Saturday, February 5

While Friday was probably one of the hardest days in young Luda's life, Saturday was most likely one of the best. We discovered the pleasures of the western world--and we liked them!

We began Saturday morning with a tour of the hotel, and her large eyes took in every detail with amazement. We rode up and down in the glass elevator that looks out over the lobby numerous times, making a game out of who could guess which door would open first. Breakfast was a lovely buffet in the hotel dining area and this was also a big hit--all the bananas, nuts and breads that a little girl could want. She filled her plate, went back for seconds and ate every bite. When we could eat no more, we left the hotel in search of a shopping mall nearby called the Promenade.

Kevin Wilner got a pretty good idea of what life will be like for the next few years...this girl loves to shop! And has quite the eye for fashion and beauty. First we mostly window shopped before coming to a small boutique with children's books. We had been allowing Luda to build up a stash of coins over the last couple of days, so she made her first purchase--a Barbie sticker book! Yes, quite the little lady, this one...all girl. We continued upstairs via the escalator, which was quite exciting, and she only stumbled once. The most fun at the mall was the children's game area.  We rode mechanical animals over and over, enjoyed the playhouse area filled with plastic balls, mastered several of the video games and just had a big time in general.

After making our way back to the Hyatt, we rested for a bit and then had dinner in the Yourt lounge in the center of the hotel.  After a lovely meal topped with a bowl of ice cream, it was back to the room for a bath. I don't believe she has ever had a bath--it was two hours of bubbles and bliss! Even her new Barbie got a bath and shampoo. We have also discovered the fun of a blow dryer and the new hairstyles available, with a little help from Mom.

All and all, a very big day!

Sunday, February 6

After breakfast in the restaurant and three bananas later, we were off to try out the new swim suite we bought at the mall the day before. She loves to swim, delights in the hot tub and made new friends at the pool. We spent about two hours in the water before heading back to the room to get cleaned up for lunch. We had an an entertaining walk to the mall, since Mama slipped and ended up in a heap of snow. Kevin & Luda turned in surprise, then we heard this little exclamation of "whoops!"  Evidently, whoops has the same meaning in both Russian and English.

After having our very first taste of pizza, which we really liked, we did a bit more shopping, for another pink outfit for Ms. Luda and played at the game area. We headed back to the hotel, Luda and Papa went for another swim in the pool and Mama hit the laptop to update the website.

After another hour in the bathtub (the girl should be a bit wrinkled by now!), we are about the head to dinner.

Monday, February 7

Started the day with another big breakfast, including the beloved bananas, before heading to the pool to swim. Today we were a bit braver and climbed aboard her Mom's back for a walk/swim tour of the entire pool. Certainly evidence of her growing trust in us, she repeated with her Dad when he joined us at the pool. Several games of hide and seek, plus swimming contests kept us busy for two hours.

Afternoon was spent at the Ramstore, a large mall that is a short cab ride from the hotel. This was very exciting--the anchor of the mall, the Ramstore itself, is a bit like a Kazak Wal-Mart. Which, believe it or not, was a blessing to see. We were able to buy hair clips, twisties, water wings & goggles for the pool, Russian comic book, dictionary and other various products that we needed.

To top off the Ramstore mall experience, we ended the afternoon by visiting the ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. The girls at the orphanage watched ice skating with many oo's and ah's during our visit. To see a rink in real life and have the opportunity to actually skate was a dream come true. Unfortunately, her Dad wouldn't even consider touching a pair of skates, and Mom, although willing, wasn't very skilled. (too many years have passed since she last put on ice skates to be able to help balance an eight year old!)  Mom & Luda rounded the rink several times with a firm grip on the rail. Luckily, some very talented older girls came by and offered to assist us. They each took Luda by the hand and off they went across the ice! She wasn't really skating, but it didn't really matter...the look on her face was such a mix of fear and bliss. Tough little girl, she was afraid but willing to give it a go. Mom, still gripping the rail, watched and Papa took pictures. Most certainly, we will have to return tomorrow for another go.

Right now, we are trying out the new water wings and goggles with Papa in the pool and Mama has slipped off to post to the website and answer a few emails. Dinner will at the hotel again. By the way, last night she had spaghetti and loved it! We are delighted that she isn't a picky eater and is willing to try new foods. So many new things ahead for this young lady...

Luda is beginning to use more English. Some appears to have been a part of her learning from school and the remaining is obviously recently learned. She is definitely using English for the new experiences in her life such as skating and swimming.

It does appear that we are going to be delayed a bit by the new passport process. We hope to leave next week-- sometime during Feb. 13-20. British Air flies out of Almaty on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. Will certainly keep everyone posted. Many thanks for your continued support through emails, postings and prayers.