Just your normal Ukrainian adventure...

So, I lost my PO Box key.  I normally do not lose or misplace things, but everyone has a slip up.  My post office is very similar to an American one in the way the PO Boxes work I think.  Well, kind of.  There are 5 or 6 big stands of post office boxes, and each of the stands has a big door that can open up (so the staff can put our mail in our boxes).  Then, there are individual doors for each PO Box.  Hope that makes sense.

Needless to say, I didn't think it would be a giant hassle that I lost my key.  I kind of lost it over a week ago...but have been waiting on Christmas/birthday packages to arrive in the mail.  And, I knew if I told my parents that I lost the key, they would think that me not getting my packages was somehow related to the missing key.  Totally not the case.  My mom is probably laughing and rolling her eyes at this knowing that I'm right... :)

The first time I went to the post office and informed the lady I lost my key, she opened up the big door and let me see in my box.  She informed me I needed to buy a "замок"...I memorized the word and ran home to look it up.  I was guessing that she told me I needed to buy a whole new lock, but when I google translated the word, it showed up as CASTLE.  Ha.  Not exactly a lock like I was thinking...

Then I got sick and barely left the house for a week (btw, just finished my last amoxicillin dose today!  yippee!).  I think I checked my PO box twice during that time.  Each time, the same lady was working and she got madder and madder at me that I hadn't bought a new "замок" yet.  I explained to her that I don't know Russian all that well and that I would be bringing a friend with me to help translate.  Then, it was Ukrainian Christmas and the post office was closed for a few days.  

Flash forward to Tuesday of this week.  Olena and I went to the post office to see about buying this new lock.  The lady not so kindly opened the whole door for us to look at what we needed to buy, and I got to look in my box and see that I had a package note waiting for me!  Olena asked the lady where we could buy this lock.  The lady (of course) had no clue.  She said she'd try the bazaar.  

So today, after working on my PEPFAR grant some (HIV/AIDS project grant), one of my EuroTrip travel buddies Zhenya (a high school girl in K-grad) was subjected to walking around the entire central bazaar looking for this mysterious PO box lock.  An hour and a half later, we had been to SEVEN stores, and not one of them had a lock.  Whyyy!?  

This is the pesky little item that I so desperately need...why does no one carry them?!

The post office is missing out on a prime opportunity to make some extra cash here.  After having tried 7 stores, I would have paid quite a lot to buy it from the post office if they indeed sold them.  But, they don't.  I don't remember ever taking a marketing class but that's a no brainer to me.  We ran out of time (and options at that bazaar) today...so tomorrow the hunt may continue.  Olena said we will go to the post office tomorrow and tell them they're no where in town.  Can't wait to see what the lady has to say about that...lol :)  just your normal Ukrainian adventure...

This is my weekly manicure, courtesy of Lyuda :)  I bought the nail polish in Poland for around a dollar.  

note the bedazzled ring finger...quite a popular trend here.

this is the longest my nails have ever been on their own...shocking, huh?

bling.  

I'm thoroughly engrossed in The Help right now.  I don't know what page I'm on (grr...that's my one complaint about the Kindle), but I'm 70% finished.  Itching to read some more tonight...that's for sure.

This is the second night this week my dinner consisted of homemade Chex mix.  This time, I at least poured it in a bowl so I would show a little self-control.  Then I filled it up again.  The peanut butter fudge my mom made was a hit at work on Wednesday.  I guess I'll have to be nice and share some of my peanut butter and make them PB&J's one day at work.  They won't know what hit them.

My last news for the day is that I'm trying to memorize at least one or two Russian words every day.  The blog may be my accountability partner for helping me go back through and remember past words.  Today's words included:

1)  замок--which can mean castle OR lock
2)  папка--folder (learned this word when writing stuff for my grant)
3)  найти--to find (verb).  As in, "Я не нашла ключ от моя почтового ящика," or "I have not found the key to my mailbox."


 It's almost Friday :)  maybe you should go get a blinged out manicure...they're quite the rave in Ukraine.


