Seven out of ten!

Today Alex and I caught a ride with Oxana and Constantine. They were heading through Dniproprotrosk and we were going to stop and go shopping on the way back. We went to a small town just on the other side of Dniproprotrosk and just down from the court house was a huge swap meet type market. I was in heaven! Here is a picture of us walking towards the swap meet. Notice the lovely church.


So, while Oxana worked Alex and I shopped. I have now learned that Alex is not a shopper. (If you take my Dad, James and Austin and combine them into one-you would have Alex!) He’s fine if you’re shopping for something he likes but he hates shopping and waiting for me to look at anything. “No mom! Let’s go” he can say as clear as a bell. So begrudgingly we left, he not talking to me and me telling myself I’m never taking him shopping again! I told him I was going to take a picture of his grumpy “I hate to shop” face but he wouldn’t look at me but this picture say’s it all anyway.

He had sweetened up and even apologized by the time Oxana got back but he’s got some things to learn. Tomorrow I’m going to another bigger and better bazaar (or so I’m told) and he’s not coming! I told him I’d be to the school tomorrow at noon. “No mama…nine!” Nope, going shopping little man and you are not invited!

Oxana needed to hurry back and so we didn't stop at Dniproproprtrosk which was just as well as I didn't want to subject Alex to any more shopping!
Here is my anti shopping boy with his "cool" new shades. (25 grivina at the swap meet place!)

So on the way home I’m thinking in my head, it’s amazing you don’t see more car accidents here as the people drive so fast and so reckless, swerving around slow moving trucks, dodging pot holes, and driving up what would be the center lane if there were any lines painted on the road. And then while walking back from lunch in Dniprozerzink with the Rast’s I came up on this accident:

We went over to Rasts apartment to grab their girls some jackets and can I just say…wow! Their apartment is gorgeous AND within walking distance of the school. Well, mine is too if you consider a mile up hill within walking distance!
Then we went to the circus.

The traveling circus. I’ve been to Ringling Brothers but never anything like this. I imagine this is what circuses were like back in the 1940’s? Only with current music and nastier costumes? It started with what looked like 15 year old boys on stilts juggling to the song “Ice, Ice Baby.” And then perhaps a 16-17 year old came out and did some intricate hula hopping. A man dressed like Nephi (Jeff made that comment) came out on a horse and his horse did some stomping and backing up and at one point the man swung around a knife and showed us it was sharp by riding by and cutting a rope that had some decorative bags suspended from it. Not sure what that was all about. Then out came the ostrich that stood in the middle of the ring while raccoons ran around the ring and then two porcupines. (I’m serious-wildlife!) Some little ponies came out and ran around and then the cutest little bear cub was carried around and held like Simba as a baby being presented to the jungle animals at Pride Rock. (You’ll have to know your Disney to catch this imagery!) A contortionist from Switzerland was next and could move in ways I didn’t know the human body could-she had amazing strength. Flexibility doesn’t even begin to describe her abilities. Think “bendy straw”.

Then it was ½ time and Alex was starving so I gave him 10 grynva’s and he came back with a hot dog for him and me. Then he convinced me to go outside the tent (as there were glow in the dark toys to buy but “nett” to that. However I did buy two big bags of some corn type treat and gave them to the group of orphans surrounding me. (Alex got the toy out of the bag. It was the most obnoxious horn I’ve ever heard and he blew it all the way home! ) and I got interviewed by the local news. It was too funny. I have no idea what they asked and I’m surrounded by orphans. (All the orphanage attended the circus and we all got in free!) I just said “Ya ne pinyamyo Puroski” which means (and this is the only phrase I know in Russian) “I don’t understand Russian.” One of the kids pulls Masha (the translator) over and the news lady has her ask me if I like the circus? “Yes, I said. We have nothing like this in the United States.” And I give the camera a big smile. (Which is not a lie, I did like it as it was a once in a lifetime experience and all though I was continually looking for the exit in the event a animal breaks lose and stampedes the audience, it was better than doing nothing at the school and truly, we have nothing like this in the U.S.! The animal right activists people would have a conniption!) Then the news lady gave me a thumbs up and a “Super!”
The last half of the circus consisted of a girl swinging from a ring (thank goodness I could see her attach a safety cable) more juggling, some dancing and then the final act was camels. Camels with gross white spittle hanging from their lips. They were throwing their heads up and looking like they were going to hock a logy at us. I watched through my fingers afraid that we were going to get spewed on. (We were not on the front row but it was that up front and personal!) Oh and the best part was the funny clown who performed throughout. The kids loved him and Alex just laughed and laughed.
It was quite chilly tonight and we walked the kids back to school and Constantine picked me up and dropped the Rast and Marsha at their place. He took me to the restaurant where he and Oxana had been dining and I had a bowl of soup and tea and a slice of cheese cake and now Oxana and I are home.
Tomorrow we’re going to take the kids to the movies and of course go shopping in the morning. Hurray!! Day seven….done!