Today is International Women's Day. Here in Kazakhstan, as in Russia, and other former Repulic Countries it is a Holiday, and quite a celebration. There have been flower stands popping up all over for the last couple of days and extra rows of chocolate and champagne at the stores. Men are supposed to give gifts, and cook dinner. Our travel book says that on Women's Day in the USSR, the newspapers used to run stories about women heroines of the "Motherland".
We bought some chocolates for our coordinator/driver Natasha and translator Nastia. We also brought some for the Babushkas at the Baby House. One of them (we will get all of their names and pictures soon!) gave Jim and I a big hug and kiss. These women are so special and Katja and Artome love them all. Who wouldn't? :) (well, there is this one kind of scary caregiver that Julia and I are a little leery of, but I see her smiling out of the corner of her mouth, so I think she enjoys toying with us!) I will definitely get a picture of her!
Julia and Ooda (soon to be known as Alahandro). (we are spelling names as they sound, not necessarily how they are spelled) We spent the morning with them in their hallway. It was fun to watch the three kids running around and playing together. Julia and her husband Antonio are very nice people and fun to be around. Jim and I are very glad that they are here with us. Maybe we can talk them into a future trip to Seattle? I think they would enjoy the cabin.
Out for another lap around the Baby House. It is really not that cold, but the Babushkas will not let you near the door without many layers. Katja loves to be outside. Today as we were getting all their gear on she gave me a funny look as though she was hoping that this was the day we were going out the door forever. Artome isn't quite as comfortable outside. He like us to carry him as he stares wide-eyed at the world around him.
