post #290

for lack of a better title

Spent a few hours out at the airport last week- accidentally got there a bit earlier than I'd anticipated. So, since there were no more seats left in the general waiting area (there aren't so many to begin with), I headed over to the food area- enquired about a cappucino at the coffee bar- 35 UAH... or about $6; at today's rate, it's only $5... ok, that doesn't really apply since I bought it at last Thurs' price... but I'm a bit amazed at how much the rate has changed the last 5 days. The US dollar is higher right now than it's been at all since I first came. This isn't really good, though, since it's because the local currency is frightfully unstable just now and a person hopes it won't collapse altogether. Anyway, all those things which I don't understand, let's just leave on the sidelines for now. The point is- this was my cappucino... and Oh Mama Mia- it was delish! Pretty too. And came with a yummy piece of good chocolate. Plus there were all kinds of rather interesting people to watch while I leisurely sipped...Yesterday started early with a trip to downtown. By noon, we were finished with official stuff and meandering through the downtown area, scouting out the fancy schmancy food bazaar and looking for a place to eat lunch. Spied this... which is only significant because my brother has been an off-and-on Papa John's delivery guy for a long time... years and years... and here, in Kyiv, lo and behold- a Papa John's pizza place... only it doesn't look anything at all like the chain in the States... I reckon they liked the sound of the name or something and just stole it.

We didn't try it. Went across the street toI had tomato basil soup and half a chicken caesar salad... still savoring that soup... thanks E & M!