One more thing. No, two more things. 1) It SNOWED in Oklahoma, and not here?  What the heck is that about? 2)  enjoy the sneak-peak of a video from my work party.



Kym is dancing with a ribbon.
Mary-Kathryn is the other girl.
The guy in the red apparently works at my office, although I've never seen him before.
The guy in the suit is our orchestra director.
The guy in the red and black striped shirt is a great saxophone player/teacher.
We're dancing in the cafeteria, because that's where all great Ukrainian discos are held.

There's plenty more videos to post...slowly but surely :)

CAMPING: Day 2

While I was camping, I turned off every source of electronic equipment I had with me for that week. There was no way to charge the items I had (my Ukrainian cell phone, my iphone, my old ipod, and my kindle) so I simply left them off if I wasn’t using them. I did make sure before I left that they were each charged to their full capacity. Duh. My Ukrainian cell phone didn’t work very well in the area that we were located so I would turn it on once a day to see if I could get a signal.

A typical day of our camping trip consisted of the following: wake up at 8 am, breakfast at 9 am, lunch at 1 or 2 pm, dinner at 8 pm, and then once it got dark (at 10 pm) we had campfire time. Every day different groups of people had meal prep and clean-up…and I usually just helped out whenever they’d let me. I wasn’t “assigned” a group, and as I said before, it was like torture to convince them I wanted to help! On day 2 of my camping extravaganza, I walked to the magazihn that was 3-4 km away in the next village over. On the way back, the boys that I was walking with remembered that they were in charge of dinner that night. The boys contribution in the "kitchen" is to gather fire wood, get the fires going, keep them going, and take the (very heavy) pots on and off of the fire.

The river was not too far down the way from our tents, maybe a 3 minute walk. We went on group swims in between breakfast and lunch and then lunch and dinner. The water could be downright chilly if it wasn’t sunny…cold enough that I didn’t always get in. On Saturday, the second day of our camping trip, I went on an afternoon walk with some of the kids to the magazihn (store) located about 3-4 kilometers away. It was in the next village over, so we got to pass some neat things along the way. I bought some cookies, juice, and a bottle of water at the magazihn and started heading back. That evening after dinner, I was exhausted and just wanted to go to bed…so I told the director that I needed some sleep and skipped out on the campfire time. I crawled into my tent and realized at that point that my lower lip began to feel funny…as did the rest of my body. I was itching all over, but luckily had my med kit with me which had some anti-itch cream in it (my counterpart had instructed me to bring my PC med kit which I definitely would not have even thought about otherwise...I was very happy she reminded me to say the least). My bottom lip was SUPER swollen twenty minutes later and I had no clue what I was allergic to that was making me break out in hives on my thighs and stomach. It was so bizarre. I took some advil and drank some water hoping that it would pass…and stayed awake long enough to make sure my lip was done swelling. I slept like a rock that night and woke up the next morning with a less swollen lip and still no clue what the heck made me break out in hives. Once I got up and moving that day, everything seemed fine and I was back to normal.

one side of my tent

And the other side of my tent! More to come... :)

Less than 48 hours...

This will be a blog post with a LOT of pictures...and probably not as many (really long) paragraphs :) I say that now at the beginning of the post...but we'll see if it holds true. Also depends on how long my host sister is walking the dog, which translates to Lydia time on the computer. Without further ado...

