RAINY DAY

We Spoke with Olga yesterday. She spent the afternoon lobbying at the National Adoption Agency. Appointments with officials occur on Tuesday, at the agency’s leisure. We hope to hear the date for our next review of available children by Thursday.

Our daily walk was rained out today, but we should have a more active evening. Olga has arranged a taxi to take us to a Rotary Meeting in the business center of Kiev tonight. We aren’t sure if anyone will speak English, but hope to find someone that will politely nod along.

Otherwise, our conversations will be limited to the following words and phrases:
HELLO/GOODBYE said early and often.
YES/NO note: do not use, ”yes” in place of, “whatever”
PLEASE/THANK YOU our most-used words.
THIS ONE while pointing, usually at food.
CHECK, PLEASE tipping is optional, but expected from tourists.
I DON’T UNDERSTAND. said to just about any question or reply.
EXCUSE ME said after bumping people with luggage in airport.
DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? usually follows, “I don’t understand.”
BRATWURST a universal word that Chicago taught me well.

So far we have survived on these language staples. Coupled with finger pointing and a common numeric system, we’ve completed essential tasks like getting directions and shopping at the grocery store. Regardless, Kathy comes well-stocked with Rotarian flags and pins. I have ironed my pants and will smile when smiled upon. It is what we are known for here. We are now off to buy lunch. Bratwurst.