Well we are in a small town by the Black Sea near Yalta. We haven't been able to figure out how to say or spell it yet. We have to use the internet cafe for internet so I will have to hurry and post. I am not sure if I will be able to add pictures but I will try tomorrow.
The town is beautiful and an amazing view of the Black Sea is out our back door. It is a little chilly and has been raining but it is so nice to have a change of scenery. We are in a small quaint town and the kids love running around and being on Holiday as they call it.
Our translator arranged for us to have a cook for a fraction of the cost of going out to eat, we have loved that and I keep thinking the kids better enjoy their last Ukranian meals, because some of this stuff I will never figure out how to cook. They will miss their food as much as I am missing mine.
Home seems so far away. I have been living out of a suitcase for so long now and the world I used to know seems some fuzzy memory. I am sure this whole trip will feel that way someday.
Today was Julee's daughter's Luiba's birthday. We had a birthday party at a little community center near our house. It was lots of fun. They cooked our lunch, had cake and ice cream for the kids and we had our own music man and party entertainer. It was all Ukranian style and I have great photos and video, but the internet is too slow to upload them. Too bad.
The girl's all bought presents for Luiba, but we didn't have anything to wrap them in so Grandma came up with the great idea of tin foil. What a wonderful shiny pile we had. Luiba was so excited.
We have killed two scorpions in our little house and at least 7 spiders, but they assure us they are harmless. Yikes! At least we have a great view and an outdoor pinpong table.
We never have enough toilet paper anywhere and today Grandma had had enough of no toilet paper so she went to the little booth selling products and bought a whole bunch. She said they really gave her some funny looks. They don't use a lot of toilet paper and we can never figure that out. Hmmmm. I'm just grateful she got unscented, they have some crazy scented toilet paper. The lemon is the worst and the strawberry is the best.
We have tried all sorts of foods and have developed looks that we give each other to indicate good, o.k., and terrible. Our worst so far is what we call hotdog paste they spread on bread. Super super Yuck! My mother in law makes the best faces when she eats something gross and I can't help laughing every time.
Well another day is over, seven more days in the Ukraine.
It sounds like you guys are still having adventure after adventure. I'm sorry I'm not there to share it with you. Thank goodness for grandmas! They think of everything and make sure we have everything. Melba is a sport!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Luiba.
I'm counting the days until you come home too.
Love ya!
Mary
I'm so glad your with people and experiencing new things. Alex bought some of that "hot dog paste" and yuck is the best description.
ReplyDeleteI'm just like Mary, I'm sorry I'm not there to share in your adventure and keep you company. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your week speeds by!
W
Hey, that's not fair! You get a cook, and I don't? The guy wearing the apron at taco bell doesn't count. Amy, I forgot to get myself a souvenir (the girls don't count), so if you see some cultural item, that's not too much, that would be great. Don't even think about getting me one of those costumes the men wear when they do that Russian dance, I wouldn't want to scare the girls. xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh, you make me either laugh or cry with every entry you make! I am glad your time is growing shorter. It will be fun to have you back. Happy Birthday Luiba. It sounds like you had a fun time.
ReplyDeleteI simply must comment about the TP. Oh my goodness. Scented TP? Oh my. Thank goodness they have unscented as an option. ;) Your mother in law sounds like a hoot. I would love to see your variety of faces you make when you eat different things.
ReplyDelete