So...where to begin. Yesterday (Friday) we went to Chernigov. We took the 8:50 am bus (the other option was 6:08 am...no thanks.) which got us to Chernigov around 10:30 am I think. We had our LCF (Russian teacher Zhenya) with us...who was going to ship a bag home to Crimea where she lives (google it...it's beautiful). The first stop was the ATM for all of us to get our allowances...but that was when things went downhill. Zhenya was the first to put her ATM card (and last I might add) because the machine wasn't working. They wouldn't give her her card back...and it turned into a huge ordeal where she had to go to a few other places around Chernigov. It ended up that our TCF (technical teacher Lyuda) who had stayed back in Oster to rest, had to go to Zhenya's apartment to get her passport (for identification purposes), take a bus to Chernigov, give Zhenya the passport, and then go back home to Oster. This is when you're glad you live in a smallish city because Lyuda could simply go to Zhenya's landlady and explain the situation at hand to get into her apartment. SO, long story short...After a few hours of getting bank stuff dealt with, Zhenya got her card back and money withdrawn. Phew. During that time, Jamie, Cassi, and I shopped in the megacenter (totally forgot to take a picture of this...). We were shopping for host family gifts, and I also stocked up on things that I know I will eventually need in the next month or two (a new toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, etc.). It is much cheaper to buy these things in a big city at stores than in a small magazihn (store) in Oster. And since I still don't know where I'll be living for 2 years (I find out in less than 48 hours! hence the title of the post...), I figured it'd be better to go ahead and get some staples like that. Moving on...time for pictures of Chernigov!

This is Red Square in the middle of Chernigov...modeled after Red Square in Russia! Not near as big...but still massive and open.

There is a movie theater in Chernigov (I asked my host sister where people go to the movies here...since Oster is smack in the middle of Chernigov and Kiev. She said they'll go to either one, but those are the closest...)

What movie is this!?! Robert DeNiro...and I can't tell who the girl is?

Here are Jamie, Cassi, and I at one of the monuments that every PCV has to take a picture on :) This is Т. Г. Шевченко (pronounced Shefjenko) who is the most famous Ukrainian poet.

Up on top of the hill are 12 cannons. The story goes that whenever a guy in Chernigov asks a girl out...and if she doesn't want to go...she tells him to meet her at the 13th cannon, which is nowhere to be found. About 10 years ago, they put a cannon in the downtown area because the story was so popular.



The view from the canons...the tall churches in the background are where the following pictures were taken.

After the cannons, we went to the church that has 1000 year old caves underneath it. There is also a bell tower (seen above) that you can climb up and see all of Chernigov...incredibly pretty!

The creepy stairs you have to climb up to get to the top (definitely kept wanting to quote National Treasure while I was in this building...).

This part isn't open to the public anymore (I'm basically looking straight up when I took this picture). Our teacher Zhenya is not a fan of heights...and I pointed out that at least they've updated from old rotted wood to metal stairs and such that we climbed up :)

The view of the church from the bell tower (yes, the bell towers are seperate in most of the churches here...)

View of the Desna river!

Chernigov :)

Couldn't resist this picture! Made me think of Mexico :)

Neat old bells!

еше (more in Russian) bells!

There was a steady stream of babushkas coming and going from the church the entire time...

After the church, we had to walk another half mile or so to get to the part where the caves are. This is carved on a wall on a building where the caves are. The caves were supposedly built to keep the monks away from civilization so that they could study.

A neat painting of the church...the covered tunnel thing is not there anymore, so I'm not quite sure what this picture actually depicts. The caves were actually closed for the day by the time we got there...no biggie. There are more caves in old churches in Kiev that I'm sure I'll get to see at some point in the next two years.

After all the churches, we had to take a mashrutka (city transportation) to the McDonalds (had some french fries and enjoyed the free wifi...) which is where we would catch a ride home. We ended up being in a Mercedes mashrutka (think kind of like a Sprinter van...). We'll see if Scott actually reads my blog because he's been wanting to buy some of those vans for youth trips. I will say that it was incredibly nice. I approve :) My mashrutka driver on the other hand reminded me of a typical Ukrainian driver. There were a few close calls when he would decide to pass somebody, but when that happens here, it just means that everybody kind of squeezes onto the shoulders and allows for it to happen. Unwritten rule.

Another interesting thing I've noticed while riding in vehicles here...if there is a cop ahead, EVERYBODY driving the opposite way madly flashes their lights at you as you pass. And it's not like a quick flash on and off...it's like they turn on their hazards but with their brights on too. Weird.

