Today is our “P-day” or preparation day – our day to prepare for the rest of the week. The young missionaries have Monday for their preparation day and for them it is really critical as their days are very structured so that is when they do laundry as well as find an internet cafe to send e-mail home. Sometimes the cafes are too busy and they stop by the office which makes Mondays a little crazy but it is good to get to know them.
We decided we needed to get Dad/Grandpa/Carl some boots so he would dry shoes to wear in the office so we went to the mall. It is an easy walk – maybe a mile – and mostly flat so no steep hill to climb which is good. I took some pictures to show you how it looks here. We ended up buying boots, nice Russian hat and scarf for Dad/Grandpa/Carl and new fleece lined (not like US – much warmer) gloves and a small purse for me. We walked around two different malls – only two floors in the first one but all three in the second. Then we stopped for a snack. Walked around a little more and then walked home. Dad is now walking around our apartment breaking in his new boots.
An apartment building on the street we walked on to the mall – like most it is very tall but seems newer than most.
Street on our way to mall – notice the rutted street – sidewalks are not much better.
Close up of the street sign – top warns of speed bumps on road, then children crossing, then 30 km/hour
Approaching the mall (Passis – different than that in Russian but close). It is one of the bigger ones here and very modern with upscale stores. It is five stories high but each floor is smaller than most malls so probably comparable in size to most.
Giant show outside the mall. It is made of pots and lids, but they added a sleigh and reindeer for Christmas.
Me standing in front of the shoe.
Close up of the shoe
Varus European mall – we didn’t go in here but it is across the street from the malls we did go in.
Dad in front of the carousel between the malls.
Close up of Dad by carousel – this was before we bought his new hat and scarf.
We had a snack at KFC for less than a dollar we had three small spicy chicken pieces – it was delicious. They don’t have cole slaw or mashed potatoes – only french fries. They also have quesadillas and burritos with chicken and some desserts. We will probably go again as it is a really good deal.
Pretty typical street. Most of the buildings where we go are very old and look similar to these. There are lots of cars but it seems there are lots of people walking or riding the tram (trambi) or the bus (marshrutka) and some use the taxi but that I think is because it is so cold. Today it is to warm up to 19 F. we will see what happens. If the wind is not blowing (and it often is) it is not too bad but when the wind blows it goes right through. Our US coats seem very good for now but I am wondering if a hood might be good. I looked at a few today but nothing that I loved (although the prices are pretty impressive).