February 03, 2005
Kiev is cool
Our first apartment was in a working class part of Kiev (see photos). We wanted to be closer to the city. So we moved to this very lovely apartment downtown. We can walk everywhere. John says Kiev is like New York and New Orleans rolled into one. Last night, he went for a walk and found a beer booth on a corner. Yes, they are outside selling beer in the winter! John says this is the life.
OK< we were waiting for some paperwork from the adoption center but the director didn't have time to sign them today so we are supposed to get them tomorrow (Fri.) We are used to the hurry up and wait system; we've been dealing with it for a year. So we still hope to visit the girl tomorrow. And this is one of the great parts: she is in an orphanage right here in Kiev. This means no long train rides across the country!
Meanwhile, we are enjoying the city. We layer up and walk around, the sidewalks are very crowded with people bundled up, talking and laughing. On the weekends, they close off the main roads downtown so that people can walk in the streets. I have been ordering food for us in Russian.
I asked a guy on the street where I could buy a hat; I could say everything but hat, so I gestured. He thought I wanted a hair cut. I asked an older lady selling candy (yes, outside) and she grunted and pointed toward these stairs leading to what looked like a subway. We figured she was just kooky. Much later in the day, we went down those stairs and found a huge shopping mall! It was really hopping, a big hang out. It has a McDonalds, Baskin Robbins, you name it. It was right under our noses and we didn't realize it. Like a city under a city. Pretty cool.
Your comments are cracking me up, and your support is wonderful. More details tomorrow. Really!
Posted by Laura at February 3, 2005 04:21 PMPosted to
Great bleak pictures of the 1st apt. John looks like he is getting the 3rd degree under the light. Nice photo's of your attache's.
Keep warm, get a cold beer, a Big Mac and good nights sleep.
Posted by: Dave at February 3, 2005 04:45 PMhi laura,
i am reading every day. the suspense is building. i am glad you are enjoying the city. i envy you going out for a beer. (somehow, that is really pathetic.) i'm shocked about the hopping shopping mall.
good luck tomorrow!
heidi
Posted by: heidi at February 3, 2005 08:49 PMp.s.: i just noticed the picture with the bare lightbulb: nice touch; very third world. but what is that thing behind you in the new, trendy apartment? i don't remember seeing anything like that at IKEA.
heidi
Yeah, what IS that thing behind your head????
I was wondering too!!! It looks like a bunch of tangled wires (is the placed bugged?) or a tree branch someone dragged in and nailed to the wall. Otherwise the place looks very cool. Cute Translater,too.
We are DYING out here, how come you didn't write yesterday??? I had a spaz attack waiting.
Did you get a hat??? What about boots?
Everyone in my office is waiting, too. Even the people I can't stand!
This is BIG, Laura...really BIG. I had a dream about it last night! I will tell you when you get back. I want to see if it was a psychic dream. Also, for the record, I thought both of you guys looked pretty good in the pictures, considering the jet lag!
PS: AMY--fire up the hot tub tonight, I'm comin' over with my posse!
Love the running word pictures and photos! Your blog is my first hit on the computer every morning.
You look particularly beautiful in your solo pic. Great haircut! Can't imagine how the man thought you wanted another one. (Cute, tho!)
Can't wait for tomorrow's report!
Aunt Ellen
Posted by: Aunt Ellen at February 4, 2005 09:43 AMCOME ON
Posted by: Pamela at February 4, 2005 11:32 AMWhat is the time difference there, anyone know
Posted by: Pamela at February 4, 2005 11:33 AMOkay, i found this: "We just found out that our appointment time is 11 am Wednesday (that's 4 am for y'all in the Eastern time zone.)" so they must be Seven hours ahead. That means, they have probably met their new child already.
I wonder if she will actually be able to get to the computer today. But, today is the most important day, (we hope) so hopefully she will.
My mother (Aunt Ellen) tells me there is a post for today already (Friday) but i cannot find it.
To Austin: I am sorry you have to work with the group who knocked over their thing!! Hopefully they will be able to keep up with your group and do a good job anyway.
Posted by: Pamela at February 4, 2005 12:20 PM