October 19, 2005

It has been raining here and a bit chilly -around 45 degrees. They did finally turn the heat on in the city so we are cozy in the apartment. We didn't do much yesterday, we watched a couple of movies and went for groceries. We have finally mastered the Metro (subway). Yesterday we took the metro to the grocery store. There are little markets everywhere but I prefer the supermarket style stores. The one we went to is in an area of Kiev called Children's World. There are lots of children's clothing stores and toys there. The supermarket is 4 floors. The first is food, second and third are clothes, and the fourth is toys. We spent 173 rph. Or 34 dollars there.

Today we went to St. Sophia's cathedral. We have walked by it before but this time we went in to the complex. It was built in the 11th century. The exterior has been changed since then, but the interior is virtually untouched. It is beautiful. There is a hand carved alter that is covered in gold leaf and mosaics and paintings on all the walls and ceilings. There are several marble coffins containing the remains of Ukrainian princes. The floor is covered in cast iron squares to protect the previous floors. In several areas you can see the old floors. There were marble floors from the 11th century and ceramic tiles from the 17th century.

After we left Sophia's we went to the Fireman's Museum, but it is "no more" according to the man at the door. We are hoping to eat diner with our friends Josh and Amy if they get back from the orphanage early enough.

We called Sasha (our facilitator) yesterday and he told us he is working on our next appointment. But he also told us that on Monday. So we wait somemore.