Saturday, November 28, 2015

Malcolm's Report #10


Malcolm's Report #10

Wednesday November 18th.
Well it looks as if winter is soon to be here. It's quite cool with rain on and off. Things seem so messy here, so many poor sidewalks and potholes in the streets. The streets are much better but holes still seem to appear from nowhere.
We had decided to go to Virhovina a large boarding school across the Carpathian mountains. We thought we should get there before any snow arrived.
We were glad to see the road had been paved most of the way and was improved the rest of the way. We took 4 boxes of clothes with us as there is always a need for clothing in the lives of the “mountain children” that attend the school. About half the children live in the town but half of them travel to school on Monday and stay until Friday because of the distance they live in the mountains.
We met with Oxanna the Director and then went to the theatre, where the children were performing verses and song about Ukraine, as it was some special day, not sure which special day, they seem to have many ! They sang and spoke about their tradition of welcoming friends by giving a large Easter style loaf. The young boy and girl then came right to the back of the auditorium and presented it to me and Howard, complete with an embroidered cloth. So very sweet and unexpected.
As the children were now dismissed for the day-time studies, Oxanna took us to our "private" hotel.
We then took Oxana and her husband out for supper and had fresh trout. It was very tasty and well served. It worked out to about $5 to $6 Canadian each, including salad and drink. We then went back tp school at 6pm and over 100 students waited for us in the theatre. we then sang with them and gave a message as they listened well.
Then back to the hotel and Howard and Volodia shrunk a few pounds off in the sauna and pool. Volodia stayed in for 2 hours??
Breakfast provided in the morning and back to school to see two “workshops” that are almost complete. One for woodwork for the boys and a neat little “Cafe” where the girls will learn how to prepare and serve light lunches. They still need a microwave and dishes and cutlery, also a sink and taps to wash dishes etc, but I'm sure it will come in time.

We had planned to visit a school a little way from Virhovina but were warned not to go as the road was a disaster all the way back through the mountains.

Our plan turned out to be for the best, as we stopped at an orphanage on the way home and were warmly welcomed by a new young Director Michola who used to work for the original Director. He was excited to see us and show us what he had done and what he is planning to do. He brought all the 75 or so children from Kindergarten to 15, into an open hall with no chairs, He says that's his next project. We had a good time with them and they listened very well.

And so home very tired after the 130k through the winding roads for much of the way. I drove half way up and then half way back. We never feel it is wasted time or driving.

Will close off here and try to catch up on the rest of the days.

Malcolm Howard and Volodia.

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