February 26, 2005
Internet cafes, hold the sausage
We have learned that the population of Kiev is more than 2 million, and I'm convinced that most of them are out on the streets and in the malls at all times. I'm not quite sure when they work, exactly. Or sleep.
I'm in an Internet cafe on Main Street on a Saturday evening and it's nearly full. A man behind me is looking at a German-language Web page. Outside, the huge speakers on the light poles are blaring music and, alternately, a speech by someone. Maybe the prime minister? Or the president? Or a DJ? It has sort of an eerie effect, like some left-over function of the Soviet Union.
Our experiences with restaurants have improved. I have managed to keep sausage, and most other meats, out of my meals...!
We didn't have a chance to visit Tara today, one of our drivers was sick, the other unavailable. We will aim for a Sunday visit. Some orphanages don't allow weekend visits; we are lucky that the Little Birch Tree is open to adoptive parents every day.
Austin: You are always on our minds!
Posted by Laura at February 26, 2005 11:16 AMPosted to
Tara will be extra glad to see you Sunday. I enjoyed reading that Austin wants to pick you up at the airport no matter what day or hour. He knows that will be a magic moment!
luv, aunt ellen
AUSTIN IS REALLY GETTING ANXIOUS SINCE ITS SO CLOSE TO AIRPORT TIME. HE DID NOT WANT TO STAY OVERNIGHT AT ANDREW, HE WANTED TO SLEEP IN HIS BED(AT kAREN) THINKING HE MIGHT MISS THE ARRIVAL OF HIS SPECIAL FAMILY.HE IS REALLY A GREAT GUY , SO PATIENT.hE USUALLY ANSWERS THE PHONE AT KARENS. IT WON't BE LONG ---SEE YOU SOON
LOVE YOU ****MOM****
Big sister here. Okay we tried to see the Boogeyman but it was sold out in two theaters. So we rented three spook movies. Halfway through "The Village" we shut it off. We took a vote and decided no one cared how it ended. Then we rented a low- budget spooker, it was good for some screams. We had grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch so we did take-out for supper. And ice cream for the nighttime treat. We are watching some Nickelodeon because Austin doesn't want to go to sleep with the spooker on his mind. Every toy commercial we see we think maybe we can buy it for Tara. We imagine if she would like the toys or not. We wonder when is her birthday? We talk about what songs Austin can teach her, like Old MacDonald. (and on this farm he had a monster, EI EI O! With an argh-argh here and an argh-argh there...)He is going to sleep over at Eli's Sunday night now that he knows he won't miss an airport run. Pretty normal Saturday night, not exciting like being in an ancient city like Kiev. Have you found any literature on the history of the city? Have you found a post office? Have you SENT THE SOUVENIRS?
Posted by: karen wiz at February 26, 2005 09:43 PMhi guys,
i can't wait to check in on monday. listen, laura, you really need to send karen those souvenirs...
hang in there, austin!
Posted by: heidi at February 26, 2005 11:40 PM"Every toy commercial we see we think maybe we can buy it for Tara."
I don't even have words for how this stuff makes me feel! Warm, approaches it! Ahh.
Posted by: Pamela at March 1, 2005 08:55 AM