Enjoyable Weekend

Friday, 6-10-11

We took the day off from the office to celebrate a most enjoyable anniversary.  Arising at 5:30 am we started the day off attending the temple.  Such a beautiful structure, serene grounds and an interior of simple elegance.  The spirit was strong and we felt privileged to be there.

Returning home we spent a relaxed mid day, each doing a little bit of work but with no pressure.

At 4:00 pm we enjoyed a wonderful early dinner at a very nice restaurant downtown.  The atmosphere was quiet, the mood pleasant and the food delicious.

We capped off the evening by attending a 7:00 pm concert of the National Philharmonic Orchestra, in an old classical building with gorgeous chandeliers and ornate interior decorations.  The music was breathtaking.  The first two sections were classical and performed to perfection.  The third part was music from West Side Story, adapted for a philharmonic orchestra.  It was fun hearing familiar American tunes.

Saturday, 6-11-11

            A quiet day, some work at home but mostly relaxed.  Went grocery shopping and on our walk back home about noon we had a most unusual experience.  Three policemen walking toward us stopped and told us we must not go on but must go a different way.  At first we wondered if they were just harassing us or wanted a bribe.  But one of them who spoke passable English pointed up the sidewalk and said: “Skin heads, very dangerous, you must turn away now.”  We looked and saw a large group of about 50 not quite 100 yards up the sidewalk.  They were chanting and waving banners with swastikas.  Immediately we turned 90 degrees and walked a block away.  As they passed by we could tell even from the distance that they were mean and boisterous.  Following behind them were five more policemen.  Only then did we realize the policemen were doing their best to warn and protect the public.  Later a friend of ours confirmed how dangerous the skin heads are and how they regularly killed foreigners.

            After dinner we watched a movie at home.

Sunday, 6-12-11

            Typical 45 minute trip to church on a Marshrootka bus # 439.  Wonderful meetings with exceptional talks and lessons.  Came home and had David and Annabelle Hyde over for a green chili chicken enchilada dinner.  He is a state department employee at the American Embassy and has been serving as branch president at the International Branch where we attend.  They leave this coming Wednesday for home in the US for the summer and then on to their next post in Kuwait City.

Monday, 6-13-11

            A national holiday, part of Trinity weekend connected with the Orthodox Church, so the Service Center was closed.  Another nice day, some work at home but mostly relaxed.  The weather cooled to highs in the low 70’s so we took a leisurely walk.  It began raining lightly which only made our stroll more enjoyable.  Watched another movie at home after dinner.

Tuesday, 6-14-11

It was hard going back to the office today after a great four day weekend.

The Wives of Decembrists (December Men)

   In the winter of 1831 a group of aristocrats in Russia led a rebellion against the Tsar.  The uprising failed and those involved were arrested and sent to work camps in Siberia.  The wives of the rebels felt such compassion in their hearts and loyalty to their husbands that they sold what valuables they had and followed their husbands to Siberia.

  This example of love and loyalty is remembered to this day such that when someone demonstrates those qualities, one might remark, “Oh, that is like the wives of Decembrists.”  So it was on 5-25-11 when I attended a legal conference at the InterContinental Hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine.  The small group at our table was getting acquainted during a break.  I described my responsibilities and related our experience in Africa.  I was asked what my wife did.  I explained that she traveled everywhere with me and then related the experience in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania when I hurt my back and she went to the Annual General Meeting of the Church legal entity there and conducted the meeting for me.  When I finished describing how she went alone in a taxi with a perfect stranger, met with five other black African men and returned with everything done and every document executed perfectly, one of the ladies at the table audibly drew in her breath and exclaimed, “Oh, that is just like the wives of Decembrists.”

Back in Kyiv

No delayed flights, no lost luggage, here safe and sound, well almost sound, we are both so exhausted we are walking zombies trying to stay awake till bed time to try and beat jet lag.

Ukraine Law Schools

Robert (and Igor, their driver) on the way to teach at the Kyiv Mohyla Academy, a prestigious law school in Kyiv, Ukraine.

February 2011

"New experience.  We flew from Kyiv to Simferopol, Crimea this morning, and

1.      No delays, missed connections or re-routings

2.      No lost luggage

3.      Apartment here is nice, electricity is on

4.      Wireless 3G card works, hence this email

5.      Our phones both work

6.      Cable modem tomorrow so Vonage will work

We had a late lunch, early supper with one of the best meals we have ever had.  Homemade rolls, borsht soup, chicken breast filet baked in a batter with cheese and apples, fried potatoes and onions and dumplings with cherries inside for dessert.  Soooooo tasty.

Getting settled and ready to teach law school tomorrow.  Will teach twice in three law schools over the next two weeks, and try to keep up with work early mornings and evenings.  Hope to make it to Yalta and the South coast of Crimea on the Black Sea sometime."