Christmas markets & typhoid shots

While we had planned to enjoy a quiet pre-Christmas week in Kiev, friends were heading to Budapest to see the Christmas markets.  Once again swayed by the "when else will we be this close" logic, we decided to join....

What we found....

European charm

Budapest's Soviet past isn't so obvious - European feel far more visible

Fab Christmas Markets
With loads of cute shopping

(hmm - maybe not such a good idea to arm the boys)

Delish street food

Something between a cookie and a doughnut - this roasted, sugared dough was delish!

Outdoor seating was warmed up with heaters

Very Cool Hot Baths
These Széchenyi Baths date from 1913

Jets propel this area into a crazy fast, will shoot your suit off, lazy river

10 indoor pools too help make this the largest bathing complex in Europe

Outdoorsy

A river front to run on, outdoor rink & easy to navigate by foot make this an active city

Civilized
We were excited by the presence of many things we miss.....

(H&M for me, BK for Q)

...as well as things we can't get in Ukraine - like typhoid shots!   (Ukraine doesn't have the vaccine due to import issues)

(needless to say, the kids were not thrilled when we disclosed the weekend would kick off with a clinic visit)



Silly Good Fois gras
Yes - this was worthy of its own caption - YUM!

All in all, a fab city we'd definitely recommend whether for the food, the markets or your next round of vaccines

Here's to festive holiday weekends

Scrappy

As many have seen in the news, several weeks in & Ukraine's protests are still going strong. 

The city center remains taken over by masses of people who disagree with the President backing away from EU agreements & heading toward getting in bed with Russia.

A surprising number of people are there day & night - the shot above was taken ~3pm yesterday - a Monday

While the sheer numbers of people are impressive, I've also been amazed by the scrappy, determination & organization at the protests.   

Barricades from 'recycled materials'

Including parts from the center's Christmas tree

Trash can fires as warming stations

 A free clothing tent to help stay warm

Makeshift kitchens preparing & serving meals

Even an info station

WIFI passwords for networks in the area

And of course, plenty of spirit & expression...

And while no one knows which way things will go - the protesters are clearly hunkering down

For the most part (x 1 government 'beat down' & attempt to clear the square) the protests have been relatively peaceful.  The atmosphere in the center is determined & scrappy - but also friendly - even somewhat zen.

With the exception of a school closure day last week related to the protests (due to traffic & Metro station closures), things are almost surprisingly status quot.

(the kids didn't mind the inconvenience at all)

During these past few weeks we've almost guiltily continued day-to-day life

Ice Skating with Quincy

Cinderella on Ice with Xavier's class

(funky picture for sure - but even funkier show!)

Ukrainian Girl scout holiday party with Zoe

Yet we are all hoping for resolution that enables Ukraine to continue on a forward path AND hoping things don't have to move away from zen & determined to get to it

Here's to being scrappy

Hairy Situations

Global news is reporting on the protests taking place in Kiev - and around Ukraine.  My simplified account:

• Ukraine is in a bit of a tug of war - caught between deciding who to cozy up to - join Russia's economic bloc or the EU's trade & political association agreement 
• Most see becoming part of the EU would be a step forward - enabling Ukraine to develop economically and socially 
• Looking at the numbers alone, there's an equal amount at stake - as trade volumes to / from the EU and Russia are similar.  E.g. get in bed with one and you risk the other punishing you trade wise.   So a bit hairy
• That said, everyone expected Ukraine to sign an EU trade and association agreement last week - essentially bringing Ukraine toward eventual EU participation
• Last week, Ukraine officials abruptly decided not to sign this agreement - allegedly due to economic pressure from Moscow
• The people of Ukraine are pissed - and hitting the streets to show their disgust with this unexpected u-turn that is seen as a step back

A quick snapshot of what that looked like at noon today

LOADS of people on the metro heading into town.....

People literally pouring into the center....

(I've heard reports of 100k, 300k, 1m were there - not sure which is accurate - but it was a lot)

Many waving Ukraine flags....

Gathered chanting "freedom Ukraine" & preparing for a march

The energy was palpable and totally contagious.   I'd describe it as a positive, optimistic vibe - no brick throwing or tear gas in sight.....

Clearly a complicated situation - and an impressive display of people banding together to take a stand and make their collective voices heard.   I commend the Ukrainian people for being courageous and bold!

On a much lighter note, at home today we celebrated Thanksgiving again (Logan was traveling on Thursday).   In preparation for the occasion, Xavier & I headed out shopping (I bribed him with a doughnut to come with).   In quest of a full bird, we hit the market first...

We hit the jackpot with a big one (8.5 kilos), but at a price - Xavier declared "I don't want a doughnut anymore - I think I've lost my appetite"

And in the excitement of finding such a big bird, we didn't look close enough to realize just how hairy he still was.   Logan - who had volunteered to cook the bird - didn't realize he was signing up to groom it first....

But all's well that ends well - the bird was tasty.  

But most important was celebrating all we have to be thankful for.  This week's protest in Kiev remind us just how much that is

Here's to being thankful for all we have & standing up for what you believe in