Fun in Kiev

We've had two days of fun in Kiev and lots of "firsts" for Allison.  She had never ridden in the Metro subways here in Kiev or taken the breath taking ride down the giant escalators to get to them.  She had never seen Kreschatik street with its festive lights and street performers.

Because my kids aren't big on old cathedrals and historic landmark statues, we went to the Blockbuster Entertainment center on Friday.  (Except for Eli, who stayed home to watch soccer games on tv all day---and that's not a first.)  Allison, Alex, Vera, her daughter, Polli and I drove race cars around the speedway---another first for Allison and Vera.  They both loved it and have obviously been on too many crazy taxi rides.  Knowing Allison's turning 16 in a few weeks makes me especially nervous now.  Hopefully she won't learn English and get a drivers license too quickly. :)

Then Alex and Allison went ice skating for the first time.  I've missed out on so many firsts in their lives, it's especially fun to watch and enjoy these.  We wanted to watch a 3D movie, but there weren't any good ones, so we played ping pong in the same complex.  It was a great day.

On Saturday, Polli was dancing in the ballet at the National Opera House---for her first time.  Vera was so excited to be here in Kiev and able to watch her, and I was excited just to see inside the beautiful Opera house----and grateful I was watching a ballet instead of an opera.  Allison joined us for another of her firsts.  After the ballet we all came back to our apartment, made dinner and watched Twilight together--not a first.  OK, first time in Ukrainian for me.  I get so frustrated listening to movies with terrible Ukrainian voice-overs knowing the English is right there, but too soft to hear.  Allison shared with us one of the reasons she chose the name Allison was because of Alice in Twilight.

The weather is cooler --- in the 60's, but it's gorgeous.  Kreschatik is in serious preparations for Euro 2012.  Every 50 feet or so, large, portable rooms filled with toilets are lining the street.

Does she look like a ballet dancer?

The biggest Loser.  It's true I came in last place--and I was battling with that darned hairnet the whole race.  But I was the best driver.

The National Opera House