Bruises, Mayo & Thigh High Boots

Today we ventured outside of Kyiv with another World Bank family to a restaurant/farm where we fed pigs, goats, chickens, ducks and rabbits.  We knew we were definitely not in the US when we noticed that a pig was being slaughtered just beside the pen where children were hanging out visiting the animals. A much more realistic depiction of a true farm, but in the US I am sure this would have caused general panic.  

Anyway, our children did not bat an eye and I tried to ignore the smell of the burning pig hair as we walked by.  After a monstrous lunch of typical Ukrainian food (warm cranberry grog, dumplings, a pizza-like cheese dish, pickled vegetables and grilled pork), Gio chased 5-year-old Alexandra all around the restaurant with squeals of delight.  The fun was momentarily stopped when Gio face-planted into a table corner (see photo below), but he was soon back up on his feet ready for more.  He does love the older girls! 

Gio vs. a table

This afternoon we drove (yes, we are finally mobile!) to the supermarket.  Here are two shots I was able to sneak- the security patrol the aisles constantly trying to catch such criminal behavior, but today I was able to get these!

Ukrainians LOVE mayonnaise.... this was only a small sample of what the aisle had to offer.  Just thought it is amusing that even in American you cannot find such a large container of Hellman's. 

Seriously.  This is how women dress here EVERY DAY.  I mean, we were at the supermarket on a Saturday afternoon.  I feel like a complete slob here, but I just don't think I could ever pull off the fur coat/thigh-high-stilletto-boot look. 

And finally, some random things I found on my camera today......

Ice falling from buildings is a frequent hazard here.  Wearing a sturdy hat and obeying these "velvet rope" warnings seems to be the only option for avoiding a major head injury. 

I have thought a lot lately about the differences between our last post and this one.  The streets of Delhi were absolutely filthy with rotting garbage, trash and the added bonus of men constantly peeing in public on every roadside and corner.  I do not miss this aspect of India.  Public toilets (and perhaps the deterrent of freezing weather) plus the presence of trash cans at frequent intervals makes for a much more pleasant stroll.