Saturday in the city

Up after a restful night of sleep, hoping that the internet in our apartment would be fixed.  The owner came to try to help, but unfortunately was unsuccessful.  A call from Tatiana to check on our whereabouts told us it was time to head downstairs for the car waiting for us.
Down to the car for another adventurous ride to visit Max. The roads here are not anything like in America, and we see many potholes on our ride.  A quick stop to see Laurie and Bryan, then on to the orphanage.
Max had said to visit him at 10:00am and by the time we got to the orphanage it was 10:30.
On weekends the staff is different and because the children do not have school, they have much more freedom on the weekends.  We arrived shortly after 10:30 and there were very few people outside.  One boy was outside and our driver conversed with him in Russian, asking of Max's whereabouts.  After many children either coming outdoors, sticking their heads out windows, or yelling Max's name, an adult came outside to tell us that Max had just walked to the market and would be back soon.  We waited 30 minutes and he finally arrived--with Ramen Noodles in hand.  (This boy could eat Ramen noodles every meal and be happy!)
We played a game of Uno and talked about when we would visit, our trip back to the capital city, and when we would return to see him.  Oh yes, and there was candy involved--another Max favorite.  I brought several kinds of candy with us, things I know he enjoys.  I didn't leave it with him though.  I know there has to be much talk about the orphanage about him going to America and having a family.  I am aware that other children could be jealous or angry.  Things get taken away, stolen.  So I kept the candy with me, for another day, another visit.

Oh yes, and wrestling/play fighting with Papa.  Another Max favorite.  The kid acts all big and bad until Papa gets him, then he cries like a girl asking to be let go. 
On the way back to the apartment, our driver stopped and let us exchange money and took us to a large supermarket.  We then came home and made two of my favorite Ukrainian meals today--fried Kielbasa sandwiches--Ukrainian style. (No top piece of bread) and for dinner, fried potatoes, onions and kielbasa!  Yummo!