All in all, we walked over 7 miles yesterday. How do I know this? Because in the past few days I've been moving stuff around in my suitcases to re-pack (again) and I found my LONG LOST PEDOMETER that I thought I left at home. I was ecstatic. My feet were killing me after the long day of walking up and down narrow (not ADA) stairs...and I even wore tennis shoes yesterday! One of the things that we've come to realize upon living in Oster is that my feet will be eternally dirty for the rest of summer...and I just have to accept it. Since most of the roads are dirt, you simply can't not get your feet dirty if you wear sandals. So, yesterday, I splurged on a pedicure foot thing (to soften my skin) and some lovely shades of fingernail polish (didn't bring any with me...definitely should have). I gave myself a homemade pedicure last night that that made me feel quite girly and lovely to look down at my freshly painted tangerine colored toenails. It's the little things in life... :)

Today was our host family picnic. It went very well and it made it that much more real that we are leaving on Monday morning at 8:30 am. But, I can safely say that I know I will come back and visit and will always have a place to stay at my host family's house :) I can also safely say that I am ready for next Thursday to get here, when I will get on a bus or train with my counterpart and head off to my new home for the next two years. I am so, so excited. Enjoy your weekend! Hopefully will post pictures from the picnic tomorrow. Love love.

My random musings...

This morning as I walked to school for our lettni lager (summer camp), my mind was spinning with blog entries. And I haven't had a chance to write any of them down yet or type any of them out...so this blog entry may be a bit random as my brain works to sort things out. And it also may end abruptly when my host sister tells me she wants the computer. This is going to be a post with no pictures...and lots of words...so if those don't appeal to you, no need to keep reading :)

Today is Monday. This was the first day of our summer camp and also the day of our community project. It was also the day that I was in charge of the lesson plan being written, translated, and printed and ready to go for both the school and the gymnasia. This week we are conducting two summer camps: one at the school (Cassi and Mark) and one at the Gymnasia (Lydia, Jamie, & Brendan). The school camp is from 9-11 am...the gymnasia is from 10 am-noon. As part of pre-service training, the youth development PC volunteers have to 1) conduct a 3-5 day summer camp, and 2) conduct a sustainable community project. Easier said than done. We ended up painting benches in the city park...pictures to come. Too lazy now to post them. Let's just say there were a lot of uncertainities come 9 am this morning...but the benches got painted and the lessons were a success. I'll try to do a blog post about the community project later. Onto more Lydia thoughts...

I cannot believe that my time in Oster is almost over. I absolutely love this city and the people...even though I have only been here a little over 2 months. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when I will be leaving my permanent site after working with those people for 2 YEARS. Jamie, Brendan, and I were talking with our technical teacher yesterday over coffee about moving to site and all that it entails. On June 13, we will pack up and get on a bus that takes us to Kiev. We have to be in the city by noon that day and will find out at 1:30 where we will be placed for the next two years. It is a huge, huge ordeal...especially with 106 volunteers that are in this group of PC volunteers (group 41). Some people will go north, some will go south...some east, some west. We have absolutely no idea where we're going...and I'm completely okay with that. I wouldn't know what to suggest even if I were to request an area or region. I know that wherever I end up is where I'm supposed to be, and that I will undoubtedly grow to love that city and the people. Brendan brought up a very good point during our conversation with Lyuda (technical teacher). Everything we've been working to towards now has been focused on making it through pre-service training and getting to the swearing-in ceremony (June 16). But what are we going to focus on after that? I know that new dates will appear and will give me things to strive towards...but the swearing-in ceremony is something that I've been thinking of for months...even back in the states.

