More on Day 6 of Ten..

Guess what? I do have something more to write about. Today while riding #11 I found out it ends at the end of the what I call "State Street". So #11 has does not make a full circle-it has two dead ends. Good to know. The bus had just gone by Billa, which is a big grocery store with two levels of department type stores above it so I thought I’d back track there and see if I could find a swimsuit.
On the way I noticed a little stand with a picture of a hamburger. I had just been joking with Alex yesterday that I wanted a hamburger and he said “No hamburger-Ukraine!” So I knew I had to try this. Keep in mind I don’t even know how to say “Could I please have….” I just point. They lady said “Cheese Burger?” I said “American Cheese Burger?” she said “No,Ukraine Cheese Burger” she heated it in the microwave and I paid and was on my way. Here is what it looked like:

And with the bun off:


Yes, that’s right, that’s grated carrots. It was okay. Nope, won’t try it again but at least I can say I’ve had a Ukraine Cheese Burger.
Then on to Billa. Here’s something I LOVE about Ukraine. I love that they have (and require you to use) free lockers to put your bags in before shopping. It’s great because you don’t have to tote your heavy bag and or purchase with you into other stores. I’m sure it’s for shoplifting reason’s but personally, I love it! You keep your purse with you of course.
I dropped off my big bag and went upstairs. The one store that sold swimsuits were expensive. Like $595 grynva (which is roughly $75 dollars.)
I did however get Julia’s B-day shopping almost done. Bill & Lezlie will be gone for her birthday next week on the 14th so they left money for me to throw a little party. I bought her a bright pink neck pillow for the trip home, a sun visor (remember her creative sweater tying the other day) and then after consulting with Leslie we thought she could use some girly things so I bought a glittery makeup bag and nail polish and lip gloss. Lezlie had left some markers, colored pencils and drawing pad. I also found candles, paper plates, forks, cups and balloons. I have about 25 more grynva to spend and I’ve put away 60 grynva for her cake. I’m so happy to be DOING and planning something. So be sure to check next Tuesday to see how the party goes.
Then I left Billa and just wandered around. Again, I have my headphones on so that if anyone talks to me and I ignore them-which I do because I have no clue what they are saying and can’t even tell if they’re talking to me-then it just looks like I’m lost in my music and not rude or deaf and dumb or something. Besides,I enjoy listening to my good old American country music while traipsing through the streets of Ukraine.
I came upon a little store (Again, I really don’t know if I’m walking into stores, banks or massage parlors-I just take my chances!) and guess what ? I found my swimsuit and it was only 70 grynva’s which is like $9. Amazing! They didn’t have my size but through pantomiming told me to come back in 10 minutes. The sales girl went somewhere (outside of the building) and came back with my size only in black-which is even better! (Black is slimming right?) So that was may major accomplishment! I bought a swim suit!!
Then I caught bus #11a (which takes me right to the orphanage) to pick up Alex. After our typed up via the translator program talk about money (not pouting when I don't buy him everything he asks for), learning English (now is the time) & our time frame (living with me vs living at school and when we might actually get on the airplane). We dropped off treats for Julia and then I swore Alex to secrecy and took him back to my apartment to make cookies and play computer. On the way there I stepped on a one of the few man hole covers I’ve seen and Alex freaked out! He quickly gave me an exaggerated pantomimed lecture on the dangers of stepping on man hole covers. How mama could fall down the hole and die and Alex would cry. It was hilarious and very endearing. Just in case I didn’t get it the first time I not only got one lecture but another when we walked by the next uncovered man hole. Good grief! I promised I won’t step on anymore man hole covers!!
I made cookies while Alex did Rosetta Stone on the computer.



And then Alex ate cookies.


Then he played his gangster computer game while I cleaned up.

I Skyped home and Alex was able to say "hi" to my mom and Rylee. Then I called James and and read some while Alex continued to play computer. Then around six we started back to the school. Every day he tells me “No school.” and tries to talk me into getting him the next day at nine in the morning. I know this wait is as long if not longer for him then it is for me. Just four more days my boy!
Oh, here’s something funny. On the way back some of the stray dogs were having a dog fight and one dog took off running super fast right by us. Alex said-clear as a bell-“Oh my gosh!” It cracked me up! Not only is become American, he’s becoming a Utahan!
Anyway, that was our day. It was so nice to be in the apartment and not at the school. Tomorrow the kids are out at 11:00 so maybe we’ll go swimming now that I have a suit? Who knows, tomorrow is yet another day!

For you Twlight Fans:

And here's one of me and Lex at lunch yesterday:

Yes, those are my sunglasses!