My last day in Novoukrainka! Today's workshop went more smoothly; I focused more on the 6+1 traits of writing and less on the literature strategies. We ate in the cafeteria instead of the restaurant. Lyuda told me that the cafeteria wasn't able to provide lunch for teachers for two days in a row, so that's why we went out yesterday. We lost one hour this morning as none of the visiting teachers came on time; I was told that because they come from the villages out of town, they want to go to the market (a large outdoor one near my hotel)when possible. So, we waited around for a while and I adjusted my lessons accordingly.
We left the building after lunch, stopping by a classroom to say goodbye and interrupting a lesson with the 7th formers. They began crowding around me to get my autograph, and I signed as many as I could until Lyuda pulled me away, keeping an eye on the teacher whose lesson I'd interrupted. Then as we went outside, the younger children began to do the same, holding out pens and scraps of paper as I made my way to the taxi, calling "Ieengreeed, Ieengreeed". I felt like a movie star, knowing I needed to go, but not wanting to disappoint the sweeties! Finally we were off, our luggage left at Lyuda's home for Oleg to bring with him to the city the next morning, and then to the bus station. We were to spend the afternoon on the bus to Kirovograd and then the evening at Vika's home there. The bus was quite nice, and large enough where the potholes weren't obvious, but it got hot and claustrophobic. On our arrival, we spent some time in a lovely park which also had an amusement section with rides, some caged big birds (such as peacocks), and food booths. We took the ferris wheel up to get a lookout over the city; Lyuda has taken her students on "excursions" here. Next we went shopping in a large department store, which is really just a large warehouse with separate merchants, kind of like an enclosed flea market. We tried on some lovely coats there, but I settled on a wonderful winter hat, which I love. We also looked at shoes. Many of the stylish women here wore killer heels (4 or more inches high). Even Lyuda's walking shoes were far too high for my comfort. While the price for these was similar to what I would pay at home, they are out of range for the average Ukrainian. Over and over on my trip I realized how expensive things are for them. I am spoiled. We met up with Vika, who gave us a great tour of the downtown area, the university and the student district, where we stopped for coffee. Much of this area has been renovated and the architecture is lovely. Finally, we called for a taxi to take us to Vika's home.
Vika and her husband have a charming home, which she has stylishly decorated. Lyuda tells me she has helped Vika work on much of the renovation, fixing leaks, putting up wallpaper, and retiling. Many of these homes have similar problems; I don't know if it is lack of good construction or lack of money for maintenance, but plumbing, tiling and heating are all in various states of disrepair or need, though both Vika's and Lyuda's homes are cozy and charming. The guest bed in Vika's home was the most comfortable one of my stay, though the big picture window let in enough light at 5 AM to wake me. I'm already missing Novoukrainka and am feeling sad that I've had to say goodbye to such an amazing experience.
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