One of the biggest reasons why I was so hesitant to apply for PC was because of the food. As trivial as that is, I wondered if I'd be able to make it. And the answer is yes, without a doubt. I'm not sure what I'll end up eating when I get to site...because up until now, my big meal of the day (dinner) has been prepared for me by my host mother. But I know that I will not starve. The amount of fresh fruit and vegetables that is readily available most days is amazing. There have been some days that for lunch I might eat a banana, an apple, and a yogurt. And then have another apple or banana for a snack. And I love that. We have a favorite fruit stand here in Oster...with an older lady who owns it (or at least she does in my mind). She asked us early on what we were doing here in Oster and we explained to her. I try to frequent her store at least once a week, if for no other reason than to get a big hello from her. One time, her granddaughter was in the store with her. Jamie and Brendan were outside having already paid (the store itself is maybe 10 feet by 10 feet), and I was paying at the cash desk inside. The owner told the granddaughter to give us each an apple (of course I couldn't understand this at the time). I was confused and thought she was trying to get us to buy the apples...but the little girl walked outside and gave Brendan and Jamie each an apple and it was one of the sweetest things ever. Definitely a good business-lady because I've gone back ever since :) It's little stories like that make me love Oster. And I know that will be the case wherever I go...but I've already become attached to this city and the idea of leaving the people I know is incredibly sad. But it's something that must be done.

I can't remember what other things I wanted to write about...but I think I better go ahead and submit this and save some other thoughts for new posts :) hope everyone had a lovely Monday...talk to you soon.

Love, Lydia

its the little things...

...in life that make us happy. today...we were introduced to a magazihn (store) that was about as similar to a drugstore as i think we will find here in oster. it was heavenly :) i knew that some things would be hard to find here in ukraine ( i was warned to bring index cards, ziploc bags, good pens, etc.)... but the whole school supply area was not as important in my eyes as say a pair of rainboots. i brought one spiral bound college ruled notebook that has seventy pages. what i didnt think about bringing was a hard three ring binder...for all of the handouts, practice sheets, and other things we are given during the week in language class.i HATE having everything be unorganized...so this week was driving me nuts with how many papers were scattered on my desk in my bedroom. i also realized how much i take for granted running the store in america. i have never had to watch my use of notebook paper because i wouldnt be able to find it locally...until now. this was a giant wakeup call. i have usedfifteen sheets of paper...out of my seventy that i have. you do the math! but today...all of my problems were solved.

upon walking into the magazihn, i was elated. tis looks nothing like an american drugstore. at stores in ukraine (at least in oster) all of the supplies are kept behind the counter displayed on shelves or under the glass counter. think jewelry store. you have to ask to see anything. this presents a problem whenn we cant speak russian. it involves a lot of pointing,nodding, and saying speciba (thank you). the lady at the store could not have been more helpful. she would hand us anything we pointed at and let us examine it for however long we wanted. jamie, cassi, and i were like kids in a candy store. i must have stared at all of the school supplies they had for five minutes. i finallly decided on this plastic notebook that has metal brads that squashes paper under a metal bar. kinda like a doctor uses i think...it even ha two holes. i was planning on just stabbing my notenook paper to thread it thru the two brads...until cassi spoted a two ho le punch. i was ecstatic. i also purchased another notebook (they use graph paper istead of lined paper )...and mens shaving cream! i have yet to shave my legs here...we are still trying to figure out how often is the appropriate time to bathe. i typically bathe every day or two...trying to keep it around fiveish minutes.

by the way ...i purchased the notebook, grpah paper notebook, hole pnch, and shaving cream for 45 grievnas. that means it was around $5.50 united states dollars.

today..we worked more on conjugationg and pronouns. slowly but surely i can start to conjugate words. we played battleship with russian verbs that you had to conjugate in order to tell your partner where to place an x. it was quite fun...and for all of the glee fans out there i continually thpught of sue silvester saying 'you sunk my battleship ron. and you sunk it harddd'.

interestig fact about ukraine i just learned: the population is around forty five million. of those forty five million...99.4% of the population can read and write (age fifteen and over). pretty impressive i would say!

well..i need to read about cross cultural stuff for my lesson tomorrow moring. we will meet with our link cluster tomorrow...the group of five peace corps volunteers that are in kozelets (the next bi city to us...about 30 min away). happy friday!