Thursday morning

I had forgotten from last year that May Day is a big deal in this part of the world.  It is a 4 day national holiday and many people travel.  There is a relaxed air and many fewer people are out and about.  It feels good to be home.  I'm glad I was able to get the same apartment as last time.  It added to the feel of comfort, even if it also contains the knowledge that the cupboard and fridge are bare and I must go shopping today.  I just about lost Wednesday with time change and travel.  It was almost 3pm by the time I got to my apartment.  I took a two hour nap.  I set the alarm for an hour and a half but couldn't get up before two hours. I showered, glad there was hot water, sometimes there isn't in the afternoon.  I walked uphill to Glossary Cafe, realizing just how achy and short-winded I was. I was able to get my usual table in the corner and Jenia came rushing from behind the counter for a vigorous handshake,grin and hug.  It felt good to have been missed.  He brought my usual openers: sparkling water (Morshynska brand) and cappuccino.  I had cabbage salad (I couldn't believe how "right" it tasted) and had savory chicken meatballs in a tomato sauce and buckwheat groats.  I remember when I first tasted groats.  I didn't like the strong taste.  Yesterday they tasted like comfort food.  Another cappuccino and I was ready to  go home.  It was just starting to get dark.  I read and finally got to sleep.  I was surprised that it was 8 when I woke up.   I showered and walked down to McDonald's on the main st., Khreshchatyk for a cappuccino.

When I caught up on all my emails, I left to walk back to the apartment.  I mentioned last year that there are often activities going on outside this McDonald's.  Today was an anti-nuke demonstration:  a young man with an anti-nuclear bomb sign, two young women in red tshirts shouting loudly, and the center-piece: a large, fleshy woman in a brassy blonde wig, ample boobs hanging, completly bare, large belly with "bad bomb" written in black letters, large bottom covered in hot pink bikini bottom, knee high boots, elbow length gloves, pearls.  very effective.  I could have taken a picture but figured it was a bit inappropriate for blogging. I LOVE this country.