is not so comfortable. We collected some small shells to take to Anna and I drew a stick-figure picture of our new family (dogs included). I really can't wait to bring the kids home. There were several ships on the horizon waiting to come into port to get their steel cargo.

For supper (Ukraine does not eat lunch - they have a large meal mid day and a light dinner in the evening), we went to a Georgian BBQ. When I think BBQ, I think rich tangy sauce, lots of wet wipes... BBQ in the Ukraine is a style of cooking. They like to go down to the river and have cookouts! We went to a restraunt. We had BBQ pork, well seasoned, but no sauce, and a salad. My salad was cabbage, cucumber, parsley and mayo. There was a tomato sauce (like a tangy tomato juice) that was brought with the food. We dipped both the meat and bread into it. Very yummy and very filling.

Our next stop was to the orphanage to meet Misha's and Anna's Babushka. (next post) BTW- I will add pictures to these posts when I get home, so keep checking.