A Little Something For Everyone

Today we needed to switch apartments. So the day started with a little jaunt through town towing our luggage behind us. Justin was likely embarrassed (I would be as a 15-year old) so I wouldn't say this was the best way to start the day. But it was all fun and games after that.

We went to breakfast and then came back to the new apartment to enjoy some TV time. At noon our facilitator came and picked us up for a day of sight seeing. As we got in the car she told me Justin did not want to go. He wanted to stay at the apartment. I let her know this outing was not for him. It was for me. He would get along just fine. My style is to pleasantly ignore teenage sighs, grunts, and eye rolling (none of which did he do by the way) and just include and play with my unenthusiastic kids until they find something to enjoy.

It didn't take long.

We went to the "National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine". This park has been in place since the soviet era. Inside the hundreds-of-acre park are representations of each region at different times in history between the 17th and 20th centuries. It was beautiful. Each region was built in a part of the park that showed it's natural landscape. I could have stayed here all day. We just about did.

Beehives.

Inside a typical weaver's home. Most of the dwellings were the same layout inside: Fireplace/stove, sleeping area (usually right next to or behind the stove), small work area/table, and that's about it. Small and easy to heat.

In the yard of this particular region families would plant the tree you see (with red berries in the garden) when a baby girl was born. When she came of age for suitors and marriage the family would cut branches from the tree to decorate their fence to signify their daughter should be courted. Interested boys/men could come converse with the girl at the fence. But only serious suitors were allowed inside the fence. If a boy crossed that fence, he needed to be ready to propose.

Justin was interested in watching the potter. While we watched I was mesmerized by this musician. The Ukrainian instrument is like a cross between a harp and a guitar. Super cool.

After seeing the potter (something that interested him) Justin's outlook on this little outing changed. My goof-ball returned. And we started having a lot of fun.

These are for Brad. Something's not right here, and it's not just the perspective of the lens...

There are fruit trees and berry bushes everywhere. You are allowed to pick what you can reach from the ground. Justin took full advantage.

Building materials for more houses.

In the regions where there were many bears, wolves, and other dangerous animals the people would build their houses with no windows on the outside at all and a courtyard inside. The courtyard was for children to play and for stationary duties to be completed in safety. In some areas several families would create one community dwelling with a larger courtyard.

Inside the courtyard.

Hiking to the representation of the mountainous region.

We spent hours in this park. It was a beautiful day and there was a ton to see. We finally stopped to eat around 4:30 (back to skipping lunches again). Justin and I were starving. We found some fabulous shish kabobs. Oh my, they were good. And while we were eating a man asked our facilitator if she would like to pay for a song for her mother. She said yes and he took off. We were all a little confused until he came back with the other two band members.

Turns out these guys are accomplished professionals. The big dude with the sword and the awesome mustache introduced each member with credentials before singing. Natasha said it is sad to see gifted and accomplished artists having to work in this way to scratch out a living. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance. It was well worth the equivalent of $2.

Then, as a bit of a reward for Justin surviving the torturous outing with the ladies (right), we went to a dolphin show. 

Okay, it wasn't just a reward for Justin. If you ever wonder what I would be doing with my life if I did not have 6 children it would be this. My only serious consideration for college (beyond general ed), outside of dabbling with biology, drafting, and history to get me passing grades so I could be eligible to play for my Jr College soccer team, was to transfer to Moorpark College and become involved in zoo-keeping of some kind. It was an aspiration that lasted about a month since I desired marriage and a family far more than a career in anything. But it truly was the only career path that held my interest for more than 5 minutes as a young adult trying to figure out what to do after general education in college. Working with animals of any kind would be a dream job.

After the dolphin show we went back to the apartment for a 30 minute down-time before going out to dinner. Tonight, even though he had no idea where we were going, my boy walked contently by my side without question. We laughed, we played, we ate until we could eat no more, and we enjoyed a beautiful walk back to the apartment at sunset. What a great ending to a great day.