My Host Family :)

One of my assignments the past few days was to get a picture with my host family. This may sound like a simple task but finding a time when everyone looks presentable and is dressed in nice clothes definitely took some time (and maybe a little mother/daughter fighting like I would expect in any family picture scene, regardless of the country!). I'm not sure I've explained how the dress code here in Ukraine works...so let me give you a little 411.

Even if you walk outside just to go down the street to get a loaf of bread at the local magazihn, you have to look presentable. I think I have worn at least a little makeup every day since I've been in Ukraine. This was not a normal occurence for me back home so it's definitely been an adjustment to allowing enough time in the morning to get ready. It is pretty common for women here (and girls...starting at the age of 16 or 17?) to wear high heels while walking down the dirt road. I have yet to figure out how they do this without tripping. I can barely walk down the street without tripping and nearly breaking my neck (my group mates think I'm a walking disaster because my knees and ankles give out on me at random times. I may or may not have also fallen down the stairs in Kiev before...let's just say it was a good think Mark was in front of me :) )...let alone do it in heels. I did not bring a pair of heels (last minute decision not to because I had no room...) which has been a decent decision because I would like to buy a pair here that will fit in more. I feel like it's a necessity...EVERY female teacher wears heels...every day. I just don't see how they do it.

Without further ado...here is our lovely family picture. My older host sister (Katya) lives in Kiev and is married, so maybe the next time she comes here we will be able to get a full family picture.

Dad (Andrei), Mom (Gala), Sister (Christy), and Lydia

I need to go finish doing my damashneeya zadanuhyeah (homework) right now...so I will sign off and submit this blog! Talk to y'all soon :)