The Smithsonian Comes to Kyiv

Friday afternoon Gio and I took the subway over to Paolo's office so we could walk together to the
"Sparks Lab," a travelling exhibit done by the Smithsonian.  What fun to get a bit of DC here in Kyiv.

Here is the sign at the entrance.  For those of you with really great eyesight you might be able to see the Smithsonian label down in the bottom corner.  

The exhibits are designed for children 6 and up, but Gio found ways to enjoy it all.  

An opportunity to whack objects with sticks?  Right up Gio's alley.  

Marble runs.  These were my favorite toys as a child.  We have a set at home but somehow Gio found them much more fun here.  I spent a lot of time convincing him to keep the marbles out of his pockets.  

And then Gio discovered the balloon chimney-thingy.  He LOVED this. The helpers had him decorate a balloon (green, of course) and then he put it into this devise that had a fan at the bottom....

...the balloons soared up and then hovered above the chimney.  

Gio was fascinated.  

This was flight #30.  We stayed at this one spot for over an hour. 

No one could distract him.  This fellow in purple came over to try to lure Gio to another activity. No dice.  

After 2 hours of intense activity and investigation, both Gio and his balloon were exhausted.  

The walk back to the Metro.

In the background are the golden domes of the Lavra.

Gio loved this "upside down tree"! Paolo's office is in the background. 

Gio discovers a rainbow.  

The end of another busy day in Kyiv.  School on Monday!  YIPPEE!!