Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Minerals and Gems

Knowing we would have lots to do on Tuesday and Wednesday, we knew Monday would be our last "touring" day so we decided to check out the Mineral Museum under the recommendation of our friends, Jeff and Dawn.

It is located behind the Park Inn and very inconspicuous -- we had to check the map 3 times to make sure we had the right place as we couldn't read the sign outside. It cost us 100 Rubles total for the 2 of us ($3) and I think they opened just for us! We were the only ones in there and as as we viewed the rock cases, the curator would turn on the lights to the cases and then turn them off as we moved to the next display. Guess they're saving electricity!


The sign we almost missed!

Overall, it only took about an hour to view the entire museum (can't read the little descriptions!) so we headed to the Park Inn and met up with Anna and Albert. We grabbed a salad at a small Scottish Pub (different than the main Pub we went to with Beth). At 3pm, the 4 of us headed out to the Orphanage using Anna and Albert's driver. Yeah --- By "car pooling," we saved approximately $120!!

We played outside with Kristina, little Albert and all the other kids in Kristina's Grupa. It got crazy as 15 kids converged on 4 wide-eyed parents armed with lots of toys (and not toys!) that all the kids got into. For the first several weeks, JD and I only got to play 1:1 with Kristina. This was fun (and challenging) playing with Kristina and seeing her interact with her peers.

After saying "paka-paka" to the kids, the four of us drove back into town and went to dinner at "Uralski Pelmeni" -- a Russian restaurant close to the Park Inn. Have no idea of what it was I ordered name-wise but I think I struck gold! It was a chicken kebab with some sauces and lavash bread. Jon got Leg of Lamb and we also ordered various dumplings for the table. For future Ekat visitors -- I would recommend this restaurant. Very reasonable and they have menus in English!


"Uralski Pelmeni" Restaurant ~ local Russian cuisine


Best wishes to Anna and Albert ~ going to Court this Friday, May 15th!

We didn't get home until 11pm but it was a great day. Tuesday's visit is our last "visit" in which we have to leave Kristina behind! After playing with all the kids today, Jon and I both agree that our hearts go out to them. I look at them and only pray that every one of them finds a loving home. They are all gems in the rough simply needing some TLC.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

My daughter got home a week ago with her baby and he is doing great..Can't wait to see pictures of you baby girl... seeing all those kids has to break your heart and prayers go out to them all..

Anonymous said...

My daughter got home last week with her baby and he is doing great. Can't wait to see pictures of your baby girl.. seeing all those kids has to break your heart..

marianne cassidy said...

I see you kept your hands in your pockets while at the Mineral Museum, Jon...I am sure Laura warned you she didn't want a recurrance of the time we went to the Crater in Arizona. Counting the hours till you are all home.
love,
Mom

Melissa said...

Mike and i tried to see that musuem too, but I think it was closed. We did get to see the store part though. Some pretty stuff.
Melissa

Christine and Stephen said...

Laura:

We ate at the same restaraunt on our first trip with our SW... it was so good and we loved that they had menus in English!!!

Every time I read your blog and hear you got to see other children at the home ... I always wonder if our son Roman was one of the little boys in the group!

Can't wait to see the first picture of Kristina when you picke her up tomorrow!

Christine

kate said...

What a great final visit! And you ended the day with one of my favorites--chicken shashleek. Yum!