Thanksgiving

Day 6 & 7

Yesterday, we went to coffee shop and walked around some. Went to toy store and then just around the nearby blocks for half the day. Here’s an interesting scene. In the street-crossing underpass a woman is selling slabs of pork and pork fat all just spread out on a wooden table in the open air. Unwrapped, unrefrigerated, just open, handled raw bacon. (see picture)

We saw a woman digging around in the trash. We saw 3 different packs of stray dogs which are probably breeds of dog mixed with coyote or wolf. They look wild and scary, but then again, I’m always funny around animals. This country provides an even more drastic contrast between rich and poor than the US.

Met up with kids and Olena and Beth and family at a restaurant outside the city, called Zemdichoke or something like that. Took almost an hour cab ride to get there. It was a lovely restaurant, exposed beams, traditional dress on servers, kind of looks like a traditional German restaurant. There were huts around the outside of the main restaurant for parties, and we had hut #73. The food was fairly plain but very good. We had chicken with a slight hint of curry flavoring and there was a tray of beef. There was a platter of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. The kids got French fries along with theirs. I remarked that in the US, the entire platter of chicken would probably be one serving. It was sufficient, just that the US potions are ridiculous. It was a splurge b/c it was worth it to get to hang out w/ the kids and Olena. We didn’t have a translator, so poor Olena did the ordering for us etc. The kids made it fun though. Not a lot of high-level conversation, as you can imagine. V wore this silky-looking, almost metallic-sheened suit, and he said, his “fancy tie.” He did look fancy!!!! I’m impressed with his English. He’s been working hard since summer. He is always so happy to see us, but he’s not surprised. He knew and trusted we were coming for him, and I’m glad that he is still able to trust after being let down by the adults in his life before.

Today, we are looking at more of the same. I’d like to do more sightseeing, but it’s expensive to get taxied around everywhere, and we need to save that $ to go back and forth to the orphanage. We are sleeping in, and I’m getting to read a lot, but I can see going stir crazy with this little lifestyle we’ve created. We’re hanging in there for now! We’ll get to hang out w/ V tonight and hopefully this weekend.

We’re still on pins and needles to hear our court date. We should hear it on Monday. I will probably come home during the 10-day waiting period. I miss Jake too much.