As I woke up to the sound of my doorbell ringing at 8:30, I thought about ignoring it. The garbage trucks had awakened me at 4:30 and I had trouble getting back to sleep. So, with bedhead a t-shirt and commando jeans, bare-footed I opened the door. It was my bishop friend, disgustingly awake and cheerful. Now I know 8:30 isn't early and I'm usually up but I'm not used to drinking more than one beer and I was feeling lazy. He had forgotten something when they all ran out of here in time to catch the last Metro last night - only a few hours ago, it seemed. We chatted for a while before he left to meet a group from Russia who needed a tour of Kyiv. He is a most excellent tour guide.
I puttered around cleaning up from last night and washing dishes. I haven't unpacked yet. Maybe today. Somehow, it got to be afternoon and I have to go out in search of lunch. After a beautiful sunny morning, it has clouded up and I can hear rumbles of thunder. I'll wait till the showers pass so I don't get soaked (even with an umbrella) like I did yesterday, then I'll forage for lunch.
It seems unreal that this is my second full day in Ukraine. I feel like I've been here for a long time. The transition is easier each time. I don't know what I'll do today but I know I want to stop in my favorite cathedral and light candles in front of St. Panteleimon, St. Barbara, and in front of an icon of Holy Mother. My back can use a few metanias (deep bow) to loosen up. Then I'll probably end up at Glossary. If i've already found lunch elsewhere, I'll have a cappuccino. Jenia finishes his 10 days of 12 hour shifts on Sunday night. He tells me that he and Kate and I will "drink good beer and eat salt fish. Yes!" You really have to hear that in a heavy Russian accent. It was not so much an invitation as an expectation. I guess family gets to be more demanding than ordinary folks.
I have so many more people to see who are currently out of the city, and some out of the country for this extended May Day holiday. I must have been crazy when I set up this way-too-brief stay. I don't know why I didn't just stay 3 months. As much as I am looking forward to a week in Romania and the friends I will see there, I find myself just wanting to be planted here. I feel healthier here. The walking and hills and people are good for my body and my spirit.
So, i may be able to get to the cathedral before the rains hit, so I'm off. More later.
I puttered around cleaning up from last night and washing dishes. I haven't unpacked yet. Maybe today. Somehow, it got to be afternoon and I have to go out in search of lunch. After a beautiful sunny morning, it has clouded up and I can hear rumbles of thunder. I'll wait till the showers pass so I don't get soaked (even with an umbrella) like I did yesterday, then I'll forage for lunch.
It seems unreal that this is my second full day in Ukraine. I feel like I've been here for a long time. The transition is easier each time. I don't know what I'll do today but I know I want to stop in my favorite cathedral and light candles in front of St. Panteleimon, St. Barbara, and in front of an icon of Holy Mother. My back can use a few metanias (deep bow) to loosen up. Then I'll probably end up at Glossary. If i've already found lunch elsewhere, I'll have a cappuccino. Jenia finishes his 10 days of 12 hour shifts on Sunday night. He tells me that he and Kate and I will "drink good beer and eat salt fish. Yes!" You really have to hear that in a heavy Russian accent. It was not so much an invitation as an expectation. I guess family gets to be more demanding than ordinary folks.
I have so many more people to see who are currently out of the city, and some out of the country for this extended May Day holiday. I must have been crazy when I set up this way-too-brief stay. I don't know why I didn't just stay 3 months. As much as I am looking forward to a week in Romania and the friends I will see there, I find myself just wanting to be planted here. I feel healthier here. The walking and hills and people are good for my body and my spirit.
So, i may be able to get to the cathedral before the rains hit, so I'm off. More later.
Sounds beautiful, Jim. I am glad you are taking it easy, but I sure can relate to wanting to get settled in. I say, more beer and salt fish with family. Peace.
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