Friday Brighid and I went over to our friends Kostya and Gilya's house to babysit their 9 month old daughter. When Kostya came to pick Brig and I up at the Profolactory (home sweet home), I asked him where he and his wife were going. He seemed confused so I rephrased the question and asked if he and Gilya were going out for a night on the town. I thought this was a normal question for a babysitter...however we soon came to find out that the definition for babysitter seems to be quite different. Because our night consisted of the four of us adults playing on the floor with the baby for a couple of hours, while they did our laundry. (Machine washed--first time that has happened since we have been here.) I think the whole idea of parents leaving while others watch the child was lost in translation, but the night was great nonetheless and it was great to be around a family.

Asya and Stasey came over to our place Saturday night for dinner and a movie. It was B and my first time hostessing Russians. We would have had friends over earlier, but our home has a number of restricitions and curfews and thus only a week or so ago were we allowed to invite people in. So anyway, we had slippers out for them to put on, and I offered them chai as soon as they were in our flat. Then we watched, The Notebook, in English of course...and made them quesadillas.

I tell you this, so that if you are ever in the neighborhood and want to stop over...I am pretty sure my hostessing skills will be near perfect and thus, please come over when ever you have a chance. I would love any and all visitors:)

Hope all is well on your side of the world. Love and peace.