Victory Day!

Seems like Russia celebrates many holidays -- especially when one is wrapped up in the adoption world. Court and Judges are closed or on vacation quite frequently -- or so it seems! Being here a month, we were bound to hit a holiday or two.

Yesterday, May 9, was "Victory Day" ~ a day in which Russia celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany. It is a day set aside to remember those who died in order to achieve the victory. The military personnel I saw on Wednesday night was rehearsing for today's parade -- but unfortunately, we missed today's parade as it was in the morning and we didn't know it.

We met Anna and Albert, our new friends from Spain, and hung out for the day. We walked through and open market and bought a few trinkets, headed back to the apartment to show it to them since they'll be in town for a few more weeks, and then we went to lunch at "Sunday's." It was quite an experience as you go from one food station to another and they serve you or weigh your food and then you give them a card that they handed you on the way in. Everytime you get some food, you swipe the card and it tallies the cost as you go. At the end, you simply pay the charges that are on your "card". Thank goodness I got help from another customer who spoke English when I went to the bar to get us drinks. I didn't run into anyone else who spoke English but JD lucked out --- the guy at the BBQ meat station spoke English which made JD's day!

This little kid was actually really great on the saxophone and was doing good collecting some Rubles!

The sign translates to "Sunday World Cuisine Restaurant"

Around 5:30, Anna and Albert had to head back but JD and I continued on through the streets (many closed for the festivities) and watched some of the entertainment. There was a huge stage set-up with singing, dancing, choreographed military "fighting", etc. By 8pm, our feet had had it and we headed home. (I have no idea how the women and girls do it here --- they walk miles in 3" heels. Oh, I have pictures to show that one of these days!) By 10pm, we had front row seats in our 16th floor apartment to watch the fireworks from our balcony. A nice way to end an enjoyable day!

The picture doesn't do it justice -- great fireworks display!

I certainly don't want to take away from the true meaning of Russia's "Victory Day" but in another way -- I felt like we were celebrating, too. We have been victorious in completing the huge undertaking of an international adoption in a tough country, in a tough region and can truly say we are blessed!