Paul & Lauren’s Travels

No, it’s not winter yet but it is snowing! Or least that’s what they assure us; but when it’s snowing and freezing who really cares what season it is. So, we are excited! Crack open the hot chocolate!

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From somewhere beyond the sea, waiting to meet us at the metro in Ukraine was Joy Gratez and her two friends. We meet them at the metro, and had a wonderful evening over dinner at TGI Fridays. We laughed about some of our similar experiences in Ukraine, and had great chats about home. We strolled down the main street, chatting as we went. It was so precious to see Joy a friend from home, it was hard to say good bye at the end of the night. We had a fantastic time with them it was our highlight in October.

I waited a day or two before announcing just to be sure, but finally … the central heating is on! Now, the office is once again fit for human habitation and the kitchen fridge can begin to seem a little more meaningful.

Its fast, dirt cheap and can withstand thermonuclear attack; its the Kiev Metro. The Metro is the amazing soviet era subway system that runs underneath central Kiev. Five cents buys a trip to anywhere on this amazing public transport system. Of course, to reach the train you must descend to a depth that can withstand an atomic blast, and to do this you need some seriously long, steep escalators. Amazingly, the one pictured above is not the longest. Photography is forbidden.

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One highlight of October for us was the Hillsong Conference here in Kiev. It was held at the Ukrainian Palace (a theatre) which is just up the road from us. Wednesday night featured Joyce Meyer speaking followed by a Delirious? concert. Obviously Lauren enjoyed Joyce’s preaching a lot; we both absolutely loved the Delirious concert that finished the night, it was quality.

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Hello! Well, I had a great birthday. Paul and I went out to dinner at TGI Friday’s and enjoyed steak (Paul’s meal) and Mexican tortillas (my meal). It was lovely to go out and spend the evening out together. After TGI we went out for coffee at Double Coffee (where the photo was taken).

The Interesting thing about this photo was what was happening in the back-round. The flowers and the Lady were all part of a first meet and a “Ukrainian Bride” negotiation (talk of , marriage, visas, self respect, and you get nothing if it does not work).

We had a great evening! To read more about my birthday, visit my personal blog (Lauren’s Pink Absence).

You may recall in an earlier post the pit that replaced our neighbourhood street, well, thankfully the work on the water mains is finished. The cars can once again make their way home, in low gear, to park safely on the foot path. I wonder if they will next attempt to make the road flat(ish) once more … or then again, perhaps that is just a silly thought.

I recently visited Kiev’s antiques market which is held regularly around the traps. Yeah, sure you can buy old cups, saucers, watches, spoons, paintings, brik-a-brak, various pieces of rust … BUT CHECKOUT THE ARSENAL!

I wonder how much opposition I’d receive from customs whilst bearing an MP38 submachine gun?

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Hey this is my comfort zone… Inside the early childhood unit (ECU) at my school. I have enjoyed getting to know the children in the unit, the families and and my colleagues Pat and Susan. I also enjoy working with Aida, Tanya and Anna the assistants in the ECU.

I have also conceptualised and ran professional development course for the ECU. The first part of the course went really well. All the staff came as did the head of primary, Sharon. I received great feedback. I will be leading the second part of the course in two weeks. I have also been asked to then present it to the primary staff as a whole. I am really excited about this opportunity. I will let you know how it goes.

Check out the road works! Just so you know you know, the road works are just down from our apartment. So currently we have no hot water:( The Endless Entertainment here! Laugh and smile:)