Frosty Streets of Kiev

After a hearty breakfast of eggs, ham and more of that incredible bread and butter (compliments of David's great cooking) Sveta and Igor picked us up at our doorstep as the beautiful snow swirled around and the temps seemed to have dropped from the previous day.

Our errands for the day started with a trip to the U.S. Consulate which meant creeping along through crowded traffic and people watching. What beautiful coats and hats (fur,fur,fur) many of the women were wearing - looking very stylish! People were out walking even in the snowy weather but they knew how to dress for it!!

Our government seemed to be hiding and we were so grateful for help finding the Consulate, as we would have never found it on our own, nor been able to navigate down the somewhat secrect pathway off the beaten track. Our driver, Igor skillfully drove down the icy snow and mogul ridden path, even meeting other cars, as we slipped and slid over the bumps and narrowly missed metal to metal interactions. Later we were complimenting his fine driving skills through the difficult conditions and we found out through his wife Sveta that Igor had been a professional race car driver in his youth!!

Out of the car, we continued the sliding theme as we walked downhill, holding hands with Sveta, to the Consulate door, where not being American Sveta left us to enter alone. First tight but very polite and English speaking security, then on to the Adoption folks in the next building. High metal fences surround the whole place so it feels like our own special spot! We worked on some paperwork and were treated most kindly.

A second errand included a trip to the open air markets of Kiev. A few important items had been left behind in the fury of departure. We originally were going to shop on our own near our apartment, but Sveta would have none of that...as the shops in our area charge exorbitant prices!! Again, Sveta in the lead, we marched into the FREEZING open air markets. Thankfully she knew exactly where to take us for each and every item, as well as how to negotiate the best prices. The kind and long suffering merchants were warmly dressed but still we wondered how they stood there all day. While trying on a hat, David got especially careful service, as the stylish shopkeeper wouldn't allow David to make a decision until she approved of how good it looked!! What a handsome guy he was as he left that vendor!!!

Now back home in our cozy apartment, we have unexpected outside music and rucus provided by the political rallys (elections for President of Ukraine are scheduled for Sunday) at Independence Square. Hope it doesn't go too late:)

Thanks for all who already commented on our 1st Ukraine posting. It means the world to us to be able to share our adventures with you all!!

Love, Lorelle and David